Pre-Spring 14: 14 FBS Teams with strong case for CFP
SEC
LSU
The biggest question hanging over the program is this LSU with a generational quarterback or is this LSU now with a 21st century offense? They are still in the SEC West and that gauntlet is only getting tougher.
Key Games
Sept. 12 vs Texas
Oct. 10 @Florida
Nov. 7 vs Alabama
ALABAMA
Has the Nick Saban era of college football ended or is this just a speed bump along the way. Two years in a row the Tide haven't won the national championship and this past season they missed the playoffs completely. If they want to get back to being dominate they must get back to dominating their division first.
Key Games
Sept. 19 vs Georgia
Nov. 7 @LSU
Nov. 28 vs Auburn
GEORGIA
Kirby Smart was just a play or two away from winning a national championship just three seasons ago. That seems so long ago but the effects of that game seem to be lingering with the program. Both Florida and Tennessee are headed in better directions and will continue to push the Bulldogs.
Key Games
Sept 7. vs Virginia
Sept. 19 @Alabama
Oct. 31 vs Florida
AUBURN
The Tigers lost 4 games, all to ranked teams by a combined 28 points. In the wild SEC West going undefeated is an extremely tough test so the Tigers can't afford to lose multiple games to teams from the SEC East.
Key Games
Oct. 10 @Georgia
Nov. 21 vs LSU
Nov. 28 @Alabama
FLORIDA
Dan Mullen and the Gators want to get to the CFP but the first task is winning the SEC East which means beating Georgia. Georgia has won the last 3 and the margin was only 7 after a 35 point win in 2017. They still have LSU on the schedule and a struggling FSU program, which gives Florida a balanced schedule.
Key Games
Sept. 26 @Tennessee
Oct. 10 vs LSU
Oct. 31 vs Georgia
TEXAS A&M
Jimbo Fisher needs to get a win against the top of the SEC West (Alabama, LSU, Auburn) which would give a total of two during his short tenure at Texas A&M. Kellen Mond looks poised to take the next step to being a top prospect at quarterback but lacks consistency.
Key Games
Oct. 17 @Auburn
Nov. 21 @Alabama
Nov. 28 vs LSU
ACC
CLEMSON
Losing only 1 game in their past 30 is a sign of Clemson becoming the measuring stick in the FBS. Trevor Lawrence gets one more chance to win a Heisman and a national championship.
Key Games
Nov. 7 @Notre Dame
Nov. 28 vs South Carolina
BIG TEN
OHIO STATE
Even without Urban Meyer the Buckeyes remained the top dog in the Big Ten and while Penn State is close no one else is. Justin Fields returns and could be asked to carry more of the rushing attack with J.K. Dobbins headed to the NFL.
Key Games
Sept. 12 @Oregon
Oct. 24 @Penn State
Nov. 28 vs Michigan
PENN STATE
Ohio State still appears to be head and shoulders above the rest of the Big Ten but Penn State is closing the gap. The defense could take a step back but the offense should be loaded once again in Happy Valley.
Key Games
Oct. 3 @Michigan
Oct. 17 vs Iowa
Oct. 24 vs Ohio State
WISCONSIN
Replacing Jonathan Taylor, an all-time great running back, will be a tough task but the Badgers always have great backs and a great o-line. Being the class in the Big Ten West gives the Badgers a chance to make the playoffs if they can win in Indianapolis.
Key Games
Sept. 26 @Michigan
Oct. 3 vs Notre Dame
Oct. 10 vs Minnesota
BIG 12
OKLAHOMA
Lincoln Riley's offense took another hit in the playoffs against a talented SEC defense. Couple that with the defensive struggles and you get a team that will be overrated and underappreciated nationally.
Key Games
Sept 12 vs Tennessee
Oct. 10 vs Texas
Oct. 24 vs Oklahoma State
OKLAHOMA STATE
With Chuba Hubbard returning to Stillwater, the Cowboys have the best running back in the country. Any team not named Oklahoma will have to be undefeated to get in the CFP making the Cowboys chances of making the playoffs very slim.
Key Games
Oct. 3 @TCU
Oct. 24 @Oklahoma
Nov. 28 vs Texas
PAC-12
OREGON
The Ducks are the best team in the Pac-12 which gives them the best chance to represent the conference in the CFP. Replacing Justin Herbert at quarterback is priority no.1. The Ducks have a tough schedule but their big games are had home.
Key Games
Sept. 12 vs Ohio State
Oct. 3 vs Washington
Nov. 7 vs USC
OTHERS
NOTRE DAME
With Clemson on the schedule the Irish can both boost their CFP resume while knocking out a potential CFP team. Brian Kelly has played in a BCS national championship game and been to CFP, with his starting quarterback and his entire starting o-line returning this could be a promising year in South Bend.
Key Games
Aug. 29 vs Navy
Nov. 7 vs Clemson
Oct. 3 vs Wisconsin