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