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It seems like just yesterday Dabo Sweeney and his Clemson Tigers were celebrating through a monsoon of confetti after defeating Alabama in the National Championship. The calendar has now turned to July, however, which means teams have wrapped up their spring camps and are now gearing up for the grinding season that is College Football.
Before we know it, Natty Lights will be cracked open at dawn, Dixieland Delight will be roaring from Speakers in SEC Country, and UCF fans will be complaining about why they are only ranked 23 after beating Florida A&M by 12.
Below are the 6 teams who will be in the conversation for a College Football playoff bid, giving them a chance to play in the Sugar Bowl for the right to be named National Champions.
Alabama Crimson Tide
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2018 Record: 14-1 (Lost National Championship)
Projected 2019 Record: 15-0
Make Or Break Game(s): @ Auburn
Chances Of Making CFP: “C’mon Son”
The way Alabama’s season ended last year was kind of like the way most of my test went for me my freshmen year of College. They looked extremely unprepared and got knocked square in the jaw for 45 minutes straight.
Fortunately for Alabama and myself, their ability to bounce back has been uncanny under Nick Saban. The fact is the Crimson Tide is still a powerhouse headed by their Heisman finalist Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. They also get the benefit of playing a very good LSU team at home this year. Road games against Mississippi State and Texas A&M will prove to be a little more egregious than a walk in the park, but Bama should have no problem getting wins there.
The true test will come when they travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium to take part in what could be the SEC West Championship game. The last time Alabama played in Auburn they lost 26-14. The two leaders of that Auburn team, Kerryon Johnson and Jared Stidham are now in the NFL however.
Alabama should win that game and be on their way to yet another SEC Championship.
Oregon Ducks
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2018 Record: 9-4 (Won Redbox Bowl)
Projected 2019 Record: 12-2
Make Or Break Game(s): vs Auburn (Alrighton, TX), @ WASH
Chances Of Making CFB Playoff: “60 Percent of The Time It Works Every Time”
Oregon had a disappointing season last year, and it could all be summed up in the absolute shit show that was the RedBox Bowl. If you do not remember that game I don’t blame you. Oregon defeated Michigan State 7-6 despite recording under 200 yards of total offense, and that is about all you need to know.
2019 is a brand new campaign for the Ducks though, and they’ll once again have highly touted NFL prospect Justin Herbert under center. They open the season in Jerry World against Auburn and while that will be a tough task, Oregon will have a colossal advantage at QB and it should be enough to get by the Tigers.
As for the rest of their season, the stone cold truth for this team is the PAC 12 got worse, and they got better. If they somehow do not win the conference easily something went horribly wrong.
Clemson Tigers
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2018 Record: 15-0
Projected 2019 Record: 14-1
Make Or Break Game(s): vs Texas A&M, @ South Carolina
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The Clemson Tigers are really freaking good, and the ACC is really freaking bad. That is about all that needs to be said here. Young Stud Trevor Lawrence is back for another year. Expect him to be a front runner for the Heisman by the end of the year. The defense lost some pieces to the NFL Draft, but once again Dabo Sweeny’s recruiting class and “Next Man Up” mentality will prove to do just swimmingly.
Clemson will be right back into the College Football Playoff.
UCF Knights
2018 Record: 12-1 (Lost Fiesta Bowl)
2019 Projected Record: 12-1
Make Or Break Game(s): vs Stanford
Chances Of Making CFP: If You Kept Asking For That Toy Your Mom Eventually Bought It for you Right?
The College Football Playoff has eluded UCF for the past two seasons. Both times they have gone undefeated throughout conference play, defeating heavyweights like Tulsa, Memphis, and East Carolina along the way. Unfortunately for them, the committee has neglected to give them a bid in the dance.
But don’t you worry UCF, you’re time has come, and you have the Auburn Tigers to thank.
Auburn has already popped up on this list multiple times, and while they will not be in the College Football Playoff, they will play spoiler for one or two teams. Auburn’s schedule includes the not only the Oregon and Alabama games, but they will also play host to Georgia in November.
If they can manage to win 2 of those, UCF’s undefeated record will scoot them right past the teams Auburn beat. The committee will be stuck in between a rock and a hard place once again, and the third time will be the charm for UCF.
Ohio State Buckeyes
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2018 Record: 13-1 (Won Rose Bowl)
2019 Projected Record: 12-2
Make or Break Game(s): @ Michigan
2019 Playoff Chances: Was Jared Sullinger A Good NBA Player?
The Ohio State Buckeyes have the luxury of playing most of their games at home this season. Their big test will come the weekend after Thanksgiving when they travel to Ann Arbor.
While they are currently ranked 4 in the AP Pool preseason standings and are projected to have a good season, their possible bid to the College Football Playoff will depend entirely on how good the Big 10 is this year.
If Michigan, Penn State, Northwestern and Co. have good years, Ohio State has a decent chance at sneaking into the playoff.
Boise State Broncos
2018 Record: 10-3 (Bowl Game Cancelled)
2019 Projected Record: 13-1
Make Or Break Game(s): @Florida State, @Utah State
Chances Of Making CFP: Did Average Joes knock off Globo Gym?
Everybody loves an underdog story, and Boise State has the chance to win over the hearts of America in 2019. The Broncos have an electric offense that shines bright on their eye-opening blue turf field. They can pick up a huge road win right of the bat in FSU. After that, it should be smooth sailing in conference play until they travel to Utah State to take on an Aggies team that is expected to be very good.
If Boise State can manage an undefeated regular season, they may just be able to squeak on into the College Football Playoff.
