The Ohio State Buckeyes were the exception to the rule when it comes to reaching the College Football Playoff without winning a conference title. That decision by the CFP committee created an absolute firestorm and while they likely benefited from the added coverage it wouldn’t be a surprise if it didn’t happen again in 2017. The more likely scenario is that the four CFP spots are awarded to winners of the power five conferences. That likely means four of the teams on this list compete for a national championship this coming season. Here is a look at our predictions for the winner of every power five conference in 2017.
ACC: Florida State
The Seminoles nearly won an ACC championship a year ahead of schedule in 2016. There is no doubt they will be ready to take care of unfinished business in 2017. Florida State is a leading contender for the ACC because of its loaded defense and its progression on offense with Deondre Francois leading the way at the quarterback position. The reigning national champions Clemson will provide the toughest competition but the graduation of DeShaun Watson to the NFL will hurt. Don’t be surprised if the Seminoles take down the Tigers en route to an ACC crown and a spot in the College Football Playoff this coming season.
Big 12: Oklahoma
It will be fun to watch Baker Mayfield put on a show at Oklahoma this season – even after the shocking retirement of Bob Stoops. The Sooners lost some considerable talent to the NFL Draft but they are still absolutely loaded at the skill positions and Mayfield has the potential to be a star. The two-time Heisman trophy finalist will get one more shot at winning that award after he topped the 4,000-yard mark two years in a row while leading Oklahoma to a 17-1 record in Big 12 play. The Sooners need to be better outside of conference play in order to take that next step on the national stage. However, they are already in position to be the frontrunner in the Big 12.
Big Ten: Ohio State
How will J.T. Barrett perform in 2017? We have seen both sides of Barrett throughout his college football career and the Buckeyes’ chances of contending for a national championship this coming season could hinge largely on his performance. Penn State took advantage of home field against Ohio State last year to edge them out for a conference title but the Buckeyes will have the home field advantage when they meet this coming season. Michigan is still likely the second-most talented team in the Big Ten but the Wolverines have a major lack of experience. Ohio State has the talent, depth and experience to lock up a Big Ten title and that should mean a return trip to the College Football Playoff.
Pac-12: USC
Everybody knew that USC’s schedule would be almost impossible to overcome last season. It was no surprise when it was. The Trojans should have a much easier time in 2017 even though they still play Texas and Notre Dame in their non-conference games. Oregon, Washington, Washington State and Stanford all have the potential to be legitimate contenders in the Pac-12 but USC clearly has the most pure talent. The South division should provide the more favorable path to an SEC title. As long as they stay healthy and play to their potential, the Trojans should win the Pac-12 and represent the conference in next year’s College Football Playoff.
SEC: Alabama
The Crimson Tide will have to replace seven NFL Draft picks on the defensive side of the football alone this coming season. However, Alabama is still absolutely stacked on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, the competition in the SEC isn’t exactly overwhelming with LSU and Auburn both limited by obvious holes at important positions on offense. The Crimson Tide is still extremely deep and talented so it isn’t like they are completely starting over after last year’s national championship disappointment. The progression of sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts from Year 1 to Year 2 will be a major storyline to watch for as he has the potential to put them over the top if he can take a significant step forward. Alabama is still the top program in the country so it should be no surprise that they would be picked to win the SEC in 2017.
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