1) Can anyone dethrone FSU? - I will say this. FSU has a tougher schedule than they did last year. The problem is they're still loaded and play in a weak ACC. Their opener is an interesting match-up against Oklahoma State in the Jerry-Dome. They bookend that with a home game against what should be an improved Florida team at Doak Campbell. In between, their toughest games are at home against a reloading Clemson team, and on the road against both Miami and Louisville. The latter being a Thursday night ACC/ESPN showcase. Additionally, Notre Dame makes a trip to Tallahassee. Barring a major upset, I don't see an L anywhere else on that schedule. I don't think Louisville is ready for that kind of upset. Clemson may take a step back this year without Taj Boyd and Sammy Watkins. I don't think OK State has the defense. That leaves Miami and Notre Dame but I'm hesitant there too. It's tough for me to see a scenario where FSU doesn't make the inaugural playoff this year. Sure there may be one loss but that means they'll still likely win the ACC and starting out so highly ranked means they won't slip too much. As to whether they can win two more games against top opponents remains to be seen. Of course, all of this is speculation which is why we play these games in the first place. Who knows? Maybe Syracuse sneaks up on the Noles. Nah.
2) Who else is going to be there? - Well, I think its safe to say the SEC Champion will be in playoff as well as the PAC 12 Champion. As to who those are, I'm not sure I can tell you. Though I like UCLA and Oregon in the PAC 12. The SEC is a total arms race though with lots of talent but question marks for the best teams. Auburn's defense is their question mark as well as their schedule. Alabama needs to break in a new QB but have tons of weapons to surround him. The back end of their secondary is a concern as well. UGA has the exact same issues. South Carolina has a veteran back-up taking over with solid weapons but a lot to replace on defense. LSU is steady as always but play in the west so that makes it difficult for them. There could be a scenario where a one loss SEC team gets shut out by an undefeated Big 10 or Big 12 team but I just don't know about that. As for the last spot, it's a total crap shoot. Undefeated Oklahoma? Ohio State? Baylor? I don't think there's a mid-major team good enough to make a run but you never know.
3) What about the Pros? - Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, and New England. As for my preseason prognostication, that's it. Those are the 4 best teams going into the season and in that order if you ask me. Of course, the pros are a little different from college. There's a team not yet on people's radar that will be ready this year. I'm not sure who it will be. I wouldn't count out Indianapolis. New Orleans should still be difficult. But if I were to pick a preseason Super Bowl Champ, it'd come from one of those 4 teams. As much as it pains me to do so, I'm taking San Francisco this year.
Ok, that's it for this week. But we're just getting started so keep coming back. Don't forget to like us on FB and follow us on Twitter @GRHuddle
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