Every year around this time, we drop a couple of prediction articles. Yesterday, we gave you our Heisman picks. Today, we’ll give you our CFP predictions.
Brad
Teams: Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, Ohio State
This is such a boring collection of teams, but I couldn’t bring myself to spice it up any. This is just where we are in college football right now. At least three of these teams will have new offensive catalysts. For some reason, I have the least faith in Alabama out of this group, but all of that doubt will probably be erased when they dismantle Miami in the opener. DJU and Clemson probably won’t be threatened all season. Oklahoma has more talent on offense than Lincoln Riley knows what to do with. The key for them will be to build off how they finished defensively in 2020. Ohio State has so much talent in the QB room, even if CJ Stroud isn’t the answer, they will be alright. I know history has not been kind to Oklahoma when they make the CFP, but having the most experienced quarterback gives them the edge in this season’s tournament.
Clayton
Teams: Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Iowa State
The first three on my list are as chalk as it gets. For my pick for the 4th playoff team, however, I’m shooting outside of the box. With an insane amount of returning starting upperclassmen (19 of 22), 2021 will finally be the year that Iowa State and Matt Campbell get over the hump. Featuring a 3-3-5 scheme that’s been able to thwart other Big 12 air raids in the past, the defense has plenty of continuity and projects to be one of the best in the conference. The offensive quartet of Brock Purdy, Breece Hall, Charlie Kolar, and Xavier Hutchinson should create mismatches all season long, as defenses won’t be able to key on any single individual so long as Purdy keeps his head on straight. At first look, Iowa State will likely be favored against every team on their schedule not named Oklahoma. It’s not being talked about, but they’re drawing very live to run the table on their way to an appearance in the final four.
Cody
Teams: Clemson, Oklahoma, Alabama, Ohio State
Kyle
Teams: Oklahoma, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State
Realistically, I think only a few teams have a chance to win the CFP each season. As a result, this list was easy for me to compile. The fifth team that I believe has a legitimate chance is Georgia, and I’m predicting they lose to Clemson in the opener. So, even if Clemson were to drop a game in their cushy schedule, the head-to-head edge over Georgia would likely give them the advantage with the CFP.
