College Football Playoff Prediction: Seminoles Projected Top Seed

College football fans finally have what they have been drooling for over a decade. NCAA Football will be using its first ever playoff system instead of the usual bowl season and recently Bowl Championship Series (BCS).

The only dirt to throw on this new system is that it is not nearly as expanded as it probably should be. It is possible that it will eventually be expanded to 8 to 16 teams. However, it is worth noting that the playoff system is in its infancy and that changes could be made later on.

Here is a projection for the first round of 2 that fans are likely to see.

1. Florida State vs. 4. Oregon
2. Alabama vs. 3. Ohio State

Florida State Seminoles:  The Seminoles are the preseason best rated team in the nation as they are the defending champions and have one of top five quarterbacks in the country in Jameis Winston.

Main team standing in Florida State’s way: #16 Clemson Tigers

Alabama Crimson Tide: Alabama should be able to survive the toughest conference in the NCAA, the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They typically have one of the most balanced teams in the nation and there is no reason to expect that to change.

Even though quarterback A.J. McCarron is now with the Cincinnati Bengals, Head Coach Nick Saban has a reputation for successfully building and rebuilding the Crimson Tide.

Main team standing in #2 Alabama’s way: #5 Auburn Tigers

Ohio State Buckeyes:  Ohio State is an offensive powerhouse under dual threat quarterback Braxton Miller. He is capable of deep passes for touchdowns in 5 seconds and can burn any defense with his legs. Gains of 10-25 rushing yards for Miller are common, especially when a play breaks down. He is elusive when defenses pressure him and can extend plays with his outstanding footwork and ability to scramble. The main question for the Buckeyes offense is how the offensive line will hold up with a few new starters. The young defense has more experience so they should perform better. Expect them to tackle with more ferocity and pressure the quarterback more consistently.

Main team standing in the way: Michigan State Spartans

Oregon Ducks: The Ducks are expected to be the Pac Ten Champions as they have one of the best offenses in college football. Marcus Mariotta is more experienced and his decision to stay at least another year will be the big reason why the Ducks will continue to put up 50 or more points per game. The Ducks offense ranked 2^nd in the nation in passing and rushing yards per game (the rank is a combined average of passing and rushing yards per game).

Main team standing in Oregon’s way:  #7 UCLA Bruins

Coach’s poll- released 7/31/14

1. Florida State
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma
4. Oregon
5. Auburn
6. Ohio State
7. UCLA
8. Michigan State
9. South Carolina
10. Baylor
11. Stanford
12. Georgia
13. LSU
14. Wisconsin
15. Southern California
16. Clemson
17. Notre Dame
18. Arizona State
19. Ole’ Miss
20. Texas A/M
21. Kansas State
22. Nebraska
23. North Carolina
24. Texas
25. Washington