Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State feel like locks for College Football Playoff, but here's who we like at No. 4
The college football season had a soft opening last weekend, but this weekend, it's the grand opening. In the process, columnists Jenni Carlson and Berry Tramel are going to get a first look at all the teams, including those expected to be in contention for the College Football Playoff.
Even though there's a lot of football to be played before the December selection of those four teams, it never hurts to take a crack at what teams will make the Final Four.
So, who are your picks for the playoff?
Berry: Sorry for the lack of drama, but three are almost automatics. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State. That's a problem with college football. No parity. No other sport is like this. Even the NBA, with its superstar-, superteam-driven league, has more intrigue about its postseason. So really, the only question is who is team No. 4?
Jenni: I'll go Baylor. Probably won't happen, but the Bears are as likely to be there as some teams I've seen floated out. USC? Nope. A third SEC team? Hard to believe. Clemson? Uh, what did the Tigers do last year to make everyone believe they'll return to playoff form this year? Baylor has a stout defense, an offense led by a returning quarterback and a heck of a head coach in Dave Aranda.
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Berry: I'll go Utah, but I'm not passionate about the Utes. I don't like anyone from the Big 12 emerging. I'm with you. I see cracks in Clemson. Notre Dame? No. A second Big Ten team? No. A mid-major? No, though I'll fly the Brigham Young flag. That leaves the Utes, who are sort of OSU West. In fact, Kyle Whittingham and Mike Gundy were hired as head coaches just a couple of weeks apart after the 2004 regular season. Utah could have the kind of season the Cowboys produced a year ago, only the Utes might just sneak into the playoff.
Jenni: I like Utah, especially after how it went toe-to-toe with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl last year. And having a returning QB like Cam Rising never hurts. My only question: is the Pac-12 strong enough to support a playoff team that isn't a brand name? Like if USC or UCLA wins out ― not happening ― either of them would benefit from their brand. Does that happen with Utah? I'm not so sure. The Pac-12 is a wounded league, and it seems that could well hurt it in the playoff selection committee room.
Berry: It's a good question, but Utah gets a good jumpstart ― playing at Florida on Saturday. These aren't the Tim Tebow Gators, but winning in the Swamp would resonate with everyone, including the playoff committee members. And Cameron Rising and the Rose Bowl run put the Utes on everyone's radar. In many ways, Utah is like your choice of Baylor. Strong finish to 2021 gives them a good chance at 2022. Alas, Baylor plays Brigham Young, not Utah, else some of this could be settled on the field.
Jenni: Still, those are great early-season matchups. Utah at Florida. Baylor at BYU. Worth watching for all kinds of reasons. Here's my biggest concern with Baylor: the Big 12's overall strength. There are six teams in the league this year that could conceivably be in the mix for JerryWorld. That makes running the table difficult for any team. Baylor looks to have the best shot, but man, it'll be tough. Honestly, that league depth goes from concern to plus if Baylor goes undefeated in conference play. Its strength of schedule would be stout.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: College Football Playoff: Prediction three teams is easy, fourth is tough
