Category: College Football

2023 College Football Predictions

I admittedly know the NFL much better than CFB, so these predictions will not be as extensive or in depth as my NFL ones. But I got nothing to lose, so I mine as well make them:

CFP Seeds

1: Georgia Bulldogs

The back to back National Champions have a new QB and have lost a lot of talent the past two drafts. However, a cupcake schedule, amazing coach, and roster still loaded with talent warrants Georgia winning the SEC and being the top seed in the CFP again.

2: Ohio State

Ohio State will also have to break in a new QB but their coaching and offensive skill players are so good, I see them thriving regardless. We have seen them bring in a new QB countless times and not skip a beat.

3. Clemson

Dabo is still one of the best coaches in all of college football and Cade Klubnik has the chance to be really special for the Tigers. Combining that with a relatively easy schedule and motivation from not making the past two CFP, I see Clemson returning to the Playoff.

4: Michigan:

Unlike many other top programs, Michigan returns a proven starter at QB. They also have one of best running back duos in the country and still have a very physical O-line and defense.

CFP Semifinals

#1 Georgia vs #4 Michigan

In a rematch of the Orange Bowl two seasons ago, I think Michigan finally matches up well with Georgia and gets by them this year.

#2 Ohio State vs #3 Clemson

Ohio State will simply be too explosive and too much for Clemson and will bulldoze its way into the CFP Championship game.

CFP Championship

#2 Ohio State vs #4 Michigan

THE (championship) GAME! In an all-time CFP Final, Michigan gets revenge on Ohio State for beating them earlier in the year and gets their first National Title this century.

Heisman Winner

Drake Maye, QB North Carolina: There is no doubt Maye will put up numbers, but the big question surrounding him winning the award is if his team will win enough. I think they win 9 or 10 games against a pretty weak schedule and that combined with great statistics gives UNC their first ever Heisman winner.

College Football Week 0 Preview

Finally the day has arrived! Football is officially back with the start of Week 0 this weekend. Yes, the games are never amazing, but none the less I am thankful meaningful football is back until February. Here are the main games I’m looking forward to:

#13 Notre Dame vs Navy (In Dublin!!)

I think having Notre Dame play in Ireland is beyond cool. I see them covering the -20.5 spread and the over hitting (51).

#6 USC vs San Jose State

Likely #1 overall pick Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley are back and looking to lead USC to their first College Football Playoff in their last season in the Pac-12. While they will definitely demolish SJSU, I don’t see them covering the 30 point spread or the over hitting this game (64.5).

College Football Realignment

Ever since 2021 when Texas and Oklahoma announced they were leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, major CFB realignment was inevitable. There is too much money to be made or missed out on depending which conference a school is in. By 2024, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington will be in the historically Midwestern Big 1o, while Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah are escaping to the Big 12 to join BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston who move in 2023. Here are some key takeaways and thoughts on future moves:

Give the Big 12 Credit

Since 2021, I feel like we keep hearing how the Big 10 and SEC will both become the two Superconferences and every other Power 5 will die out or fade into obscurity. The Big 12 looked to be at the top of that list after losing their two biggest brands, however, they made incredibly smart moves. The snatched up quality programs in BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston, who aren’t national powerhouses but don’t also dilute the the talent in the Big 12. And their latest moves to get Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah ensures their survival. The Big 12 represents the perfect foil to the PAC-12, which is why they will still exist while the PAC 12 limps to a sad death.

There Should be Football Conferences and Conferences for Every Other Sport

I have long thought this way and this latest realignment solidifies that. Big Time College Football is a different animal from every other college sport. The games are on Saturdays and being part of a conference like the Big 10 brings in so much money, that it makes sense for USC Football to be in the Big 10. But I feel for the soccer and water polo teams from USC who now need to fly to New Jersey to play Rutgers on a Tuesday.

There should be unique college football conferences but all other sports should remain in their historic conferences.

Future of the College Football Playoff

The CFP thankfully expanded to 12 teams, but one of the new rules involved giving the 4 highest ranked conference champions byes and the next two highest ranking champions bids. This presumably would be the 5 Power Five Champions and one Group of Five champion each year. We already know the PAC-12 is gone, meaning they will likely amend that rule. But there are still other questions that need to be answered before the CFP Committee can make any big changes:

What will happen to the ACC?

My guess is that teams like FSU, Clemson, and U Miami will leave for the SEC or Big 10. Going back to 1991, FSU, Clemson, and U Miami are the only schools to win national championships that won’t be playing in the Big 10 or SEC come 2024. It makes sense for them to bolt to one of those two conferences rather than stay in the ACC.

When/if that happens, the remaining teams will likely need to decide whether to add the remaining Pac-12 teams and/or schools like SMU or leave themselves. Adding those teams probably doesn’t do much and I think the four other schools who have been reported to really be thinking of leaving (UNC, NC State, Virginia and Virginia Tech) decide to move as well.

From there, I think the remaining Pac-12 and ACC schools either try to sneak into one of the three remaining conferences or accept their fate and settle for a non Power Three conference.

How much realignment will the Group of Five conferences go through?

Some realignment has already happened, but if more continues there could be fewer and weaker non Power Three conferences that may change the CFP committee’s mind on guaranteeing a Group of Five champion gets a bid.

Notre Dame’s Decision

Notre Dame has long held out as an Independent, mainly to cash in on its solo TV deal it gets to sign. With their current deal expiring in 2 years, its unlikely they sign a deal to top the $80-100 million BIG 10 schools are expected to get starting in 2025. I think they see the writing on the wall and join the conference because MONEY.

Final Thoughts

What a crazy past week/couple of years it’s been for college football. It shows why sports are the best: it is pure chaos and the ultimate reality TV series. I personally love it and can’t wait to see how it all plays out.