NCAA FOOTBALL
Conference Champion Predictions
By: Ryan Quigley
@RyanQuigley90
Only a few more weeks until the season gets under way, I figured why not put a list together to get dunked on later? Let’s jump in with the SEC.
SEC
The Georgia Bulldogs are back-to-back reigning, defending National Champions and are the Vegas favorite to win the SEC and the National Championship. Alabama rightfully so should be in the conversation, I think the QB competition and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees the Tide may have some growing pains. LSU has a squad, I am wondering if Head Coach Brian Kelly can capitalize with the offensive uncertainty of Georgia and Alabama? Also concerned that Florida State could immediately derail my first bold prediction… Whatever, it’s the internet.
LSU
As of this writing the Big Ten has 14 teams in it, by 2030 they may be collecting other markets to make more money which is great news for the student athletes! Those long flights give you more time to finish your homework! Anyway, I think the Big Ten has some great contenders towards the top. Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State are absolutely in the conversation and I would try to make a case for Wisconsin… However, the rest of the conference really puts the mid in Midwest (by comparison of curse, you know I will watch as many games as possible) Sorry OSU, I think the Wolverines go for the three-peat in The Game.
BIG TEN
Michigan
ACC
The ACC has a few solid teams, I think the 2 that stand above the rest are Clemson and Florida State. Clemson has the slight edge in Vegas and with good reason, great defense and a solid run game and hoping Quarterback Cade Klubnik takes another step to get the Tigers over the edge… That being said I will go with FSU, I like what they are building in Tallahassee and think they can be a team that puts it all together (at least in ACC play, they could crush my predictions) whatever, give me Florida State.
Florida State
Big 12
Some people think that conference realignment is messing with college football… it might be but I know I will still be watching, the Texas Longhorns are the favorites to win the conference and they will be leaving next season to join the SEC along with Oklahoma. Personally, I would love to see another TCU-like Cinderella story but I think Texas rides off into the sunset as Big 12 champions.
Texas
Pac 12
The Pac 12 has been making some interesting headlines lately with so many teams jumping ship, instead of worrying about that I will talk about how I think USC, Oregon and Washington all have put together formidable squads and could easily be champions by the end of the season (oddly enough all will join the Big Ten conference next season) I think this is the year where Head Coach Lincoln Riley puts it all together and they make some noise. Give me USC and an excuse to show Caleb Williams highlights.
USC
Personally, I love all college football. I can put out another list with the best of the rest if we get the demand!
