The rankings are out, and the Sooners, ‘Tide, Ducks, Tigers and Seminoles lead the pack that will no doubt change before the season is over. So which teams are likely to actually hold up their rankings and go undefeated this season?
Here’s my schedule breakdown, listing the ranked teams most likely to go undefeated:
Virginia Tech - The Hokies do not have a ranked opponent on the schedule, and their four non-conference games are all against non-power schools. They avoid Florida State and get Miami, Clemson and North Carolina at home. Expect to see them in the ACC championship again, and this time, a trip to the national title may be on the line.
Boise State - The Broncos certainly don’t have it “easy” in their first year in the Mountain West. But after an opening week date with Georgia, the Broncos will only see one ranked team the rest of the way – TCU – and it’s in Boise. If the boys in blue can get by Georgia in the same way they got by Virginia Tech in last year’s opener, it should be another 12-0 stint.
Oklahoma – Everybody is talking about the week 3 showdown with Florida State, but we’ve seen the Seminoles ranked high before – just about every year in fact. If the Sooners get by this one, they get both Missouri and A&M at home, and Texas at a neutral site. Going to Stillwater to close the season may be their only other test.
Stanford – The Pac 12 is weak, and they avoid Arizona State. They should be able to handle the Wildcats in Tucson, meaning the only game of real significance is Nov. 12, when Oregon comes to Palo Alto. The game will likely be for Pac 12 supremacy, but the Cardinal get this one at home.
South Carolina – It’s hard to believe an SEC team would make this list, but the Gamecocks catch a huge break by not having to play Alabama or LSU. In addition, they get Auburn and Florida at home. Of course, anything is possible in the SEC, and road games against Georgia and Arkansas may wipe out this prediction.
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