Post-2016 Spring Practice College Football Playoff Predictions
We were a ravenous bunch during 2016 spring practice and gobbled up every shred of news to satisfy our football cravings while next season's College Football Playoff slowly draws closer.
As usual, though, the workouts did more to reinforce the early favorites for the national championship than reveal unexpected contenders. Now, it's a matter of parsing through and selecting the four best programs exiting spring practice.
Seedings represent projected finishes in the College Football Playoff rankings.
4. Oklahoma
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The Pac-12 seems poised to beat up on itself. Notre Dame's defense probably won't be a reliable unit. Houston has a shot, but its most likely loss is to a potential power-conference champion: Oklahoma.
Assuming quarterback Seth Russell remains healthy, Baylor will contend. However, the Bears lost wide receiver Corey Coleman as well as their bulk on both the offensive and defensive lines. Like Notre Dame, Oklahoma State should have enough offensive firepower, yet it will lack a title-caliber defense.
Make no mistake: The Sooners must replace a handful of key contributors, most notably Sterling Shepard, Charles Tapper, Eric Striker and Dominique Alexander.
Still, Oklahoma returns formidable pieces at every position, including the backfield monster of QB Baker Mayfield, running back Samaje Perine and running back Joe Mixon under coordinator Lincoln Riley's highly productive offensive scheme.
3. Michigan
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The Big Ten is a fascinating study. Right now, college football fans have a clearer understanding of Michigan than any of the conference's other top teams.
Ohio State had 12 players selected in the 2016 NFL draft, and three others signed free-agent contracts. Michigan State lost longtime quarterback starter Connor Cook and a handful of other offensive standouts. We're waiting to find out if Iowa was a fluke or not.
Counting out any of the Buckeyes, Spartans or Hawkeyes would be risky, just like it would be to overlook the Wolverines.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh's club entered spring practice with two questions, but Jabrill Peppers' shift from defensive back to linebacker answered one. That leaves Michigan with an unknown at quarterback, which admittedly is not a minor issue.
Four months away from the regular season, though, it's not difficult to believe Harbaugh and passing game coordinator Jedd Fisch can refine Wilton Speight or John O'Korn into a competent quarterback. Michigan's top-10 defense and depth at offensive skill positions allow that trust.
2. Clemson
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Louisville would be a terrific story, but Florida State and Clemson are well ahead of the Cardinals in the ACC Atlantic division.
The Seminoles have 11 returning starters on offense, a projected top defense and host the pivotal matchup this year. If your personal prediction favors FSU, the argument is most likely convincing.
Heading into the spring, the Tigers faced questions on one side of the football. Hint: It wasn't where Deshaun Watson is.
Per Brandon Rink of the Independent Mail, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said after the spring game he's pleased with the defense's depth. Inexperience is an issue, but talent is not.
The ACC is the toughest conference to project, but it's easy to suggest Oct. 29 in Tallahassee will effectively determine a College Football Playoff representative.
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1. Alabama
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Is picking Alabama boring? Probably. But good luck finding a team better suited for success with a proven history.
Once again, the starting quarterback situation is unknown. That hasn't mattered in either of the Tide's first two CFP appearances, however.
Skill positions aren't a question. Calvin Ridley, ArDarius Stewart and transfer Gehrig Dieter lead a dangerous pass-catching unit. Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris will run behind a powerful offensive line with three returning starters.
And the defense? Despite losing six starters, it'll be fine. The amount and level of talent head coach Nick Saban's staff has recruited and developed is just absurd, particularly in the front seven.
LSU has a strong team, but the 2015 tilt was simply a "How to Eliminate Leonard Fournette" showcase only Alabama was capable of accomplishing. Maybe Ole Miss knocks off the Crimson Tide for the third straight year, but that didn't stop Saban and Co. from rebounding either season.
Peach Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Alabama
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After earning the No. 1 seed, Alabama receives the privilege of playing a close-to-home semifinal. Fourth-ranked Oklahoma makes the trip to Georgia for the Peach Bowl.
Only twice in 2015 did the Sooners surrender more than five yards per carry; they lost both games. Oklahoma struggled to run the ball just twice. But again, it lost both games.
The Crimson Tide should rely on the ground attack next year, and Scarbrough is the clear favorite for the workhorse spot Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry vacated. Scarbrough offers a similar brand of powerful running with better breakaway speed.
Alabama's defense will limit Mayfield, Perine and Mixon on the ground, and Scarbrough will take care of the rest.
Predicted winner: Alabama
Fiesta Bowl: Michigan vs. Clemson
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Harbaugh and Swinney are household names for college football lovers. Peppers and Watson are among the most-hyped players. None of those guys are most important to the Fiesta Bowl.
Rather, Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown holds that title. While at Boston College last year, his unit limited Watson to 32 yards on 11 carries. This isn't a slight to the Eagles, but the 2016 Wolverines certainly have more talent than 2015 Boston College.
The question, though, is if Michigan can play fast enough laterally to contain Watson and running back Wayne Gallman. Last season, Ohio State's J.T. Barrett and Ezekiel Elliott absolutely shredded the Maize and Blue.
Brown might have an answer for that deficiency, especially after game-planning against the Tigers star. But exiting spring practice, the odds are ever so slightly in Watson's favor.
Predicted winner: Clemson
National Championship: Clemson vs. Alabama
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Who's up for Round 2?
Last season, Clemson and Alabama provided a memorable championship. The Crimson Tide exploited a couple of defensive breakdowns and won the third phase en route to their fourth title since 2009.
Still, the Tigers only lost 45-40 despite allowing O.J. Howard—a non-factor all year—to rack up 208 yards and two scores, a surprise onside-kick recovery and a kickoff-return touchdown.
Contrary to reactionary belief, that's not meant to discredit Alabama. Great teams make great plays in perfect situations, and that's exactly what Saban's squad did.
But Watson was the only quarterback who quelled the Tide. Clemson's offense will be even better next season. Eliminating just one of the massive defensive or special teams lapses will allow the Tigers to deliver the knockout punch for the 2016 crown.
Predicted winner: Clemson
Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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