ACC
Overall, I see a four way race of Virginia Tech, Miami, FSU, and Clemson. To hedge my bets slightly, I'm pretty sure the ACC Championship Game will feature two of those teams.
The Coastal is wide open as usual, with the exception of UVA. Duke is probably not going to be in contention very long, but I wouldn't be surprised if one of their wins is the key to another team being knocked out of contention.
The Atlantic will be the usual set up of FSU and Clemson at the top with Louisville slightly behind, and then a significant dropoff for the rest of the division.
Due to my fandom, the ACC is always hard to predict, because I'm trying not to be a homer. I think VT is on the rise, and feel more justified for saying it than I was from 2012-2015. But I also think 2018 is their breakthrough season.
Prediction: Florida State over Virginia Tech
SEC
Alabama is going to dominate the West again. As the case has been for the last few years, as much as I want to see Alabama lose, I just do not feel confident in picking against them (except for maybe week 1 against FSU, but that doesn't affect the conference race).
In the East, Tennessee will probably do their usual climbing of the polls until Halloween and then drop a few games. I see the division coming down to Florida or Georgia.
Prediction: Alabama over Florida
Big Ten
The West division is going to be an afterthought to the East yet again. Let's be a little crazy and jump on the PJ Fleck train and say that Minnesota will make it to Indy in December.
The East will again come down to the three team race of Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. But, I think ultimately, the Michigan/OSU game to end the season will be a de factor B1G East championship.
Prediction: Ohio State over Minnesota
Pac-12
None of the Pac-12 teams seem too exciting outside of USC, who I think will continue with the momentum they gained through the end of last season. Washington will be in prove it mode, wanting to have a repeat of last season and try to improve on their CFP performance, although there is a chance that they'll drop an important game in the season. I don't see a lot of challenge coming from the North, unless Washington State can keep from dropping some stupid games early on.
Prediction: USC over Washington State
Big 12
The Big 12 is interesting this year, as they have a championship game with no divisions. It's simply the two teams with the best record at the end of the season, and since the conference plays round robin, it's a guaranteed rematch. The Bedlam game has been moved off of its traditional Thanksgiving weekend slot, since the conference doesn't want to risk a back-to-back rematch.
Even with the coaching changes, I'm hesitant to say that Texas is back, or that Oklahoma will roll on without missing a beat, even with the last minute coaching change. I think it's possible that one of them will be in the Big 12 championship game. But I think Oklahoma State is going to take advantage of this year and make some noise in the conference.
Prediction: Oklahoma State over Texas.
College Football Playoff
Prediction: Florida State, Alabama, USC, Ohio State
Other predictions:
-I think the Big 12 is going to have a 12-0 or 11-1 team facing off against a 9-3 team or worse in their championship game. And if that lower team wins, or at least threatens to win, you'll see the conference get nervous. Wouldn't it be something if the lesser team wins, and knocks the other team out of playoff contention in that "all important" 13th game?
-The Wheel of Destiny will be in full force in the ACC Coastal. There will be at least one team that wins a game they should lose, but then lose a game they should win.
-Notre Dame should have a winning record against the ACC. I think they'll sweep the Atlantic teams (BC, NC State, and WF).
-There won't be any Group of 5 teams still in the conversation for a CFP spot past Halloween.
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