ACC
Then: Overall, I see a four way race of Virginia Tech, Miami, FSU, and Clemson. The Coastal is wide open as usual, with the exception of UVA. 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.
Now: Obviously, FSU is out of it after losing their QB in week 1. I feel that Clemson has elevated them up into Alabama territory, where they are just head and shoulders better than everyone else. Louisville is just Lamar Jackson and friends, and will not be able to overcome their loss to Clemson. I don't think any team can lose to Clemson and then hope on tiebreakers or other teams beating Clemson in order to win the Atlantic.
Over in the Coastal, UVA has stepped up a little, UNC had dropped like a rock, and Duke is very puzzling with a good nonconference slate but a poor showing against Miami. I still think it comes down to VT or Miami. Still, the ACC has become "Clemson and everybody else", so the Coastal race is for #2 in the ACC.
August Prediction: Florida State over Virginia Tech
Current Prediction: Clemson over Virginia Tech
SEC
Then: Alabama is going to dominate the West again. 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.
Now: Florida has lucked their way into a winning record, while Tennessee has started their drop a little early. Georgia has shown to be the only team in the East with any staying power. Again, it doesn't really matter as Alabama is so far ahead of everyone else in the conference that it's not even fun anymore.
August Prediction: Alabama over Florida
Current Prediction: Alabama over Georgia
Big Ten
Then: The West division is going to be an afterthought to the East yet again. 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 facto B1G East championship.
Now: I think I'm right on the West part. The East has looked weaker than last year. Michigan feels like they should be a game or two back from where they are, and Ohio State obviously has some weaknesses. The home nonconference loss in week 2 brings back memories of 2014, but I don't know if Ohio State will gel this year like that year.
August Prediction: Ohio State over Minnesota
Current Prediction: Penn State over Wisconsin
Pac-12
Then: 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.
Now: USC is losing some of last season's momentum, and I think the lack of a bye week will hurt them. Wazzu appears to have gotten over the hump of losing stupid games early, so we'll see how they do in conference play, even though they got off to a great start by bumping off #5 USC.
August Prediction: USC over Washington State
Current Prediction: Washington State over USC
Big 12
Then: The Big 12 is interesting this year, as they have a championship game with no divisions. 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.
Now: But, WVU at Oklahoma is on the final weekend, and that could be a championship game matchup.
Then: 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. But I think Oklahoma State is going to take advantage of this year and make some noise in the conference.
August Prediction: Oklahoma State over Texas.
Current Prediction: Oklahoma over WVU.
College Football Playoff
August Prediction: Florida State, Alabama, USC, Ohio State
Current Prediction: Alabama, Clemson, Penn State, Oklahoma
As I mentioned above, I think that we've reached a point where college football is about Alabama and Clemson and everyone else. Meanwhile, Penn State has looked more impressive than Ohio State, and obviously so has Oklahoma. USC has been very uneven, and that caught up to them against Washington State. I also think their bye week being the last week of the season is hurting them, as they don't have any time to breathe during the year.
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?
Obviously, way too early to tell on this one.
-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.
Still too early to see if this will play out. The closest outcome we've had to a surprise was GT beating UNC, but UNC is saying they are missing a bunch of players, so
-Notre Dame should have a winning record against the ACC. I think they'll sweep the Atlantic teams (BC, NC State, and WF).
So far, they are 1-0 thanks to BC.
-There won't be any Group of 5 teams still in the conversation for a CFP spot past Halloween.
There are a few teams still trying to make a case, but at this point, the only teams generating any buzz are South Florida (with their impressive point totals) and San Diego State (with some quality wins on their resume).
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