5. West Virginia Mountaineers
Out of the Big 12, Clemson has already played Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.
If there was to be a team come out of the Big 12– other than the Sooners– and make the playoff, it very well could be West Virginia this season.
The Mountaineers are led by Heisman-contender QB Will Grier and one of the best defenses in the Big 12, if that’s saying anything.
I have West Virginia as my pick to win the conference this season, but I think it will be with a 10-2 record. If somehow the Mountaineers were to reel off 11 wins or get in as a two-loss team, this would be an interesting match up for Clemson, who would be in a bit of a revenge spot.
For those that have forgotten, West Virginia defeated Clemson 70-33 in the 2012 Orange Bowl. That seems like light years ago, but it would certainly be a story line coming into the game.