As we head into 2019, there aren’t many programs who can truly challenge Clemson football. Here’s a look at legitimate CFB Playoff contenders.
The 2019 Clemson football season is quickly approaching.
We are but just a couple of weeks away from the beginning of the season and there’s certainly excitement in the air.
The Tigers are looking to defend their National Title and are considered one of the favorites to get back to the CFB Playoff.
Who can challenge the 2019 Clemson football team? Here’s a look at the list of potential CFB Playoff contenders for the 2019 season and then we’ll take a look at the legitimate playoff contenders to whittle down who the real competition looks like.
Potential CFB Playoff Contenders:
ACC: Clemson
Big Ten: Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska
Big 12: Oklahoma, Texas
Pac-12: Utah, Oregon, Washington
SEC: Alabama, Georgia, LSU
Other: Notre Dame
Who are the legitimate contenders?
So, these are all programs that national or regional analysts somewhere are saying have a shot at winning their particular conference and, therefore, have to be considered as potential playoff contenders.
However, when you look at these programs, there are a few teams that just don’t check the boxes as ‘legitimate contender.’
For example, Nebraska. Though the Cornhuskers are the favorite to win their division and may could even pull off an upset in the Big Ten Championship game, Nebraska isn’t going to be in the CFB Playoff because they’re not going to be a 12-0 or 11-1 type team.
You could make the same kind of case for teams like Washington and LSU.
In my opinion, legitimate contenders include: Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12; Clemson in the ACC; Ohio State in the Big Ten; Alabama and Georgia in the SEC; Utah in the Pac-12; and Notre Dame as an independent.
Notre Dame will likely be eliminated this season, but you can’t just count the Irish out. People may be a bit surprised at Utah, but the Utes have one of the top defensive lines in the country and certainly have a favorable schedule in the Pac-12 South.
What do you think, Clemson football fans? Who are your four teams in the playoff? Comment below with the ‘legitimate contenders’ in your opinion.