2020 College Football National Championship Predictions

Because we don’t know at this time what kind of college football season we’ll have, all we can do is presume and adjust if there are changes.

In reviewing the college football odds as to which teams are expected to contend for the national championship and earn a playoff bid, it is not filled with suspense. One could either call it the 1995 movie “The Usual Suspects” or have it be like a typical network television show, establish a plot, a few twists, virtually the same ending. (Thinking NCIS franchise)

To the surprise of nobody, the top teams that are favored to win the title this year are Clemson, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The Crimson Tide and Tigers will sort themselves out in the SEC West and from there, that winner faces the Bulldogs, which could leave one opening or solidify all four spots. About as much drama as a Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day press conference.

But what if, what if somebody could crack the glass and breakthrough? Seeing Oklahoma or Notre Dame reach the championship would be a change as both have faltered in the semi-finals. Or what about another club? Let’s not worry about the news on the cable networks or if the football season will start on time and instead just talk pigskin.

Florida +2500 odds to win the title

Florida has enough on the defensive side of the ball to compete with Georgia. Coach Dan Mullen has steadily upgraded the offense, and those recruiting efforts could pay dividends this year. The make or break point will be if Mullen and his staff can develop enough playmakers that can knock off LSU in Gainesville and the Bulldogs in Jacksonville. The talent is improved. However, can the Gators take the next step like LSU did last year?

Texas +2500 odds

We all know taking coach Tom Herman for college football picks in the underdog role is seldom a bad choice. However, he wasn’t brought to Austin to win as a dog, it was to win the Big 12 and compete for the national title. Either Longhorns recruits are overrated or Herman doesn’t know how to coach his players up and have them be prepared weekly. With what the Horns have back in 2020, and quarterback Sam Ehlinger in charge of the offense, there is no excuse this season.

Texas A&M +3000 odds

Jimbo Fisher knew what he signed up for at College Station, as Bama, LSU and Auburn all had better programs in the SEC West. After two Top 6 recruiting classes, the time to move ahead starts this year, and QB Kellon Mond has to show he’s the best playmaker at his position in the SEC. Mond’s maturity holds the key for the Aggies, and continued improvement on both lines is imperative.

Penn State +5000 odds

Penn State is not afraid of Ohio State. And other than a few positions on the field among the starting 22, the Buckeyes don’t have a distinct edge coming into 2020. Coach James Franklin will have a “white-out” at Beaver Stadium on Oct. 24 versus Ohio State. Quarterback Sean Clifford is not Josh Fields in the shotgun. However, in the biggest games if he plays like Fields, the Nittany Lions have the skill to reach the Playoff. 

USC +10000 odds

For all the negatives about Clay Helton as the coach, like Brian Kelly of Notre Dame, he accepted criticism, made changes in the staff, and better recruits are dotting the two-deep. Oregon has lower odds than USC to win the Pac-12. Howeverm the Ducks, at least for now, don’t have anyone close to Kedon Slovis throwing the ball or the receivers to catch it. New defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has to like the defensive talent. Now it’s his job to replace the lack of discipline with cohesiveness.

Oklahoma +2500 and Notre Dame +3300

This Sooners are 0-4 in the Playoff. And the reason is obvious: too much emphasis on offense. Lincoln Riley appears to understand his conundrum and for the second straight has recruited dramatically better on defense. Will this be the year the stop troops match the offense and Oklahoma plays for the championship?

Notre Dame is an established Top 10 program since Brian Kelly changed his actions towards players. And his offense, with veteran QB Ian Book, could be explosive with a solid offensive line and recruited playmakers to step-up. The defense suffered losses. However, if this group survives Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on Oct. 3, the Fighting Irish should be 8-0 when Clemson hits South Bend.

Best Bets: Penn State, Florida and Texas

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Doug Upstone of Doc’s Sports has 21 documented No. 1 titles and finished in the Top Ten 80+ other times in a distinguished career. Doug as a professional handicapper/writer has written for various well-known sports betting websites and several of the football newsletters you have read before.

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