Ohio State Football: 4th and Short, questions following Week 6

Q: [What is your prediction for] the playoff teams at the end of the season?

A: As of right now, there are a ton of hats in the mix for the College Football Playoff, but as it stands currently, I project the following matchups:

No. 1 Alabama versus No. 4 Clemson

No. 2 Ohio State versus No. 3 Notre Dame

Q: Texas is officially back. Do you predict them to win the Big [XII] Championship and be in the playoff?

A: Texas could very well run the table and clinch a surprise berth in the College Football Playoff. When Tom Herman was first hired, my evaluation of his track record and the state of Texas’ football program as well as available talent led me to the following conclusion.

The Longhorns would make some noise in year one of the Herman era and then really develop into a contender for the Big XII in year two. Herman would then enter into year three and have his bunch contending for the playoff. As of right now, they are right on or even ahead of my expected pace.

However, I believe the Longhorns will win their remaining regular season games before meeting archrival Oklahoma in the conference title game and falling in a hard-fought rematch.

Q: Do you think LSU will collapse as they usually do after an early loss?

A: The Tigers’ biggest concern in year’s past was the lack of quarterback play. That issue is no more for LSU as Joe Burrow has burst onto the scene jumping the Tigers out to a blistering 5-1 start. This is bold, but I believe LSU will upset one of Georgia or Alabama this year adding a level of complexity to the SEC race.