4. College Football Playoff Scenario: First Time, Big Time Programs
Florida, Texas, USC, Wisconsin/Penn State
LSU was on this list last year, and it all worked out just fine.
We already did the piece on the best teams to not make the CFP, but this is more about which four programs would get everyone fired up.
Utah has won its share of games over the last six years, and it would be fun to see other teams – like Texas A&M, or Auburn, or Miami, or Michigan – make their way in for the brand-name value. Take any four Power Five newbies and throw them into the mix.
Imagine what it would be if you have LSU of last year times four?
With only some due respect to Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin have done the most to push that rock up the CFP mountain only to come up just short from the top.
Okay, so there might not be fans in the stands until late 2021 or even 2022, but if it would possible, either one of those programs would pack a house. They’ve both more than earned their stripes in the CFP era to finally be able to get a shot.
Now imagine a Big Ten champion Wisconsin or Penn State vs. a resurgent USC – don’t scoff; this is a fantastic team returning – in the Rose Bowl, and Florida facing off against Texas in the Sugar Bowl?
Texas might not be crushing it quite like the fan base might like under Tom Herman, but the guy knows how to coach bowl games, going 4-0 at both Houston and Texas and 3-0 in the New Year’s Six.
Dan Mullen won his two big bowl games at Florida and is 7-2 overall in post-season games.
As long as the four new guys are great, okay, However, other than LSU of last season, the outlier teams don’t quite work.
2015 Michigan State, 2016 Washington, and 2018 Notre Dame were all bounced out right away and with ease. So while new is fun, here’s the problem …