2015 Preseason Award Projections: College Football Playoffs

By Charlie Campbell
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Heading into the 2015 college football season, WalterFootball.com has rolled out our projections for the nation’s leaders during the fall. The All­American teams always have some surprises, and the next fall’s stars could be the headline players in the 2016 NFL Draft. We also have projected the winners of the postseason awards that are given out to the best of college football. We conclude the series with predictions for the second FBS playoffs.

Semifinals:

USC vs. Auburn

Winner: Auburn

It was difficult to pick the Pac-12 Champion. I went with the Trojans because they return the best quarterback and are strong on their lines. I think USC will have the skill talent to replace Buck Allen and Nelson Agholor as well. Thus, the Trojans look like the strongest team in the Pac-12.

The SEC also looks wide open. There isn’t a dominant team in the East, while I think the West will be very competitive. Alabama lost a ton from last year’s team, and I think the Crimson Tide will take a step back this season. Auburn has a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to work with, and we know the Tigers will run the ball well to put up points with their offense.

In this matchup, I think Auburn’s balance will win out and let the Tigers will advance to the National Championship.




Semifinals:

TCU vs. Ohio State

Winner: Ohio State

The Big XII looks stronger this year, but I think TCU is best positioned to win the conference. Ohio State should dominate the Big Ten, but it would be surprising if the Buckeyes lost in the regular season.

Once again. I think the more talented and balanced team wins, and Ohio State has studs on both sides of the ball. I think TCU will score a lot of points during the regular season, but the Buckeye defense will be much better than anything the Hornged Frogs will see in the Big XII. I’ll predict Ohio State to cruise over TCU.




National Title:

Ohio State vs. Auburn

Winner: Ohio State

A year ago, I picked Oregon over Florida State in the National Championship, so I was pretty close. This year, I think Ohio State is too talented to lose and will be back­to­back National Champions. The Buckeyes have elite athletes at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, in the secondary and along their lines. Auburn can’t make the same claim, and I believe the Ohio State talent will eventually be the difference.

I think the Buckeyes’ defense could be challenged by the Tigers, but in the end, Ohio State will hunker down and win a close game over Auburn.











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