My opinion on the first ESPN bracket projection.
Shawn Gates
#1 Ohio State- defending national champions. Hard to argue with how good they’ve looked on both sides of the ball. Hard to argue with them being #1
#2 Indiana- no real reason for them to be this high, yes, they beat Oregon, and they’re undefeated. I thought we learned our lesson last year that just because you have an easy schedule and go undefeated, it shouldn’t make you playoff-bound, and especially not a top 5 team.
#3 Texas A&M – They have identical numbers to Indiana. Easy strength of schedule. If Auburn’s offense had been decent, they would have beaten A&M. I don’t believe they are a top-5 team.
#4 Alabama- they’ve looked good and have had a demanding schedule; however, this is the same team that lost to Florida State and struggled with South Carolina. This team has the future Heisman at QB. The weapons around him need to come alive; if Ryan Williams can figure out his drop problems, this will be the national champions.
#5 Georgia – This team has been the definition of middling all season, doing just enough to win. That’s why I don’t believe they should be #5, top 10 definitely, but I don’t see the fire behind this team.
#6 Ole Miss- Not A top 10 team, this team just isn’t as good as people say. They deserve a top 12 spot, but it might be that final spot. Defense just isn’t there.
#7 BYU- same as Indiana and Texas A&M. They don’t play anyone. They need to play at least 1 top 15 team for me to consider them legitimate.
#8 Texas Tech- lost to Arizona State in midseason form. I don’t believe they are a top 15 team.
#9 Oregon- Hit or Miss. They need to eliminate their defensive miscues, and then they can be great. I don’t believe they are a top 5 team, but I do think they will be in the hunt for the next couple of years.
#10 Notre Dame- shouldn’t be here. Not a top 15 team and will be first-round exits in the playoffs. Cinderella’s story is over.
#11 Virginia- high-profile offense, but the defense will slow them down. If they make it to the playoffs, they will be first-round exits.
#12 Memphis- have to have one of these teams, and it deserves to be Memphis, they have fought them all year. Look out for this team.
