2017 National Championship: Way-Too-Early Predictions

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Clemson Tigers in an epic BCS national championship showdown 45-40, in a game that went down to the wire and gave fans their money’s worth. College sports can be very difficult to predict for the next season once the current season ends, because there is so much turnaround in terms of kids graduating and elite players declaring for the NFL draft. This year is no different and big conference powerhouse teams often lose some of their best players but retain very high level recruits. Some programs are able to remain consistent year in and year out because their recruiting skills are unmatched by other programs, like the Kentucky Wildcats for instance in basketball. Other teams are very good for a one or two year span but then take a step back do to their senior class’s departure. 2016-17 promises to be another epic year of college football, let’s take a look at the four best early bets to win the national championship.

Alabama
Odds To Win 2017 National Championship: +650

The Alabama Crimson Tide are one of the best football programs in the country and coach Nick Saban ensures that the Crimson Tide continue to get solid recruits year in and year out. Alabama is the defending national champion and will surely have a huge target on their backs come the start of the 2016-17 season. The Crimson Tide will lose running back Derrick Henry who has opted to declare for the NFL draft rather than stay for his senior season. The year is still young and other players may declare but one way or another Alabama should remain one of the powerhouses in the SEC conference. The Crimson Tide finished the season ranked third in the country in total yards allowed. Alabama will continue to make things difficult on their opponents next season and are as good a bet as any team to win it all.

Clemson
Odds To Win 2017 National Championship: +1000

The Clemson Tigers proved that they were one of the most balanced teams in the nation this past season. They were the only team in the country to remain undefeated the whole season and almost ran the table before a BCS defeat versus Alabama. The Tigers played a good brand of defensive and offensive football and had weapons on both sides of the field. Clemson displayed their ability to consistently beat opponents and usually by more than one score. The Tigers won only one game by three points or less during the year and showed that they are more than capable of performing at a high level next season. There are some concerns with next year’s roster including some key players lost in the secondary but the Tigers have some solid recruits and should be among the favorites in the ACC next season.

LSU
Odds To Win 2017 National Championship: +1200

The LSU Tigers started the year out on a tear winning their first seven games of the season and defeating some very good opponents in Mississippi State, Auburn and Florida. The Tigers also possess arguably the most NFL ready player in running back Leonard Fournette who has another season of college football in him before eligibility. Fournette runs with rare burst and power for someone his age and he was downright dominant for most of the season with the exception of a few games where teams really keyed in on him. The Tigers had a solid defense ranking tenth in total yards allowed, combine that with a vicious running game and you have a team that could be going places next season. The Tigers closed the year out with a victory in the Texas Bowl, next year they’ll have their sights set higher.

Michigan
Odds To Win 2017 National Championship: +1500

The Michigan Wolverines received a gift from the NFL by the name of Jim Harbaugh last season and the coach helped turn the culture around for Michigan who enjoyed a very productive season. Michigan finished the season at 9-3 and won the Citrus Bowl versus Florida in impressive fashion defeating the Gators by a score of 41-7. Coach Harbaugh has a great personality and should be able to draw the recruits he’ll need to ensure Michigan’s continued success. The Wolverines were one of the nation’s top defensive teams and if Michigan can step things up on the offensive end, they’ll definitely have a chance to make some noise. The Wolverines defeated Northwestern and Florida and have shown the ability to compete with top teams at 15-1 odds, they’re pretty good value.