5 teams that could play spoiler the next 5 weeks
The College Football Playoff committee is set to unveil their first rankings Tuesday evening. With Alabama, Michigan, Clemson, and Washington expected to grab the top four spots, here are five sleeper teams that could play spoiler the next five weeks to the quartet.
LSU (Alabama)
A night game in Death Valley awaits Alabama this Saturday. LSU and Leonard Fournette have looked like a different team since Ed Orgeron took over from Les Miles. Fournette will try and prove his 31 total yard performance last season against the Crimson Tide was a fluke. The Tigers' defense is built on pressuring the quarterback, stopping the run, and they haven't allowed more than two touchdowns all season.
Auburn (Alabama)
If LSU is unsuccessful, Auburn sits at the end of the schedule for Alabama in the Iron Bowl. The Tigers were left for dead after starting 1-2 to the season, but have rebounded with five straight wins. If Guz Malzahn's team is going to pull off the upset, like in 2013, the defense will have to keep it a low scoring affair. The good news is that the Tigers boast one of the best scoring defenses in the country, allowing just 16 points per game.
Washington State (Washington)
Like the two previous teams, Washington State started the year with two losses to Boise State and Eastern Washington. But Mike Leach's program has since bounced back with six straight and are 5-0 in conference. Washington has turned heads with its explosive offense, but the Cougars have the best rush defense in the Pac-12, giving up just 113 yards per game. On offense, quarterback Luke Falk has thrown for 2926 yards, completed almost 73 percent of his passes, and tossed 24 touchdowns. Games between the two have produced crazy finishes and upsets in the past.
Virginia Tech (Clemson)
Though undefeated, Clemson has looked vulnerable this season. The Tigers have a two game lead on Louisville and will likely be in Orlando, Fla., for the ACC Championship game. The Tigers' opponent looks to be Virginia Tech, who will be favored in their remaining games. The Hokies' secondary has been tremendous this year and can contain the Tigers' receivers. On the offensive side, quarterback Jerod Evans has been flawless, throwing for 2017 yards, 21 touchdowns, and is great at protecting the ball, with just two interceptions.
Wisconsin (Michigan)
Wisconsin knocked off Nebraska on Saturday in overtime and with it kept their hopes of representing the Big Ten West in the championship game. The Badgers have lost just twice - to Michigan and Ohio State - by a combined 14 points, and have played a brutally tough schedule. While Wisconsin doesn't put up a ton of points, they're built on defense and if you are the Wolverines, this is a team that scares you on a neutral field.