By Universities across the nation are priming their teams with rigorous summer training, setting the stage for an intense, thrilling 2023 season. Innovative tactics, vibrant energy, and the emergence of superior talent are eagerly anticipated as college football returns. Amid the suspense, one question resonates – who will triumph and win the ultimate prize? Let’s dive into the analysis, examining the favored programs heading into the year.
Sizing Up the NCAAF 2023 Arena: Giants Take Center Stage
This year’s season pledges to blend tradition with novelty. Established heavyweights such as Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Clemson and Ohio State remain undeterred in their quest for a national title.
Georgia
Aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive national title – a feat unseen since 1936 – Georgia enjoys a relatively relaxed schedule. Aside from their usual showdown with Georgia Tech, there are no out-of-conference Power Five challengers. Their only challenging games will come against the Florida Gators in Jacksonville on Oct. 28, at Tennessee on Nov. 18, and potentially the SEC Championship Game against the SEC West winner in Atlanta on Dec. 2.
In the aftermath of Stetson Bennett’s impressive reign, Carson Beck steps in with colossal expectations. Georgia’s defense needs significant revamping, with eight starters moving on to the NFL. Nevertheless, their effective recruitment approach assures a formidable defensive line.
Alabama
Keen on returning to the College Football Playoff, Alabama steps into the 2023 season with an unparalleled determination following a letdown in 2022. With Head Coach Nick Saban at the helm, Alabama’s itinerary indicates chances for triumph, including key home games against tough adversaries such as Tennessee, LSU, and Texas.
For those tracking NCAAF spreads, Alabama’s rigorous preparations and favorable schedule imply they could often be the preferred pick, presenting interesting opportunities for sports betting aficionados. The only question is whether quarterbacks Jalen Milroe or transfer Tyler Buchner can adequately fill Bryce Young’s shoes.
Michigan
The Wolverines remain hopeful of emulating their robust performance from past seasons, particularly after defeating Ohio State two years running and making consecutive College Football Playoff appearances. Coach Jim Harbaugh brushed off NFL speculations to return this season. Their schedule favors another winning run leading up to their showdown with Ohio State at home on Nov. 25.
Ohio State
Ohio State’s schedule is not as inviting as Michigan, with a difficult out-of-conference showdown in South Bend against Notre Dame on Sept. 23 and a visit to Madison to face Wisconsin on Oct. 28. But Ohio State’s talent should propel them to be in playoff contention when they visit Michigan at the end of November. The overwhelming question is whether new quarterback Kyle McCord can keep the Buckeyes’ offense rolling. He will get plenty of help with the return of Heisman hopeful Marvin Harrison Jr.
Clemson
Following a fairly average 2022 season, the Tigers are ready to roar back. With coach Dabo Swinney at the helm, the team has bolstered their ranks through effective recruitment, injecting fresh talent into both offensive and defensive units. Clemson’s Oct. 15 showdown with Florida State could be a game-changer, shaping their playoff prospects. With the ACC merging and the top-2 teams now facing off in the ACC Championship, the teams could square off twice in 2023.
Florida State
Under Mike Norvell’s leadership, the Seminoles enter the 2023 season eager to reverse the tides of recent lackluster performances. They bring back quarterback Jordan Travis, predicted by many as a leading Heisman Trophy contender. As mentioned above, their showdown(s) with Clemson will make or break their season. They also have a huge game on Sept. 3 against LSU and visit Gainesville on Nov. 25 to face in-state rival Florida.
Other Potential Contenders
Notre Dame’s biggest weakness in recent years has been underperforming quarterback play; however, with Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman now donning blue and gold, the Fighting Irish have serious playoff aspirations. They have a challenging schedule, however, that includes Ohio State, Clemson, and USC. Another potential playoff contender is LSU, who brings back a lot of talent after outperforming expectations in 2022. They hope Jayden Daniels can navigate them through a difficult schedule that includes Florida State, Alabama, and Ole Miss.
The Pac-12 champion will also be a contender. While Heisman winner Caleb Williams gives USC their best shot at a playoff since its inception in 2014, Oregon and Utah also factor to be in the mix. New-look Colorado, now led by head coach Deion Sanders, has hopes of trumping them all and contending for their first national title in over 30 years.
