Time to rouse this blog out of its slumber. Welcome back to the Analytics and Gambling Emporium. Let's get to it. As is usual in the preseason, don't take the ratings too seriously, as one different from what I've picked throws it all off:
If the season were to turn out this way, I believe the Selection Committee would think the following:
Ohio State would be the top team.
LSU would probably enter into Championship Weekend 4th or 5th but rise to 2nd based on their victory over 11-win Tennessee in the SECCG, which will give them 4 wins over 10-win teams (Conference losses @ Arkansas and @ Aggie)
Undefeated Houston 3rd. This is the perfect year for a token Group of 5 representative in order to show that it is possible to make the playoff.
Notre Dame would be 4th. They'd probably be #1 going into the USC game, which I have them losing yet still making the playoff because...reasons. Yes, they are a flawed team defensively, but I just don't see where they are made to pay for those flaws.
That will yield a OSU-LSU final, and I have yet another 2-loss LSU team winning a national title. Les will probably have his job under threat during the season yet again.
I am way too low on Kansas State, as usual. Too high on Indiana.
