4. Tennessee
Now we get into the part of the list with fewer “ifs”.
Last year, the Volunteers took a huge leap in Josh Heupel’s second season by winning 11 games for the first since 2001.
Led by quarterback and Heisman candidate Hendon Hooker, they were ranked number one in the opening CFP rankings and were in the playoff race until a loss against South Carolina.
This year, Joe Milton steps in as the head signal caller and the hype is building in the fall–apparently he can throw the ball 90 yards downfield.
And it’s no secret Heupel will attempt to sprinkle some of his magic on the first year starter. But will it be enough to break through?
Well, the task is the same as last year with Alabama and Georgia starring down the barrel. If they can split those games and take care of business against A&M, South Carolina, and Florida, while not getting tripped up by UTSA, there is a path for an 11-1 non-conference champion here.
It will come down to the eye test in that case but this is not a long shot by any means.