Annual Predictions Post, 2014 Edition

Welp, I didn't see 2013 coming. Not a single conference prediction came true. Sure, I nailed the "surprise team" as Fresno State, but it wasn't that surprising. And I was dead-on about something off the field making the biggest headlines, be that the Ed O'Bannon case or the move toward Power 5 autonomy. Or Jameis Winston shoplifting crabs. Take your pick, it was a blanket prediction.

Let's see if I can get anything right this year. Or, how complete my wrongness can be.

Playoff Teams

LSU

Florida State
Michigan State
Baylor

Championship Game

LSU vs. Florida State

I might be stuck in a mid-2000s mindset, but I'm still not convinced of Florida State's "backness." I still have this haunting suspicion that they'll blow a completely winnable game, because that's what they did for most of a decade. The more the media comes to a consensus about how good Florida State is, the less I believe in them.

LSU is always in the hunt. Auburn seems like they'll have a brutal schedule, plus teams will have film on them from 2013. I think the break in continuity at QB will haunt Alabama this year. Why not LSU?

Ohio State might still be good, but this Urban-coached squad doesn't strike me as one that has hunger. It seems like they win merely because everyone else is that bad. For that, I give the nod to Michigan State. Dantonio has tasted blood.

I'm going with Baylor for the last spot because I think the Pac-12 will cannibalize itself, and no one will emerge with < 2 losses. Baylor's got the easiest route, and I think they might very well go undefeated.

ACC

Florida State (default setting, but it'll be glorious if they go back to losing to NC State or Syracuse)

Big 12

Baylor, maybe undefeated

Big Ten

Michigan State, although I think Ohio State will still go 10-2

Pac-12

Washington. I think it'll be a bloodbath, so why not a new choice? Washington was very close to being in that top level of the Pac-12. Perhaps a revitalized Chris Petersen takes them all the way.

SEC

LSU, but I think South Carolina is a distinct threat.

Surprise Team

I have none. ECU seems to be on everyone's radar. I think UCF will take a step back without Bortles, especially if O'Leary steps down. Cincinnati? Sure, why not.

Flop Team

Oregon. I think everyone has figured them out, and they're missing Chip Kelly's constant tinkering. I think Auburn is the new Oregon.

The Category Formerly Known as "BCS Buster"

We'll need a catchier name for this category. But at least we're promised one per year. Crazy feeling it'll be Cincinnati.

Heisman Winner

Don't care.

First Player Out of Heisman Race

Nope, still don't care.

Next Household Name

Whoever has the most yards on offense for LSU/will also be Heisman candidate

Coach on the Hottest Seat

HOKE-A-MANIA

Bold Prediction

The Pac-12 will be left out of the playoff due to the champ having two losses.