Fansided

Predicting the 2017 College Football Playoff field

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) attempts s pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) attempts s pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) is congratulated by offensive lineman Jamarco Jones (74) and tight end Marcus Baugh (85) after his third quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) is congratulated by offensive lineman Jamarco Jones (74) and tight end Marcus Baugh (85) after his third quarter touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ohio State Buckeyes

Big Ten, Projected Record: 12-1

There may not have been a younger team in college football last season than the Ohio State Buckeyes, and that trend will continue for 2017. The Buckeyes are college football’s closest thing to a one-and-done program, it seems, with a number of redshirt sophomore and juniors leaving early for the NFL yet again.

Last year there were a number of key departures and this year will be the same with Curtis Samuel, Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley, Marshon Lattimore and Raekwon McMillan. Luckily for the Buckeyes, they will be reloading in the secondary, as well as linebacker and running back.

Samuel was technically the backup to redshirt freshman Mike Weber who eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for rushing this season and will be back to have an even bigger year. He will do so behind a young Ohio State offensive line that is losing just one player. In fact, the entire offense is losing only one starter.

J.T. Barrett will be back to try and improve on his poor finish to the season and return to his Heisman-contending form under center. He will have weapons upon weapons to throw to and the Buckeyes are recruiting as well as anyone in the country.

For instance, Urban Meyer had Scout.com‘s eighth-best recruiting class in 2015, second-best group in 2016 and the Buckeyes are currently ranked No. 4 in 2017 — and they keep landing top recruits.

Coming off a playoff appearance in 2016, despite a 31-0 loss to eventual champion Clemson, the Buckeyes will go 12-1 in 2017, winning the Big Ten title over Wisconsin and they will claim the playoff’s No. 2 seed.

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