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10 teams that will take the next step after big win in bowl game

By Nicholas Ian Allen

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 27: K.J Costello of Stanford makes a break and scores a touchdown during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 27: K.J Costello of Stanford makes a break and scores a touchdown during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) /

5. Stanford

9-4 (7-2)

Alamo Bowl: Cardinal vs. TCU, Thursday, Dec. 28

Looking for an early dark horse 2018 national championship candidate? Consider Stanford. The Cardinal are always dangerous, and the Pac-12 North has the potential to be weaker next season given the personnel losses at Washington, Washington State, and additional coaching turnover at Oregon. Plus, Stanford has accumulated a very talented roster capable of beating just about anyone, and also capable of overcoming the loss of three starters on the offensive line, as well as the entire linebacker corps among others. The Cardinal also has David Shaw, one of the most highly respected head coaches in the country.

Shaw made the tough decision to replace starting quarterback Keller Chryst with K.J. Costello after the near upset loss at Oregon State, but the move proved correct as Stanford earned a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game with wins over Washington and Cal, and capped the regular season schedule with an impressive win over Notre Dame. Costello threw for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions as a sophomore, and he’s poised for a big season in 2018.

The biggest question is whether or not Heisman runner-up Bryce Love will return for his senior season. Typically, junior running backs that put up the kind of numbers Love has – 1,973 rushing yards and 17 TDs on 8.32 yards per carry – would jump at the opportunity to turn pro. But Love is unique given his goal to eventually become a doctor, making his academic career a more important factor for him than most. If Stanford beats TCU to enter the offseason with momentum, and if Love returns, watch out.

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