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College football predictions 2018: Conference champs, Playoff teams, Heisman picks

By Patrick Schmidt

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 02: Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) cheers on the crowd during the game between the Clemson Tigers and the Miami Hurricanes on December 2, 2017 at Bank of America Stadium. The Tigers won 38-3. (Photo by Brian Utesch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 02: Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) cheers on the crowd during the game between the Clemson Tigers and the Miami Hurricanes on December 2, 2017 at Bank of America Stadium. The Tigers won 38-3. (Photo by Brian Utesch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Shea Patterson, Michigan
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – MAY 26: Shea Patterson of the University of Michigan poses for portraits at Steve Clarkson’s 14th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 26, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

Big Ten Champion: Michigan Wolverines

The Big Ten East is the best division in college football with Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan ranked among the top 14 teams in the preseason AP Top 25. My pick to represent the East is the team that ranked the lowest, Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines. This is the year. Michigan has nine returning starters on a top-five defense, including Rashan Gary who is on my preseason All-American team and a future first round pick.

The defense was great last year and they disappointed, but the reason Michigan wins the conference is the play of transfer quarterback, Shea Patterson.

The Ole Miss transfer may not be a natural fit in Harbaugh’s offense, but he’s also the most talented signal-caller he’s coached at Michigan. The former five-star recruit threw for 2,259 yards on 63.8 percent passing with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in parts of seven games last year at Ole Miss. He struggled with five picks vs. Alabama and LSU but otherwise beat up on inferior competition.

There may be some combustible moments on the sidelines reminiscent of Harbaugh’s time with Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears, but it’s going to pay off. The division crown will be decided against Ohio State in Columbus where Michigan wins for the first time since 2001 and only the second time in the last 14 years.

I like Michigan over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Big 12 Champion: Oklahoma Sooners

I don’t know how strong the Big 12 is going to be this year. Having said that, Oklahoma appears to be the strongest team on paper and my pick to repeat as champions. Baker Mayfield is gone to the NFL, but Kyler Murray has some experience and brings more of a dual-threat that Mayfield didn’t.

Lincoln Riley is one of the brightest coaches in the game and the Sooners offense is still going to be among the most productive offenses in the conference, especially with running back Rodney Anderson poised for a monster season to lessen the load on Murray. TCU is the clear No. 2 team in the conference and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Gary Paterson’s team emerge as Big 12 champs, but I’m not sure if the Big 12 makes the Playoff this year.

Pac-12 Champion: Washington Huskies

Washington opens their season against No. 9 Auburn in a game that holds significant playoff implications. The loser isn’t eliminated from contention, but the winner gets a big chip to add to their resume as the season wages on. Washington returns Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin to an offense that will score plenty of points. But it’s the Huskies defense that will make them the team to beat in the Pac-12. Washington might boast the nation’s top secondary, led by All-American Taylor Rapp and the best cornerback duo, Byron Murphy and Jordan Miller.