College Football Playoff odds: 5 dark horse teams that can make College Football Playoff

Manny Diaz, Miami Hurricanes. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Manny Diaz, Miami Hurricanes. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Graham Mertz, Wisconsin Badgers
Graham Mertz, Wisconsin Badgers. (Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports) /

SEC. LSU Tigers. 3. 817. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. West. player

LSU Tigers national championship winner odds: +4000

After a year from hell last season, the LSU Tigers begin the year at No. 16 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll. While they are the fifth-highest ranked team in the SEC, keep in mind that the Bayou Bengals won the whole thing two years ago. Yes, Max Johnson will have to play like Joe Burrow, but Ed Orgeron’s program has recruited at an elite enough level to stun the college football world.

Scouting Report. ACC. Miami Hurricanes. 2. Pick Analysis. Coastal. player. 834

Miami Hurricanes national championship winner odds: +7500

While most people expect North Carolina to face Clemson in the ACC Championship game, there is a strong possibility the Miami Hurricanes could be the team to win the Coastal. Yes, they would have to beat North Carolina head-to-head and not lose a game outside of Week 1 vs. Alabama. However, the Canes have a serious Heisman Trophy contender at quarterback in D’Eriq King.

Big Ten. Wisconsin Badgers. 1. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. West. player. 809

Wisconsin Badgers national championship winner odds: +5000

While the Wisconsin Badgers should be the second-best team in the Big Ten, the gap between them and the conference favorite Ohio State Buckeyes is still vast. The good news for the Badgers is they are projected to get to Indianapolis out of the Big Ten West this season. With Graham Mertz under center, maybe the Badgers can finally slay the Ohio State dragon in Indianapolis?

What other dark horse contenders are there who could crash the College Football Playoff party.

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