The College Football Playoff or a New Year's Six bowl game: Which is more likely for college football teams in 2021?
We break down the best-case scenario for each of the Way-Too-Early top 25 teams.
1. Clemson Tigers
The road back to the playoff isn't particularly complicated for the Tigers. They remain the class of the ACC, perhaps by a wide margin. Despite the loss of superstars Travis Etienne and Trevor Lawrence, plenty of talent remains, including presumptive starting QB D.J. Uiagalelei. But what was exposed in an Allstate Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State -- a lack of a dynamic outside receiver, problematic run blocking, a defense confused by tempo -- will loom over the program for a while.