Our college football writer's favorite long shots for the 2019 playoff:
1. LSU
OK, maybe it is a stretch to call the Tigers "long shots," but they are not the first you think of when you mention SEC powers. That would be Alabama and Georgia. Dave Aranda figures to keep up his usual good work with the defense. Rantoul's Greg McMahon has the special teams humming. If quarterback Joe Burrow continues to play like the Fiesta Bowl MVP, the Tigers will be cooking with gas.
2. Oregon
Start with the return of quarterback Justin Herbert, who could have left early for the NFL.