By Sports Editor Dustin Pollard

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Through 12 games the Tide looks like the most complete team in the nation. The defense is not as good as the past Nick Saban-coached teams, but the offense may be his best ever. Amari Cooper is the best college receiver since Larry Fitzgerald.

2. Oregon Ducks

Oregon has 2,000 different jersey combinations but zero national championships. However, this year may be their best shot. QB Marcus Mariota should win the Heisman Trophy. Thanks to Mariota, the Ducks boast the most balanced offense in the country.

3. Florida State Seminoles

Last time I checked, FSU is the only team to finish every game. I know they won ugly, but they still won. Jameis Winston has been inconsistent but he is still a Heisman Trophy winner. The Seminoles have too much talent on both sides of the football to slip up against Georgia Tech.

4. Baylor Bears

If Baylor beats Kansas State this weekend, I think they should leap over TCU. I hear about quality losses all the time but what about quality wins? Baylor beat TCU straight up and that is why I think they should get the go-ahead over the Horn Frogs.

Championship Game

Alabama over FSU 41-24

There is no clear-cut best team in the nation this year, but Alabama comes as close as it gets. The Tide went (5-1) in the best division in college football history. A fourth National Championship in six years? Yeah, Nick Saban is worth that $7 million per year.

By Student Writer Darien Pippens

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

I feel Alabama is the best team in the nation and they are the best one-loss team. This team is led by fifth-year senior QB Blake Sims and the best WR in the nation, Amari Cooper. I feel like this is the most complete team in the nation, with the best coach in the nation – Nick Saban.

2. Oregon Ducks

This is the second best team in the nation behind Alabama. They have the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy in Marcus Mariota – the best quarterback in the nation. The Ducks have been almost unstoppable over the last few weeks on the offensive side of the football.

3. Florida State Seminoles

They have not played up to par all season with close games against inferior opponents. Jameis Winston, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has not played to the level he did last season. This is not the same team as the title run from last season, but they are still undefeated.

4. Baylor Bears

Baylor has played, to me, the best out of the teams in the Big 12 on the offensive side of the ball. I will give the slight edge to TCU on the defensive side but, I do not think the TCU resume stands out. Baylor did beat TCU in a shootout earlier this season where they came back from 21 down to win.

Championship Game

Alabama over Oregon 28-24

I think it would have to take a really good coaching job by Saban to slow the offense of the Ducks, but with the impact players on defense and Amari Cooper being almost impossible to defend, the rushing attack of TJ Yeldon and Derrek Henry, Alabama will win.

By Student Writer Kadin Pounders

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama has four wins versus top 25 ranked teams and can make it five with a win over Missouri in the SEC title game. The Tide has proven they can win in both the defensive battles and the offensive shootouts. I can not wait to see more Saban-Kiffin moments!

2. Oregon Ducks

The Ducks have one of the most prolific offenses in the country led by Heisman front-runner Marcus Mariota. Oregon has won 11 of their 12 games by an average of 25 points, with their one loss against a then-unranked Arizona team.

3. Florida State Seminoles

You either love them or you hate them. The Seminoles, led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, live on the edge. Despite going undefeated in the regular season, FSU has had a lot of close games versus inferior opponents. But Jimbo Fisher’s squad is still undefeated.

4. TCU Horn Frogs

Despite losing to Baylor in the regular season, the committee has continually favored the Horned Frogs in the rankings. Like Oregon, TCU, with their high-powered offense routinely blows out their opponents. Trevone Boykin is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country, in my opinion.

Championship Game

Alabama over Oregon 38-34

Alabama’s more traditional “old man” style football versus Oregon’s up-tempo, high octane style, will be a game with power vs. speed. In national championship games, I think preparation is the number one factor. And no one prepares better than Saban.

By Student Writer Matt Suleski

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

This is not one of the best Alabama teams I have seen in recent memory, but Nick Saban is the best coach in college football and the Tide are ready to make a run at a fourth national title in six years. Alabama has talent all over the field but they are led by WR Amari Cooper.

2. Oregon Ducks

The Ducks possess one of the best offenses in college football, which is led by Heisman trophy favorite QB Marcus Mariota. He has accounted for over 4,000 yards and 47 total touchdowns while throwing only two interceptions. They are the best in the country at keeping teams off balance.

3. Florida State Seminoles

Florida State is a team that has won many games this year by the smallest of margins, but at the end of the day, a win is a win is a win! The three-headed monster on offense consisting of QB Jameis Winston, RB Dalvin Cook and WR Rashaad Green gives any team matchup problems.

4. TCU Horn Frogs

If Baylor beats Kansas State on Saturday, I still believe TCU should stay ahead of Baylor despite losing by three points at Baylor earlier this year. TCU has been more impressive this season and Baylor’s loss came by 14 points at West Virginia, while TCU beat West Virginia.

Championship Game

Oregon over Alabama 41-38 (OT)

Many fans have wanted to see the Alabama/Oregon matchup for the last few years and this is the year I think it finally comes to fruition.

I have the Oregon Ducks defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 41-38 in the first college football playoff.