Saturday Blitz
Fansided

5 Most Dangerous 2017 College Football Playoff Contenders

By Zach Bigalke

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) jumps into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) jumps into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs the ball past Florida Gators defense during the third quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs the ball past Florida Gators defense during the third quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama has reached the College Football Playoff in each of its first three seasons, and has to be considered the most dangerous team heading into next season regardless of what happens on New Year’s Eve. The Crimson Tide had one of the least experienced teams in the country this season and yet they might just be the most dangerous roster of Nick Saban’s coaching career. Despite losing players like Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, the Tide kept rolling to a perfect regular season.

Saban has recruited the top class in the country every year since 2011, and the 2017 class is poised to rank first nationally yet again. Jalen Hurts, the true freshman quarterback who exploded onto the scene by completing 65 percent of his passes for nearly 2600 yards while also adding four 100-yard rushing games. Hurts ended the regular season with 34 total touchdowns (22 passing, 12 rushing) and has at least two more seasons in Tuscaloosa.

The team returned less than one-third of the total yardage gained on offense in 2015, yet they gained an average of almost 50 more yards and scored five more points per game in 2016. The defense likewise held teams to three fewer points and nearly 30 fewer yards per game. Losing six players that were selected in the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft didn’t impact the Crimson Tide this season. While they are bound to lose more talent this year, Alabama will be right back in the mix in 2017.

Home/College Football News