College Football Playoff 2017: Projected top 4 after Week 1

The first-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide looked like a formidable foe on defense and special teams. Their offense still looked to be a work in progress but the way their defense plays, they may not have to worry about much.

The Crimson Tide offense did enough to get by the third-ranked Florida State Seminoles, winning 24-7. The offense scored on a one play, 11-yard drive late to pull away and kicker Andy Pappanastos went 3-for-4 on field goals, missing one on the team’s opening drive of the game.

Alabama didn’t see much else from quarterback Jalen Hurts outside of a 53-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley early in the second quarter, but a win is a win.

Week One gave us a glimpse at just how smothering and deep the Crimson Tide defense is. The Florida State Seminoles kept up for as long as they could but special teams mishaps and three turnovers came back to haunt them.

The Crimson Tide capitalized on every mistake the Seminoles made and cruised on their way to victory. Alabama may not see another tough team until October 21 when they face the 25th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers.

Next up for the Alabama Crimson Tide is the Fresno State Bulldogs. They beat Incarnate Word 66-0 on their first game of the season, but again, they’re no Alabama.

The challenges to making the College Football Playoff will be internal for the Crimson Tide all season.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Quarterback Jalen Hurts has some adjustments to make but his defense should put him in good positions to win games. He has the weapons in Calvin Ridley, Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris to succeed, he just needs to lead the way.