2021's teams most likely to make first College Football Playoff appearance

2021’s teams most likely to make first College Football Playoff appearance

AMES, IA - OCTOBER 10: Tight end Charlie Kolar #88 of the Iowa State Cyclones is forced out of bounds by defensive back Eric Monroe #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and defensive back Alex Hogan #27 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half of the play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

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North Carolina is touted by many to be a Top 10 team for the 2021 season — could they sneak into the CFP along with Clemson? (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) /

3. North Carolina

Head coach Mack Brown has North Carolina positioned to enjoy its finest season on the gridiron since 1997, which was ironically Brown’s final season with the Heels during his first stint. That year’s squad finished with an 11-1 record and the nation’s No. 6 ranking following a 42-3 Gator Bowl against then-Big East member Virginia Tech.

Quarterback Sam Howell returns to lead UNC this year after a prolific 2020 season in which he passed for 3,586 yards, fourth-most in the nation. Many other playmakers return, too, making many believe that UNC is the one team in the ACC that has any chance of challenging Clemson.

UNC has home dates with several other upstart conference opponents such as Virginia, Miami (Fla.), and Florida State. A road visit to Notre Dame on Oct. 30 could provide the Tar Heels with a signature win, and Clemson is notably absent from the regular-season schedule.

A respectable loss (and of course, a season-defining win) against the Tigers in the ACC championship game would put North Carolina in a great spot to make the CFP.

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