As Spring approaches so does Spring football, and people are starting to talk about who and what to watch out for for this Fall. Every team, player, and coach’s goal for this season is to get into the College Football Playoff but the execution of that goal is the difference between getting there and looking on from a far.

These are my predictions for this coming season.

American Athletic Conference

Top 3: Memphis, Cincinnati, UCF

Winner: Memphis

Why?: Memphis is riding a 7 game win streak coming into the season including a thrilling bowl victory followed by a brawl over BYU. With the Tigers toughest game coming on October 17th versus Ole Miss, it should be an exciting season for Memphis.

ACC Atlantic

Top 3: Clemson, Boston College, Florida State

Winner: Clemson

Why?: Two words, one name: Deshaun Watson. The Freshman phenom threw for 14 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions last year and could easily lead Clemson to the ACC championship game and possibly a Playoff appearance.

ACC Coastal

Top 3: Miami (FL), Duke, Georgia Tech

Winner: Miami (FL)

Why?: With a Freshman Quarterback in Brad Kaaya this Hurricane team almost knocked off Florida State who was undefeated until their playoff game with Oregon, the ‘Canes should be back and, with time, could be like the ‘Canes teams of years past.

Big 12

Top 3: TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma

Winner: TCU

Why?: TCU is the hungriest team in college football after missing out on a chance at the Playoff and the look to destroy the competition this season led by their Quarterback Trevone Boykin. Unless there is some sort of collapse in Fort Worth the Horned Frogs are headed to the playoff.

Big 10 East

Top 3: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State

Winner: Ohio State

Why?: Do I really need to answer this? An already young team led by their third string QB in Cardale Jones won the National Championship and look to do the same this year led by any of their three Quarterbacks: Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett, and Senior Braxton Miller

Big 10 West

Top 3: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa

Winner: Wisconsin

Why?: The West is honestly a toss-up between everyone who isn’t Northwestern, but the Badgers have showed that they know how to win despite losing their best players, mostly Running Backs. Although this Wisconsin team isn’t going to be as good as last year none of the competition will be able to keep up with them.

Conference USA East

Top 3: Western Kentucky, Marshall, Middle Tennessee State

Winner: Western Kentucky

Why?: Despite almost giving up one of the biggest comebacks in bowl history the Hilltoppers should be one of the better teams in the C-USA and could make a New Years 6 bowl game. Led by Senior Running Back Leon Allen this team has a well balanced attack and can beat you by passing or running the ball.

Conference USA West

Top 3: Louisiana Tech, Rice, North Texas

Winner: Louisiana Tech

Why?: The Bulldogs should be the best in the west in the C-USA coming off of a 9-5 season and going 7-1 in conference Louisiana Tech has a favorable schedule despite playing Mississippi State on the road.

MAC East

Top 3: Ohio, Buffalo, Bowling Green

Winner: Ohio

Why?: The Bobcats have a lot to improve on from last season to win the MAC East. Led by their two headed passing attack in JD Sprague and Derrius Vick, defenses will be on their heels. Look for Ohio to be an offensive powerhouse this Fall.

MAC West

Top 3: Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan

Winner: Northern Illinois

Why?: Look for the MAC West to look almost exactly like last year with the Huskies holding up the MAC championship trophy. Toledo is one of the few MAC teams that could knock off NIU but it’s not likely.

Mountain West Conference West

Top 3: San Diego State, Nevada, Fresno State

Winner: San Diego State

Why?: The Aztecs will be able to build off of last years success and take over the West Division and might have a chance at a New Years 6 bowl game.

Mountain West Conference Mountain

Top 3: Boise State, Colorado State, Air Force

Winner: Colorado State

Why?: Despite losing Garrett Grayson and Dee Hart, backups Nick Stevens and Treyous Jarrells should be a successful QB, RB duo despite being first year starters.

PAC-12 North

Top 3: Oregon, California, Washington

Winner: Oregon

Why?: The Ducks should repeat as champs of the PAC-12 North despite losing Heisman winner Marcus Mariota with Royce Freeman stepping it up at the Running Back position. Oregon should also have consistency at QB with either last years backup Jeff Lockie or new transfer Vernon Adams Jr. out of Eastern Washington as there is sure to be a fierce position battle in Eugene.

PAC-12 South

Top 3: Arizona, Arizona State, USC

Winner: Arizona State

Why?: Despite losing one of the best Quarterbacks in the nation in Taylor Kelly, Mike Bercovici should step up and fill in well for the Sun Devils. Jaelen Strong declaring for the NFL Draft early is a big loss but look for D.J. Foster to step it up in the run game and Cameron Smith to bring it in the passing game.

SEC East

Top 3: Georgia, Tennessee, Florida

Winner: Georgia

Why?: With Nick Chubb in the backfield there is almost nothing Georgia can’t do. With a big and strong consistently good offensive line the Bulldogs could easily go undefeated in SEC play and possibly all season and win the SEC East its first SEC title since Florida in 2008.

SEC West

Top 3: Mississippi State, LSU, Arkansas

Winner: Mississippi State

Why?: Dak Prescott should be a Heisman Trophy contender at the end of the season and could easily win it with a successful season and could lead the Bulldogs to an undefeated season in the SEC and possibly a CFP berth.

Sun Belt

Top 3: Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Texas State

Winner: Georgia Southern

Why?: With the majority of their offensive rushing attack returning next year led by QB Kevin Ellison as well as Running Backs Matt Breida and Alfred Ramsby, the Eagles should dominate Sun Belt play with their pounding option attack.