2017 College Football Predictions

Clemson's Deshaun Watson holds up the championship trophy after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. Clemson won 35-31. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Clemson enters the year as defending champs, but Deshaun Watson is long gone. How will this year’s playoff shake out? Which teams will surprise, for better and for worse? Which of our local teams has the best chance at a great season? The WTOP Sports staff takes its best shot at predicting the 2017 college football season. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Max Bortenschlager #18 of the Maryland Terrapins passes ahead of the rush from defensive lineman Adam McLean #91 of the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Maryland 28-7. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Who will start the most games at quarterback for Maryland this year? Chris Cichon, sports anchor: Kasim Hill Noah Frank, digital sports editor: Kasim Hill Dave Preston, sports anchor: Caleb Henderson Rob Woodfork, sports anchor: Caleb Henderson (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks 35-24 in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Which local FBS team (within the states of Maryland/Virginia/D.C.) will win the most games? Chris Cichon: Virginia Tech Noah Frank: Virginia Tech Dave Preston: Virginia Tech Rob Woodfork: Virginia Tech (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 26: Running back Marlon Mack #5 of the South Florida Bulls fends off defensive back D.J. Killings #24 of the UCF Knights on his way to a touchdown during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jason Behnken / Getty Images)

Which Group of Five team will earn the New Year’s Day bowl spot? Will they challenge for a College Football Playoff spot? Chris Cichon: Boise State, no Noah Frank: South Florida, no Dave Preston: South Florida, no Rob Woodfork: Marshall, no (Photo by Jason Behnken/Getty Images)

Photo by Jason Behnken/Getty Images

MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Bill Snyder of the Kansas State Wildcats watches during warm-ups prior to the game against the Baylor Bears at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 5, 2015 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

What is the highest-ranked preseason team that will finish the year outside the Top 25? Chris Cichon: #20 Kansas State Noah Frank: #20 Kansas State Dave Preston: #20 Kansas State Rob Woodfork: #19 South Florida (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Torii Hunter Jr. #16 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the game against the Navy Midshipmen at EverBank Field on November 5, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Which unranked team will finish the highest in the final College Football Playoff rankings? Chris Cichon: Utah Noah Frank: Oregon Dave Preston: Notre Dame Rob Woodfork: Notre Dame (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

USC Trojans wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) catches a game-tying touchdown pass over Penn State Nittany Lions safety Marcus Allen (2) during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 in Pasadena, Calif. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 on a last second field goal. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)

Which four teams will make the College Football Playoff? Chris Cichon: Alabama, Penn State, USC, Oklahoma State Noah Frank: Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Georgia Dave Preston: Alabama, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, USC Rob Woodfork: Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State (AP Photo/Doug Benc)

AP Photo/Doug Benc

Alabama's Ryan Anderson gets a belt after recovering a fumble during the first half of the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Clemson Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Who will win the National Championship? Chris Cichon: Alabama Noah Frank: Florida State Dave Preston: USC Rob Woodfork: Alabama (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the ball against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Who will win the Heisman Trophy? Chris Cichon: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State Noah Frank: Deondre Francois, QB, Florida State Dave Preston: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma Rob Woodfork: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images