Expert makes early College Football Playoff picks – 247Sports – 247Sports.com

Three of the four teams to make the College Football Playoff this past year will be back in 2016-17, according to CBS Sports writer Dennis Dodd.

In making his “spring edition” Football Four predictions, Dodd tapped Alabama against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl Semifinal, while Clemson would play a newcomer and Michigan State’s replacement, LSU, in the Peach Bowl Semifinal.

Alabama brings back what appears to be another elite-level defense and should be able to rally the offense around young talents like Bo Scarbrough and Calvin Ridley. Clemson is the opposite: the Tigers must replace some key defensive contributors, but return Deshaun Watson at quarterback and an offense stocked with weapons.

Oklahoma must rebuild its front seven, though Charles Walker is a heck of a building block and a potential All-American. The Sooners need the receiving corps to step up following Sterling Shepard’s graduation, but Baker Mayfield should be able to pilot another high-octane attack with running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon.

LSU, meanwhile, has a chance to take a major leap forward as its young talent continues to mature. Defensive end Arden Key and safety Jamal Adams are wonderful talents, and the offense has a Heisman Trophy candidate in Leonard Fournette. Will the rest of the Tigers’ offensive core take a step forward?

Finally, someone built a better way to bracket!

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