National college football analyst predicts Texas to make it to the CFP national championship game

Dalton Wasserman's bracket

1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Penn State
4. Texas
5. Ohio State
6. Notre Dame
7. Utah
8. Georgia
9. Texas A&M
10. Oregon
11. Arizona State
12. Boise State

Wasserman's first round has Ohio State defeating Boise State, Notre Dame beating Arizona State, Utah taking down Big Ten rival Oregon, and Texas A&M beating SEC counterpart Georgia. In the quarterfinals, he has Clemson defeating the Aggies, Alabama taking down the Utes, Penn State beating Notre Dame, and Texas beating Ohio State in a Week 1 rematch.

In the semifinals, Wasserman has Clemson defeating Texas in a CFP rematch and Alabama taking down Penn State. In the title game, the Crimson Tide are victorious over the Clemson Tigers.

"I agree with Max that Clemson, Texas, Penn State and Alabama are likely the four most talented teams in college football. If the Crimson Tide can get consistent passing production from first-year starter Ty Simpson, then they are fully equipped to win a national championship.

"This will be an interesting year with regard to talented teams and their quarterback situations. Some like Penn State, LSU and Clemson possess high-end starters who we’ve come to know for multiple years," Wasserman said. "Other powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame and Ohio State enter this season with new full-time starters. The performances of those young players will be a major factor in this year’s playoff race."

Again, this is yet another national analyst duo which thinks a Manning-led offense will have enough firepower to make it to the CFP field and make deep runs. If Steve Sarkisian can get enough out of Manning, the offensive line holds up, and the run game is as advertised, you have to think as a Texas fan the defense gives you as good a shot as any.