The Fix: Our full series on the biggest questions heading into college football season
Over the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the upcoming college football season. Want more? Read our full preview.
Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide are a mainstay atop the modern era of college football. Since Nick Saban joined as head coach in 2007, the team has claimed three national titles, 19 All-Americans, and a 74-15 record.
An infamous last-second missed field goal that was returned 109-yards by Auburn's Chris Davis kept Alabama from what could have been a third straight national title in 2013.
Florida State
The Florida State Seminoles enjoyed a fair bit of success in the BCS era, but the Bowl Championship Series is no more, and the Seminoles will now look to carry that success into the new playoff era.
Not surprisingly, the team's success a year ago has led to many underclassmen jumping ship for the pro ranks, but there's still plenty of talent in Tallahassee as the team gets set for another run at a national title.
Auburn
The Auburn Tigers were a win away from glory in 2013, but were done in by a late scoring drive orchestrated by the year's Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, and were forced to watch Florida State celebrate their national title win.
Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes have had the regular season's number the past two years, going 24-0 in scheduled contests under Urban Meyer, but finding success beyond that has been far more elusive.
LSU
The LSU Tigers are now six years removed from their last national title win, but the team enters this upcoming season with hope in the form of the top recruit in the country.
Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish took a step back last season after making the national championship game following an undefeated regular season in 2012. With Brian Kelly calling the shots, the team will only ever have its sights set on returning to the title game, and things will be no different this season.
Michigan State
The Michigan State Spartans enjoyed a successful 2013 season, winning the Big Ten, and downing Stanford to win the Rose Bowl. Now the team looks to build on that momentum as they search for the program's first national championship since 1966.
Florida
The Florida Gators look to bounce back from a forgettable 2013 season with a healthier squad taking the field come the fall - one they hope remains healthy throughout the season.
Texas A&M
The Texas A&M Aggies have made significant strides under head coach Kevin Sumlin, emerging as a contender in the always tough SEC West. The team will face some serious challenges now as they say goodbye to Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Johnny Manziel, and usher in a new era under center.
Oregon
The Oregon Ducks found themselves on the cusp of the national title hunt in each of the last three seasons, hoping to return to the championship game following their 2011 loss to the Auburn Tigers, but in the end, they've found themselves on the outside looking in each time.