Watch your back: 3 dark horse teams that could crack the CFP
National championship favorites begin to emerge almost immediately after the title is captured, and with those favorites comes a slew of teams just one break away from leapfrogging into contention.
With programs like Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State, and Oklahoma thrown around as playoff contenders, the following three under-the-radar teams could do a lot this season to shake the foundation of college football.
Auburn
College football fans can be forgiven for automatically penciling Alabama into the SEC championship game in recent years, but a familiar foe could finally have what it takes to end the Crimson Tide's three-year winning streak.
Auburn hasn't beaten Alabama since the infamous kick-6 in the 2013 Iron Bowl, but Gus Malzahn may have the missing piece he's been searching for. Jarrett Stidham is the program's first high-ceiling quarterback since Cam Newton, and a spike in production from the passing game will bring the type of pressure opposing defenses haven't had to deal with for quite some time against the Tigers.
The bottom line is that Auburn needs to beat Alabama to have a shot. For the first time in three years, that's a real possibility.
Miami
The ACC Coastal Division is wide open in 2017, and Miami has emerged as a favorite to reach its first conference championship game since joining the ACC in 2004. Taking care of business in the division is one thing, but sealing the deal against a cross-division rival will be another matter entirely.
The Hurricanes would likely be considered underdogs against Clemson, Florida State, and Louisville, but that doesn't mean Mark Richt's boys should be brushed off. Miami showed resilience last season by only losing one game by more than a touchdown and convincingly dispatching West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
As with most programs, their offensive success will start under center. If Mark Walton and Ahmmon Richards are going to perform at a difference-making level, they need a QB who can create opportunities.
Wisconsin
Much like the ACC, the Big Ten is shaping up to be a conference with a plethora of contenders in one division and a noticeably thinner crop in the other. Wisconsin's greatest strength on defense last season was without a doubt its ability to contain the running game, putting the Badgers in good shape matching up against Penn State and arguably the nation's best in Saquon Barkley, as well as Ohio State and sophomore spark plug Mike Weber.
More production is needed on offense to complement stingy defense. Alex Hornibrook will have to take the next step, and a new man needs to fill the void left by Corey Clement and Dare Ogunbowale in the backfield.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)