College Football Playoff Fraud Meter: Ranking the Biggest Contenders and Pretenders

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2. Clemson Tigers

The Clemson Tigers lost three times this season, but capped the year off with an ACC Championship. I would be concerned about how deep this team can go in the bracket. Taking on Texas in Round 1 is a very difficult task. 

Fraud Meter: High 

National Championship Odds: +6000

3. Boise State Broncos

There are certain aspects of the Broncos that are easily to fall in love with. Hint, we're talking about Ashton Jeanty. The Broncos have a bye in Round 1, but it's hard to see this team being put in a favorable situation no matter the outcome. 

Fraud Meter: Fairly High

National Championship Odds: +6000

4. Arizona State Sun Devils

The Arizona State Sun Devils have a great vibe around them after their Big 12 Championship victory. Still, when you match this team up with the cream of the crop, I don't envision it going over very swimmingly. 

Fraud Meter: Fairly High 

National Championship Odds: +6000

5. SMU Mustangs

Even though the SMU Mustangs comeback attempt in the ACC Championship fell short, there's still a lot to like about this program. The issue for the Mustangs revolves around whether they can keep their opening round matchup against the Nittany Lions close. I'm not sure they can. 

Fraud Meter: Fairly High

National Championship Odds: +4000

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish don't have the strongest resume entering the bracket, but they largely played a complete season. The elephant in the room with the Fighting Irish revolves around their loss to Northern Illinois. If they don't falter there, you probably have more confidence in this team. 

Fraud Meter: Medium 

National Championship Odds: +850

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7. Penn State Nittany Lions

There wasn't a lot to write home about for the Penn State Nittany Lions in terms of their resume. Still, there's a lot of talent on this football team, and you can make a pretty good case they can make a run to at least the semi-finals. 

Fraud Meter: Medium

National Championship Odds: +550

8. Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers didn't get the best draw in Round 1 against Ohio State. Still, the Volunteers played well down the stretch and have the talent to go on a real run. The only concern for me is their path. 

Fraud Meter: Medium 

National Championship Odds: +2500

9. Ohio State Buckeyes

Even with a loss to Michigan to close out the year, the Ohio State Buckeyes are very capable of winning the national championship. Whether or not they will do that and potentially save Ryan Day's job is another story. 

Fraud Meter: Low to Medium

National Championship Odds: +500

10. Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns lost twice this season, both times to the Georgia Bulldogs. The Longhorns matchup well against the bulk of the field, and you have to love their potential path to at least the CFP semi-finals. 

Fraud Meter: Low to Medium

National Championship Odds: +360

11. Georgia Bulldogs

There are some concerns surrounding the Georgia Bulldogs quarterback situation, but they have the luxury of time on their side after winning the SEC and getting a bye. The Bulldogs will go as far as their offensive line and defense take them. 

Fraud Meter: Low to Medium

National Championship Odds: +480

12. Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks are the only undefeated team remaining in college football. The Ducks look the part of the biggest national title threat, and their odds reflect that. Although the Ducks are the top seed in the bracket, their path to the championship isn't exactly easy. You have to wonder if this format gets altered as soon as next year. 

Fraud Meter: Low 

National Championship Odds: +360

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