Dalton Wasserman

Tennessee’s formula has been simple: play great defense, run the ball and wait for Nico Iamaleava to develop. Any team that can pressure a quarterback like Tennessee can stands a chance.

The Mustangs' offense is balanced and explosive, and their defense is wildly underrated. SMU should also have its big-game jitters out of the way after a thrilling game against Clemson.

Any team armed with a top-10 passer and a defense that creates takeaways is a threat. The Tigers have the talent to put a scare into anybody if they can execute at a consistently high level.

There have been cracks at times in the trenches, but Oregon is one of just three teams inside the top 10 in both offensive and defensive grade. The Ducks have been the most consistently balanced team in college football, which will be an asset considering the tough road they were given in this bracket.

The Bulldogs still have plenty of talent and a defensive mastermind in Kirby Smart. No matter their flaws, they will be as prepared to play in a win-or-go-home scenario as any team left standing, and they will not be an easy out.

If Maddux Madsen and offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter can conjure up enough passing production to keep defenses honest, Ashton Jeanty can lead the way against lighter boxes, while the team’s defense does just enough to keep the Broncos in games.

Cam Skattebo is one of the best running backs in the country, while Sam Leavitt is a legitimate force. An explosive offense combined with a defense that plays greater than the sum of its parts will be tough for opponents to overcome.

Aside from questions along their offensive line, Ohio State has a plethora of talent all over the field, and Will Howard has shown that he is capable of leading the Buckeyes to wins. If Ohio State finds any improvement up front, it is certainly talented enough to win a national championship.

Although Quinn Ewers has been up and down all season, the Longhorns' defense has enough talent to take the team on a deep run to a title.

Aside from some weakness on the perimeter in the passing game, Notre Dame has plenty of elite pieces to work with. Their rushing attack is formidable, while their defense leads the nation in takeaways.

If Indiana can protect QB Kurtis Rourke in obvious passing situations, the team has the tools to compete with anyone in the country.

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