College Football Bowl Projections: Brett McMurphy's Predictions for Week 0

Brett McMurphy dishes out his college football bowl projections and predictions ahead of Week 0's games.

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A quick reminder: the 12-team playoff debuts this year, as chosen by the College Football Playoff selection committee.

The five highest-ranked conference champions — regardless of ranking — receive an automatic bid to the playoff with the final spots going to the remaining seven highest-ranked teams.

The four highest-ranked conference champions receive byes into the quarterfinals and will be seeded Nos. 1-4 regardless of their selection committee ranking (even if they're “ranked” No. 3, 5, 12 and 24).

Projected College Football Playoff Field:
1. Oregon*
2. Alabama*
3. Miami*
4. Utah*
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Ole Miss
8. LSU
9. Penn State
10. Virginia Tech
11. Iowa
12. Texas State

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• Likes how well his DBs are playing the ball downfield. They're deflecting a lot of passes and have gotten rid of a lot of miscues and blown coverages. Says they're much more consistent this year than last year.
• They've been watching a lot of UCLA tape to figure out the structure of USC's new defense. They have a lot of talented players, but they need to learn to play as a unit.
• Says they're going to play 5+ DTs, DEs and LBs. There are going to be a lot of guys who make up what this team is.
• Says they will release the No. 18 jersey wearer within the next 48 hours. He's made a decision on "how that number is gonna end up."
• Expects this year's defense to be much more energized and enthusiastic than last year's. There's a sense of excitement that was missing last year.
• Sage Ryan and West Weeks are both close to coming back. Should be back this week. Also expect Chris Hilton (bone bruise) and Miles Frazier (ankle) to be back soon. Should all be available come the USC game.
• Thinks Paris Shand is one of the most technically sound defensive linemen on the team. He's very technical and has dedicated himself to getting stronger this summer. Says he's very reliable and will always be where he needs to be.
• They're having a hard time blocking Harold Perkins, and they have a very good offensive line. Says the highest praise he could give someone is that a player can elevate those around him, and he does that. Says he couldn't do it last year, but he's taken the next step this year.
• Says they're making some progress on deciding a backup QB. Felt they got into a lull last week and both guys were inconsistent, but have been better this week. Says Collin Hurley has thrown himself into the battle a bit too.
• Thinks Nussmeier's interception problem was because he was trying to make a big play every time he got a chance. Says he's really being intentional now and has worked hard on limiting his mistakes. Thinks he's done a very good job of fixing some of those errors.