NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — On the day before the final BCS National Championship, Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher was already looking at next season, and the seasons to follow.
“Teams come and go, programs sustain the test of time,” Fisher said.
The program Bobby Bowden built into a behemoth is back on top after winning the school’s first national championship in 14 years, defeating Auburn, 34-31, Monday night. And the team — most of it, at least — isn’t going anywhere just yet.
After hiring six new coaches and losing 11 players to the NFL Draft after last season, Florida State will return nearly its entire core next season, including Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.
“Florida State, it’s like the reckoning,” Fisher said. “Things are getting back in order again.”
The Seminoles will be the favorites to capture a second straight national championship, but with a new four-team playoff, the chances increase there will be an unexpected run to the title game like Notre Dame and Auburn have done in the past two seasons.
It’s unlikely any team will replicate Auburn’s incredible rise from a three-win team to the brink of a championship any time soon, but here are some teams that could make a surprise appearance in the new four-team College Football Playoff next season (odds provided by bovada.lv):
Notre Dame: 33/1
Brian Kelly did it once, he can do it again. The Fighting Irish reached last year’s title game following a five-loss season, and next season, coming off a four-loss campaign, the team will bring back the quarterback that got them there. Everett Golson, who led Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season as a redshirt freshman, missed this season because of academic violations, but will return next season with a talented supporting cast. Their biggest hurdle will be a brutal schedule, including 10 opponents that reached bowls this season.
Nebraska: 50/1
Bo Pelini survived the season despite constant speculation about his job status, but the Huskers coach should have his best team since taking over in 2008. An improving defense could become one of the Big Ten’s best, while the offense could be electric if running back Ameer Abdullah returns to Lincoln. Plus, having legendary coach Tom Osborne on the 13-member playoff selection committee can’t hurt.
North Carolina: 50/1
It isn’t just about basketball anymore on Tobacco Road. Rival Duke shocked the nation by reaching the ACC Championship Game, and the Tar Heels could be in the same spot next season after averaging 32.7 points this season. North Carolina overcame a 1-5 start to win six of its final seven games, and has the luxury of playing in a different ACC division than Florida State and Clemson.
Washington: 66/1
After amassing a 92-12 record at Boise State and helping complete the monumental accomplishment of turning the Broncos into a national program, Chris Petersen heads west and inherits a team on the rise. The offense could have a couple questions marks, especially with running back Bishop Sankey going pro, but the Huskies’ defense should be among the best in the conference.
Kansas State: 100/1
Led by coach Bill Snyder, who led Kansas State to the No. 1 ranking in the country during his first tenure in Manhattan, Kan., the Wildcats will only get better after a year of rebuilding. Kansas State opened 2-4 this season, but finished with wins in six of its final seven games. With the stability on offense of returning quarterback Jake Waters and wide receiver Tyler Lockett, the Wildcats could be an interesting long shot in Vegas.