College Football: Who’s Best Bet To Win 2023-24 National Title?
The 2023 college football season is swiftly approaching. The Georgia Bulldogs are eager to begin yet another title-defending campaign after capturing their second consecutive College Football Playoff National Championship last season. Georgia became the first program to win back-to-back national championships since the Alabama squads of 2011 and 2012. A 65-7 victory over TCU capped an incredible season for the undefeated Bulldogs.
It’s time to look toward some never-too-early futures for the 2024 College Football season. Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs will be aiming to make history by capturing a third straight national title. Georgia once again faces the challenge of reloading after losing several talents to the 2023 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, several programs have made strides in their attempt to dethrone the Bulldogs.
BetOnline recently updated their odds for the 2024 College Football Playoff National Champions. The top 10 favorites shake out as follows:
- Georgia (+260)
- Alabama (+700)
- Ohio State (+750)
- Michigan (+1000)
- LSU (+1000)
- Clemson (+1200)
- USC (+1400)
- Texas (+1800)
- Penn State (+2500)
- Florida State (+2500)
THE FAVORITE AND MY PICK: GEORGIA
Smart’s Bulldogs will face challenges this campaign after losing the likes of Jalen Carter, Broderick Jones, Nolan Smith, and several others to the 2023 NFL Draft. The challenge was similar last season and Smart proved he was capable of navigating through those difficulties by winning another national championship. There’s little reason to believe he can’t repeat that success in 2023.
The biggest question may occur at quarterback following the departure of Stetson Bennett. Coach Smart is holding an open competition at quarterback between Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff, and Gunner Stockton. Beck enters fall camp as the favorite for a variety of reasons. Beck is the oldest of the trio and is entering his fourth year in Georgia’s program. Whoever wins the job will be supported by tight end Brock Bowers, and a loaded defense that includes linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. and cornerback Javon Bullard.
THE NO. 1 CONTENDER: ALABAMA
Alabama is staring down a bounce-back opportunity. The Crimson Tide missed the College Football Playoff this past season for just the second time since 2014. They also lost superstar quarterback Bryce Young, who the Carolina Panthers selected with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
All in all, Alabama saw 10 players get drafted, including Young and Will Anderson Jr. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien returned to the New England Patriots. Sweeping changes occurred across Alabama’s personnel and coaching staff.
Young’s departure means Alabama is having a quarterback battle into fall camp for the first time since 2018. Redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe has the inside track. Nick Saban’s squad is littered with talent, as per usual, but there’s just a bit too much uncertainty here for them to overtake Georgia as favorites.
DON’T SLEEP ON: MICHIGAN
Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines have begun stringing together annual success in recent years. Michigan enters the 2023 campaign as favorites to three-peat as Big Ten champions. Continuity should help the Wolverines achieve their lofty goals.
Michigan’s efforts will be boosted by J.J. McCarthy, who returns as the starting quarterback. Coach Harbaugh is facing a potential four-game suspension, but Michigan opens the season with four consecutive home games against non-Power-5, non-conference opponents. Michigan could take a leap by competing for a national championship in 2023.
