College Football Playoff era begins

A new era in college football is here.After years of deriding the BCS, fans will finally get what they – well, most of them – wanted with the new College Football Playoff.It’s new, it’s exciting and, as was the case with the old system, will probably cause plenty of complaining since only four teams get a chance to play for the title.It all starts with a handful of games this week before the full rollout on Saturday.To get you ready, we’ve got some of the top teams, players and games to keep an eye on as the season hurtles toward the Final Four in January.—PLAYOFF BASICSSo how will the new playoff system work? We’ve got a quick rundown:-Four teams get into the playoff, with the winners of the semifinals playing in the title game.-A 13-member selection committee will pick teams for the semifinals and selected other bowls. The committee will begin releasing rankings on Oct. 21 and end with the final matchups on Dec. 7.-The semifinals will rotate among six bowls: Rose, Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach and Sugar. The Rose and Sugar bowls get the first two.-This year’s title game will be Jan. 12 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.—TOP TEAMSFlorida State. Defending national champion, reigning Heisman Trophy winner – might as well start there.Alabama. AJ McCarron may be gone, but the Tide is still strong.Oregon. The Pac-12 hasn’t won a national title since USC in 2004. The flying Ducks have a chance to change that.Oklahoma. The Sooners beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and have a menacing defense that returns most of its starters.Auburn. Tigers played in final BCS title game and are still stocked, with Heisman Trophy contender Nick Marshall back under center.—TOP PLAYERSJameis Winston, QB, Florida State. Won the Heisman and a national championship as a freshman. Can play a little.Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon. A Heisman finalist, orchestrator of Oregon’s version of Duck Dynasty.Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor. Bears set an NCAA scoring record last season. Might top it this season with Petty back.Myles Jack, LB/RB, UCLA. Taking the two-way thing to a whole new level.Nick Marshall, QB, Auburn. He won’t start the opener after being cited for marijuana possession. Once he gets rolling, watch out.—BEST GAMESMichigan State at Oregon, Sept. 6…

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