Possible playoff team?

[Hoofprint]

Interesting -- from Stewart Mandel:

Who might surprise the country this season with a CFP bid? And who might surprise us by not making it? — Jason S.

I have a feeling there will be a surprise team from either the ACC or Big 12, both because of the expected parity and the wildly imbalanced schedules. In that spirit, why not ACC newcomer SMU?

The Mustangs finished 11-3 and knocked off Tulane in the AAC title game despite losing star quarterback Preston Stone the week before. While known for its explosive offenses under Sonny Dykes and Rhett Lashlee, SMU was particularly impressive on defense last season, finishing No. 6 nationally in yards per play allowed (4.6). No doubt the ACC will present a step up in competition, but even last season, the Mustangs finished in the top 25 in the opponent-adjusted SP+ ratings last season.

And the schedule seems manageable. SMU’s two likely toughest games will be its first two conference games, home against Florida State and at Louisville. No one else would be definitively favored over the Mustangs. And remember, they don’t necessarily need to win the ACC to make it in this format. Even a 10-2 team would be on the short list.