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5 Sleeper Teams That Could Win 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship

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On Monday night, Alabama was crowned as the 2015-16 College Football Playoff Champion following a 45-40 victory over the Clemson Tigers. It was the Crimson Tide’s fourth national championship in the last seven seasons which also makes them one of the favorites heading into next season. Clemson also should be one of the favorites as the Tigers return almost their entire offense. While those are two of the favorites, here are five sleeper teams that could threaten them.

5. Houston Cougars

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The Cougars return the majority of their offense including dynamic quarterback Greg Ward Jr. On defense, Tom Herman is bringing in two five-star recruits which should fortify an already strong unit. If the Cougars can take down Oklahoma, they have a solid shot at crashing the College Football Playoff party.

The Cougars return the majority of their offense including dynamic quarterback Greg Ward Jr. On defense, Tom Herman is bringing in two five-star recruits which should fortify an already strong unit. If the Cougars can take down Oklahoma, they have a solid shot at crashing the College Football Playoff party.

4. UCLA Bruins

UCLA Bruins Getty Images
The Bruins return nine starters on the defensive side of the ball and while there are only five coming back on offense, the most important, quarterback Josh Rosen, should be ready for a monster season in his second year. If Rosen takes that next step, the Bruins should be the favorites in the PAC-12 and could run the table.

The Bruins return nine starters on the defensive side of the ball and while there are only five coming back on offense, the most important, quarterback Josh Rosen, should be ready for a monster season in his second year. If Rosen takes that next step, the Bruins should be the favorites in the PAC-12 and could run the table.

3. TCU Horned Frogs

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The Horned Frogs will lose starting quarterback Trevone Boykin, top receiver Josh Doctson and starting running back Aaron Green which would typically be a bad omen. Fortunately, head coach Gary Patterson has former Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill waiting in the wings and plenty of weapons sticking around on offense. With seven starters returning on defense, don't count the Horned Frogs out.

The Horned Frogs will lose starting quarterback Trevone Boykin, top receiver Josh Doctson and starting running back Aaron Green which would typically be a bad omen. Fortunately, head coach Gary Patterson has former Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill waiting in the wings and plenty of weapons sticking around on offense. With seven starters returning on defense, don't count the Horned Frogs out.

2. Ole Miss Rebels

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Although the Rebels will be losing six defensive starters and Laquon Treadwell, Chad Kelly will be returning to lead what should be an explosive offense. With a top recruiting class coming, Hugh Freeze's team could surprise a lot of people next season.

Although the Rebels will be losing six defensive starters and Laquon Treadwell, Chad Kelly will be returning to lead what should be an explosive offense. With a top recruiting class coming, Hugh Freeze's team could surprise a lot of people next season.

1. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee Volunteers Getty Images
The Volunteers will return the most starters in the SEC next season as Butch Jones brings back nine starters on offense and as many as eight on defense. Led by quarterback Joshua Dobbs, the Volunteers' offense should be the most explosive unit in the SEC which could easily lead them to a National Championship.

The Volunteers will return the most starters in the SEC next season as Butch Jones brings back nine starters on offense and as many as eight on defense. Led by quarterback Joshua Dobbs, the Volunteers' offense should be the most explosive unit in the SEC which could easily lead them to a National Championship.

Jason Fletcher is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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