Predicting which college football teams can go undefeated in 2023
Going undefeated is one of the more rare achievements we still see in college football, though it's not at all unheard of: in the 21st century so far, a total of 20 teams have pulled off a perfect season, including two in this decade, most recently defending College Football Playoff national champion Georgia in 2022.
And when looking at the 2023 season to come, it's clear that Georgia is the odds-on favorite to finish undefeated again, especially when looking at the Bulldogs' roster and schedule. But which other teams have the best chance to go all the way without a loss?
Predicting which college football teams can go undefeated in 2023
Michigan
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Chance to go undefeated: 4.3%
W/L projection: 10.0-2.1
Schedule: 2023 Michigan Football Schedule
The word: Michigan has a chance to get off on a very strong footing early in the season in the non-conference slate and boasts the firepower especially on offense, with the return of running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, both playing behind one of the nation's better protection units, to withstand the second half of the slate. Penn State and Ohio State stick out as the two games the index projects Michigan could lose.
USC
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Chance to go undefeated: 4.6%
W/L projection: 10.3-2.4
Schedule: 2023 USC Football Schedule
The word: Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams returns at quarterback for the Trojans, armed as expected with another arsenal of legitimate offensive weapons to distribute the ball to, but USC can only go as far as its defense will allow. The second half of this schedule features two tough road games and home tilts with Pac-12 champ Utah and a gifted Washington team that can play some offense, too.
Clemson
Chance to go undefeated: 6.8%
W/L projection: 10.3-2.3
Schedule: 2023 Clemson Football Schedule
The word: A monster clash in the ACC for Clemson in Week 4 against Florida State, one of the league's best teams with a ton of returning talent and coming off a 10-win season, but that game at least comes at home in Memorial Stadium. Trips to Miami and NC State come in October with matchups against Notre Dame and North Carolina, each boasting credible threats at quarterback, are at home in November.
Alabama
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Chance to go undefeated: 13.6%
W/L projection: 11.1-1.6
Schedule: 2023 Alabama Football Schedule
The word: One of the biggest early season matchups on the college football calendar comes in Week 2 when the Crimson Tide welcomes Texas for a rematch of the 1-point game from last fall. That game will tell us a lot about how Alabama's defensive adjustments have come along in the face of what appears to be a very competent Texas downfield attack with Quinn Ewers at quarterback. Three of Bama's other big games — Arkansas, Tennessee, and LSU — all come at home, as well.
Georgia
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Chance to go undefeated: 22.4%
W/L projection: 11.7-1.2
Schedule: 2023 Georgia Football Schedule
The word: Seven weeks into the season, Georgia should be the undisputed and undefeated No. 1 team in college football, drawing two road games against Auburn and Vanderbilt before the idle week. Ole Miss at home on Nov. 11 is one to watch for before what should be the Bulldogs' toughest test, the following weekend on the road against Tennessee. That appears to account for the projected 1.2 losses on the FPI, but even then Georgia will almost certainly be favored here.
Ohio State
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Chance to go undefeated: 34.3%
W/L projection: 11.8-1.0
Schedule: 2023 Ohio State Football Schedule
The word: FPI strongly favors Ohio State this season, ranking it No. 1 on the preseason rankings and estimating it will beat teams by an average of over 31 points per game. That's some confidence given the Buckeyes have to make a change at quarterback and on the offensive line. But looking over the defensive front and receiver/tailback core, OSU should have enough to tangle with the likes of Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Michigan on the road, while drawing Penn State at home. But there's also a trip to Purdue on Oct. 14, which Ohio State fans will remind you, hasn't always gone well in the past.
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