Starting this in '83 because the 5th-ranked team in the final regular season poll ended up the National Champion (Miami). Impossible to do in a 4-team playoff now. So this should be fun. (Blurbs are as if the bowls havent been played yet)
1. Nebraska - Big 8
Most everybody knows they are the big favorite to with the NC. Blew out #4 Penn State the start the year, but didn't play another ranked team in the regular season. Scored 60+ points six times. Averaged over 400 yds rushing per game. Option QB Turner Gill had 14 TD passes to only 4 INT. Main RB Rozier averaged 7.8 ypc.
2. Texas - SWC
Defense, Defense, Defense. The Horns held six opponents to under 10 points. They were the only team to beat Auburn and also had wins over #8 OU and #9 SMU. The offense wasn't special, but the defense was. And their FG kicker made 15 out of 16 on the year.
3. Auburn - SEC
Only loss was to Texas in 2nd game. Beat #17 FSU and ended the season on a tear - defeating 4 straight ranked foes (#5 Florida, #7 Maryland, #4 Georgia, #19 Alabama). Offense didn't pass much, nor should they, with Bo Jackson carrying the ball to the tune of 7.7 ypc.
4. Illinois - Big Ten
Lost first game of the season, then reeled off 10 straight wins. Beat #4 Iowa 33-0. Also beat #6 Ohio St and #8 Michigan. Closed out the year with 3 blowout victories to finish undefeated in Big Ten play. QB Jack Trudeau led the offense with a strong passing attack and the defense pilfered 21 balls for interceptions.
All-Americans involved:
RB - Bo Jackson, Auburn
RB - Mike Rozier, Nebraska
WR - Irving Fryar, Nebraska
OL - Doug Dawson, Texas
OL - Dean Steinkuhler, Nebraska
LB - Jeff Leiding, Texas
DB - Jerry Gray, Texas