5 CFB teams helped by a shortened offseason

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It's tough enough breaking even over the course of a traditional college football season. Imagine what it's like to try and cap a market that doesn't yet have a plan for 2020.

As sports leagues search for contingency plans to maneuver around the COVID-19 pandemic, college football might involve the most intricate adjustments - one minor change to the season could drastically affect the outlook of a 130-team field.

Frankly, there isn't enough time in the day to list all the potential variables. Instead, let's hypothetically treat the 2020 season as if it had a shortened offseason, which could be a likely scenario. Teams would start the season sooner, with non-conference games potentially stripped from the schedule.

Here are the five teams that would benefit the most.

Clemson

Continuity would be vital for Clemson. The Tigers are No. 96 in the country in returning production, but it's where they bring back talent that's key.

ESPN's Bill Connelly found that quarterback play and returning skill players had the biggest correlation to next year's success or regression. Clemson has arguably the most lethal offensive trio in college football in quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne, and wide receiver Justyn Ross. That'll certainly play.

Clemson isn't looking at a tough slate in 2020 and outside of a visit to Notre Dame in November, the Tigers are likely to be more than two-touchdown favorites in every other game this season.

Alabama

I don't think it's a coincidence that another blue-blood program with a history of winning makes the list. You could make a case that returning production is the main factor in success with a shortened offseason, but I'd be content with investing in Alabama's talent. We know Alabama is going to reload again in 2020; who better to get the team prepared than Nick Saban? Even after losing four first-round draft picks on offense, the Tide will roll this season.

Texas

I don't love banking on a team that has new coordinators on both sides of the ball, but I like Texas in 2020, shortened offseason or not.

After being one of the most inexperienced teams last season, Texas will flip the script in 2020. The Longhorns are No. 21 in the country in returning production, bringing back two-thirds of the offense and 82% of the defense. Take out the road game at LSU in Week 2 and Texas has a legitimate path to reach the College Football Playoff.

USC

USC is one of those programs with solid returning production but also a gauntlet of opponents. Shortening the offseason would alleviate a little bit of the pressure for the Trojans.

The Pac-12 affiliate returns the fifth-most production in the nation, with 82% of last year's squad back. USC's overall recruiting has taken a hit, so there isn't a huge window of opportunity after this season.

Remove the non-conference game against Alabama to open the year and USC looks more and more appealing.

UCF

Central Florida's set the standard in the AAC and would be a popular pick again in 2020 with an abbreviated offseason. The Knights have a clear talent advantage over the rest of the conference, which could see some of last season's contenders slump after SMU, Memphis, and Cincinnati overachieved.

UCF needs no favors, but it'd duck two opponents out of the ACC with a roster that's top 40 in the country in returning production.

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.