On the first night of 2015, we college football lovers across the nation sat stunned on our sofas as a revived Ohio State team rode the back of its third-string quarterback (and some guy named Ezekiel Elliott) to an upset of top-ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Earlier in the day we may have chuckled a little during the Rose Bowl as Jameis Winston fell over, Jimbo Fisher fumed and Oregon took advantage of four-straight Florida State turnovers to beat the defending champs 59-20.
These two games marked the beginning of a new era. For the first time in the history of college football, a playoff system had been installed. And, 11 days later, the Buckeyes beat the Ducks to win the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship.
Now we find ourselves approaching the second edition of the CFP, which starts with the semifinals on New Year’s Eve. Four teams have a chance to do what Ohio State did last year (but won’t do this year, sorry Buckeye fans) and nab the coveted CFP National Championship Trophy: Clemson, Alabama, Michigan State and Oklahoma.
The 4-seed in the playoff is Oklahoma. The Sooners won the “Big 12” outright with an 11-1 record, despite losing to 5-7 Texas. We’ll call it a fluke because it was a rivalry game, and also because this team is really good. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and runningback Samaje Perine have the offense scoring at will, and the defense looks vastly improved from a year ago.
After winning the Big Ten Championship last week, Michigan State clinched a playoff spot as the 3-seed. The defensive-minded Spartans typically don’t get many style points but head coach Mark Dantonio always seems to find a way to get it done. Let’s be honest, this team is fortunate to be here (ahem, Michigan punter). But if they have success running the ball to open up big-time quarterback Connor Cook, this team is very dangerous.
Alabama is the 2-seed in this year’s playoff after winning another SEC Championship. The Tide is physical and has more talent on the offensive and defensive line than anyone in the country. Add to that a Heisman candidate runningback, head coach Nick Saban and the confidence that comes with having won three of the last six national championships, and you have a recipe for success.
The only unbeaten team and number 1-seed is Clemson. The Tigers are virtually unstoppable offensively with Heisman candidate Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Head coach Dabo Swinney always seems to be a master of motivating his team and getting them ready to play in big games.The one question with this team is whether they can win the battle in the trenches. If they play physical on the defensive side of the ball, a 15-0 season is very possible.
So on the last day of 2015, make an early New Year’s resolution to watch more football, and join us on the sofa to watch four great teams battle it out while the ball drops in the background.
