New Years will be more than people starting their resolutions. It will be the first time in the history of college football that they will be having a playoff to decide who wins the national championship.
The Rose Bowl and All-State Sugar Bowl have been chosen to represent the semifinal games. No. 1 Alabama will play No. 4 Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, while Oregon and Florida State will play for the Rose Bowl. Here is a friendly preview to get you ready.
Alabama vs. Ohio State
The Sugar Bowl will pit two great football minds in Urban Meyer and Nick Saban against each other. Alabama will need to get its run game going with TJ Yeldon. Quarterback Blake Sims will have to stay confident and get on a good role early. On the defensive side, the Crimson Tide must limit the number of big plays for Ohio State.
Bama will also be in a tough spot with freshman Cardale Jones at the helm for the Buckeyes. He played in the Big Ten Championship and led Ohio State past Wisconsin.
In order for the Buckeyes to win, they will need to limit Yeldon’s offensive production as well as get into the head of Sims. If they get into Sims’ head, he will begin to make mistakes, which will lead to turnovers.
Prediction: Alabama over Ohio State, 38-31.
Oregon vs Florida State
Oregon will be without its best corner and defensive leader Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, which will put the pass defense in a tough spot. The Ducks will need to score and limit Winston’s chances to run the ball. Although he is a good pocket passer, limiting his running will make it a little easier for Oregon.
Florida State will need to do what every other team Oregon has played couldn’t do, force Mariota to turn the ball over. It may seem impossible, but the Seminoles can’t keep up if the game turns into an offensive shootout.
Oregon’s offense will be too much and with the Seminoles being known for getting behind early in games, the Ducks will create a deficit that will be too much to overcome.
Prediction: Oregon handles Florida State, 52-42.
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