College Football Playoff Preview

Michigan vs. Alabama

Starting, this is one of the best uniform matchups that college football has to offer. Then add that it is at the Rose Bowl, and you have a recipe for success. All the talk with this game will be centered around Alabama jumping Florida State and taking the fourth seed in the playoff (it was the right decision). Due to this and Alabama’s slow start, there seems to be a lot of doubt on the side of the Crimson Tide, but you won’t find it here. Ever since being benched, Jalen Milroe has been letting the naysayers know just how good he is, especially with his legs. Milroe’s ability to escape pressure and extend plays has been evident throughout this season. The Alabama defense is just as good as it normally is as well. Michigan has looked like the most dominant team in college football all year on both sides of the ball, but especially on the defensive end. They are leading the country in points allowed per game with only 9.5(!!!) and second in yards allowed per game at 239.7. Michigan’s big weakness is their inability to play from behind, or so we think as they have not trailed much this year. The mismatch that will have the biggest impact in my opinion is coaching. Nick Saban is 16-6 in bowl games whereas Jim Harbaugh is 2-7. Give Nick Saban and his staff a month to prepare and I give them the big edge on that side. Ultimately this game will come down to the arm of McCarthy in my opinion as I see Alabama getting in the endzone first. I think this game will remain close because of just how good these teams are. Take the points here.

Pick: Alabama +2

Texas vs. Washington

True readers will know that I was all in Texas during the preseason. This is a rematch of last year’s Alamo Bowl, where Washington won 27-20. The game was not as close as the score may show, however. Washington took the Pac-12 in its final season, going undefeated up against a very difficult schedule, beating Oregon twice. Michael Penix and the Husky offense have been easily the most exciting, fun-to-watch teams in the country. Penix led the college football in passing yards this season, and total offense was top 10 this year. This offense is an absolute machine through the air, which is where the Texas defense has struggled the most. Washington will have no trouble putting up points, and they will equally struggle to stop the Texas offense. Quinn Ewers looked fine last year but made many risky throws, he has cut his turnover-worthy plays in half. This has led the Texas offense to be top 15 in both total offense and points per game. Washington also struggles defensively to stop the pass. Where the game will be decided is in the red zone. If Texas can rewrite the inconsistencies that have been the thorn in its offense’s side, then the Horns should be moving on to Houston. Everything that I have seen has said this total is too high, well I have greened out and been too high before and I was just fine, take the over. Spread-wise, this number is a little too close for my comfort but I would lean to taking Texas.

Pick: Over 62.5