John Rudden ’18
The college ball season has finally reached its climax for the year. The playoff, which critics and fans all lobbied for, is now in its third year. By no means is the system perfect, but we should still be thankful for the abolition of the BCS. Last year, it provided another title for Alabama’s dynasty and this year might not be any different. This past January, Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide came out on top, drubbing a feeble looking Michigan State team (who were 3-9 this year) and then shutting down the Clemson Tigers in the final- but the lead up to this year’s National Championship hasn’t been about the Roll Tide. With Penn State winning the Big 10 conference title and beating Ohio State in the regular season, they had a pretty good argument for their acceptance to the playoff. However, Ohio State proved their worth with a smooth season, garnering only one loss. Loyal Nittany Lion fans still have a bone to pick with the committee. In the Big 12, their lack of a conference title game may have cost them a spot in the playoff. With the SEC, Big 10, ACC, and Pac 12 conferences all accounted for the Oklahoma Sooners, in the Big 12, were the odd man out. But let’s focus on who is in and who still has a shot to come out on top.
2017 College Football Playoff Preview
(#1) Alabama vs (#4) Washington Semifinal #1 Peach Bowl 12/31 3pm on ESPN
The Huskies stumbled just once this year and won a Pac 12 title just a few weeks ago. But in this semifinal they are heavy underdogs to a team that many would argue could take out some NFL teams. Alabama started the year at number one and they haven’t moved in the rankings since. Since Nick Saban’s arrival in 2007 the Tide have collected 4 National titles and 5 SEC championships. With this in mind, there is no reason Alabama should loss this game Bottom Line: Washington has certainly proved their worth of the course of the year, but Alabama’s stellar coaching staff and balance on both sides of the ball with power their way to a Peach Bowl title.
(#2) Clemson vs (#3) Ohio State Semifinal #2 Fiesta Bowl 12/31 7pm ESPN
The late game on New Year’s Eve should provide for a classic. The Tigers and Buckeyes each come into the Fiesta Bowl with one loss seasons. Both teams have high quality coaches, electric offenses, and Heisman hopefuls. So with all these similarities the game will likely be decided by only a few plays. The turnover battle will be one of the keys to victory. Bottom Line: On paper this match is a toss up. But Urban Meyer has won the National Championship before and experience at this level is hard to come by. Look for Ohio State to emerge victorious in a close game.
Winner of Semi #1 vs Winner of Semi #2 National Championship 1/9 8:30pm on ESPN
Tide vs Buckeyes, Saban vs Meyer, Alabama vs Ohio State. If it comes true this will be an exciting night of football. Few games will top the Michigan/Ohio St game that we had this year, but this has the makings for something special. Alabama is known for their defensive excellency and well roundedness. This has brought them numerous SEC and national 2017 College Football Playoff Preview championships. But can they add to their collection with a win on the ninth? Only time will tell, but if Alabama’s defensive secondary can produce the turnovers that they are most well known for, The Tide will likely claim a second playoff championship.
Tune in New Year’s Eve at 3 and 7pm for the semifinal games!
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