Through all the classic surprises that come with each college football season, whether it be the closest Heisman Trophy race in recent memory or the various swings in major programs — the biggest draw and constant speculation throughout the season was the debut of the new 12-team playoff that fans had waited for. Now, with the bracket having been finalized, the consensus is that the bracket looks to be more entertaining and a major improvement but could use some work, with teams that do not seem as menacing like Arizona State University and Boise State University getting the third and fourth seeds that also come with byes. These schools were able to acquire this since they won their conferences, the problem some have with this though is the strength of these conferences being weaker than others. For example, the Southeastern Conference does not exactly compare to the Mountain West Conference. These teams getting these byes creates an ideology that certain paths are easier than others and that getting the number one seed creates a more difficult path to the championship than others.
Nonetheless, the first round consists of a very appealing element to the new format with the lower seed having to play at the higher seeds stadium. So, on Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m., Indiana University will play at the University of Notre Dame, with the winner playing the University of Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m.. On Saturday, Dec. 21 at noon, Southern Methodist University will play at Pennsylvania State University, with the winner playing Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m.. Then at 4 p.m., Clemson University will play at the University of Texas, with the winner playing Arizona State in the Peach Bowl at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Finally, to end the first round at 8 p.m., the University of Tennessee will play at the Ohio State University, with the winner playing the University of Oregon on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 5 p.m..
As far as my prediction, I think the cold weather will be too much for Tennessee against an agitated and fed-up Ohio State after a fourth consecutive loss to classic rivals, University of Michigan. However, I think Oregon will be very well prepared and beat whoever comes out of this game with Dillon Gabriel proving he can win big games. I think the Ducks roll against Ohio State.
In Austin, I see Texas escaping against a tough Clemson team with a homecoming for Cade Klubnik who grew up in Austin. I think the Tigers put up a good fight but will come up just short. Then against Arizona State, I think Texas again will barely beat the Sun Devils who have proved they can play with any team in the country.
I think to many people’s surprise, Indiana will go into South Bend and Kurtis Rourke will light up a Notre Dame team that I do not think is as good as many believe. Indiana finally got their ego check when they played Ohio State and I believe they are playoff-ready. However, Georgia is a battle-tested team that will get a good fight from Indiana but Georgia’s been here before and knows how to win these types of games and under Kirby Smart, they will get the job done.
Once again, a team like SMU going into a loud and hectic Beaver Stadium will not go well. As much as I do not think Penn State is that good, the weather and environment do not stack well against SMU at all and Penn State will win. I think Boise State loses in a game that gets away from them the longer it goes on and Penn State advances.
In the Semi-finals, Oregon will again handle Texas with too much firepower between Evan Stewart and Tez Johnson for Texas to handle — I think Oregon advance to the College Football National Championship. I also believe, with the experience they possess, Georgia will beat Penn State and advance to the championship with the Bulldog defense being a little too much for Drew Allar.
Finally in the championship, as boring as it is having the number one and number two seed in the championship, I think Oregon can beat anyone in the country with a high-powered offense led by a Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback and a highly skilled defense led by the most determined coach in the country Dan Lanning I cannot see Oregon losing this season.
