New Years 6 and College Football Playoffs Predictions
Its Christmas time. And as everybody is celebrating this lovely holiday with family and friends, reflecting back on the accomplishments of 2018 I will be looking ahead to 2019 where we have the NY6 and the National Championships.
So here we go with part 2
Ready, Set, Bowl.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Florida v Michigan
Both teams boast pretty balanced offenses. Florida has more of the advantage in the run game with Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett. But Michigan has one of the best defenses in the FBS. I do see Shae Patterson struggle due to a knee injury. But I think that Michigan wants revenge after being throttled by OSU on the road, and losing to South Carolina in last years NY6 bowl. Expect this to be a low defensive battle. And with Michigan's options of Receivers and Patterson having a great game. Harbaugh and Co. can put this season to bed with a win. Michigan
Outback Bowl
Mississippi St. v Iowa
Mississippi St. has a strong run game, Iowa has a strong passing game. And both teams have stingy defenses. The Bulldogs are deep in the running back spot so if one player goes down, two more are in his place. The Hawkeyes can run effectively on the ground as their leading rusher are more effective getting into the endzone than Miss St. But I'm curious on how much Fant's absence might impact this Iowa team. Iowa's make enough plays to give the B1G another bowl victory. Iowa
Citrus Bowl
Kentucky v Penn St.
Both teams are pretty balanced, with the edge going to Penn St. on both rushing yards and passing yards. Both offenses have a guy who can run for 100+ yards. But Penn state has a more options in the way of receivers to throw. And with the B1G record in bowl games and the fact that I'm 0-2 when going against the B1G, Penn St is a better team than Northwestern. Penn St.
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
LSU v UCF
UCF should look out for Brossette and the Tiger's run game as they can slice and dice their way up the field with ease. UCF's run defense can slow them down, but its a tall order. UCF plans to bring their balance attack with Darriel Mack at the helm. But will it be enough though as LSU has had the 3rd toughest schedule while UCF is sitting at 72nd. And the loss of Milton really hurts here. But, Mack has had a month to prepare for this LSU team and a late comeback will put UCF at 26 straight wins. UCF
Rose Bowl
Washington v Ohio St
Washington does not stand a chance. Browning ability at quarterback is overshadowed by Dwayne Haskins, who is a much accurate thrower than Browning, and has a 6:1 touchdown/interception ratio. While OSU is not strong on the ground, and have at times, struggled to get anything going on offense. But with this being Meyers last game as the head coach for OSU. Motivation will be on OSU's side. Ohio St.
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Texas v Georgia
Both of these teams are coming off of disappointing conference championship losses. Texas has the nice advantage of a dual threat QB in Sam Ehliger who can pass for 240 yards and 25 TD's, and can run for 13 more. But Georgia has more size on offense. And I still thing that loss to Bama still stings as Georgia overwhelms the Longhorns weak pass defense and get some huge plays on the ground. Georgia
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CFP Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
#2 Clemson v #3 Notre Dame
Clemson boast a nice balanced offensive attack compared to the Irish's pass attack. They slightly edge the Irish on yards gained through the air and dominate them on the ground attack. Ian Brook is a solid quarterback who is averaging almost 100 more yards than Lawrence and completing his passes at a rate of 70% compared to Lawrence 65. And both teams have solid running backs who can go for big yards like Clemson's Travis Etienne (112 yds/gm) and Dexter Williams for the Irish (117 yds/gm). As well as a myriad of receivers on both teams as well. But both teams aren't strong against the pass allowing close to 200 yds/gm. Clemson boast the 3rd best run defense in the FBS at 99 yds/gm. Which can cause fits for the Irish run game. And looking at both teams schedules. Clemson has had only one close game and that was Syracuse who bested them last year. While the Irish has had about 4 games that were close, Pitt gave them issues but were able to make the stops, along with NU who had a surge late in the 4th but was able to ice the game with a Ian Book TD. and Ball St even gave them fits along with USC. So no matter how much the Irish bend, they don't break and that can be the difference. And while Clemson is the better team, I'm going to go with the Irish as who doesn't love an underdog. Notre Dame
CFP Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl
#1 Alabama v #4 Oklahoma
Its Tua verses Heisman winner Kyler Murray. Murray looks better on paper than Tua by a wide margin, but Tua has been steadily getting his injured ankle back to 100%. The key for this game will be defense, and that battle is one by Bama. Stopping teams to under 200 in passing yards and under 120 in rushing yards. Compared to Oklahoma who is allowing close to 300 yards passing and just over 150 yards on the ground. Both teams have players who can consistently get into the endzone to score, so points will not be in short supply. Now the question still remains and that is, who is the better team here. And with that, I'm going with Bama as they are just good. Even when they are trailing, they find a way to come right back and win it. The Sooner's struggle is defense especially when it comes to defending the pass. And even with Kyler Murray, there are more flaws on the Sooner's than on the Tide. Alabama
CFP National Championship
#1 Alabama v #3 Notre Dame
And then there was two, Alabama vs the Irish of Notre Dame. This will be one of my shortest predictions yet as I do not see Notre Dame having the talent to go toe-to-toe with Bama. As they are just too good With Tua at the helm and the myriad of star talent on this team, Bama has a hay day and completely annihilate the Irish, picking apart their defense in barbaric fashion. Alabama
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