These somewhat controversial college football playoff rankings were announced on Sunday by a special committee. All four teams will compete for the chance to play in the National Championship.
Some continue to debate whether Penn State or Michigan should have been named among the top teams. We can discuss our opinions about the committee’s decision, but ultimately we must accept that the rankings will not change. Either Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, or Washington will be this year’s national champion.
Before the National Championship event this January, two playoff games, the Peach Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl, will take place. By analyzing each team’s season and winning potential, we can predict who will win these two games.
The Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia
The Teams: #1 Alabama and #4 Washington
Alabama and Washington will be competing for the title of Peach Bowl champion and a chance to be in the national title game. Alabama was named the best in their conference after beating Florida in the SEC Championship. The team has remained undefeated all season after decisively beating many talented teams, including Auburn and Texas A&M.
Washington is the PAC-12 champion. Many have downplayed this accomplishment and the team’s 12-1 record. Washington’s conference was weaker than usual this fall and many think the Big-10 champion, Penn State, should be in the Peach Bowl instead.
Who could win:
Washington is the underdog in this game, not Alabama. Alabama is not invincible despite their perfect record. In past weeks they were forced to stage a comeback against Ole Miss and play a close game against LSU. With enough strategizing, practice, and luck, Washington could win the Peach Bowl. Washington has yet to compete against a team of Alabama’s caliber, and it is likely the reigning national champs will be victorious.
Who will win: Alabama
Just minutes after the Peach Bowl ends on December 31, the Fiesta Bowl will start.
The Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona
The Teams: #2 Clemson and #3 Ohio State
Both Clemson and Ohio State will try to win the Fiesta Bowl and advance to the National Championship. Clemson is this year’s ACC conference champion and was the runner up to Alabama in last season’s National Championship. Even though Clemson has experienced recent success, their season record is imperfect. After losing to Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago, the Tigers are more determined than ever to return to the big game.
Ohio State has only lost one game this season to Big-10 champion, Penn State. They have won the rest of their games and defeated the talented Wisconsin and Michigan teams.
Who could win:
The Clemson and Ohio State teams have many similarities. Both teams have not consistently played well this year. They each have had a few huge and close wins. Both are not playoff “rookies” and are used to being in the spotlight. Both could win the Fiesta Bowl, but the victorious team will likely have plenty of seasoned players and recent experience playing in the University of Phoenix Stadium.
Who will win: Clemson
Despite the odds, Ohio State may defeat Clemson and Washington could beat Alabama. Anything can happen during the playoffs. After the college football playoff committee’s announcement on Sunday, we already know “who’s in” but it is time to see who will win.
