The first game of the College Football Playoffs is just days away, all four teams become more anxious.
The debate on whether Penn State or Michigan should have made it into the playoff is over, and both of those teams are getting ready for their bowl games. Now it’s time to start talking football, and look at which of these four teams have the best chance at being crowned National Champions.
The first game of the College Football Playoff is in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the University of Alabama and the University of Washington. Both are great teams, the only thing setting them apart in the rankings are their records and the teams they have faced.
There’s no doubt about one thing. The Alabama Crimson Tide have been the best and most dominant team in country all season. Their undefeated season was led by one of the best defenses in college football, along with a Freshman quarterback, that’s exceeded expectations.
The Crimson Tide’s biggest weakness this season has been the consistency of their offense. For many of those big blowout games, their defense was able to create turnovers and score points. At one point this season the Tide managed to have more non-offensive touchdowns, than offensive ones. Their defense is arguably the best in the country.
While this team looks invincible at times, they just haven’t met their kryptonite. In Death Valley against the LSU Tigers, the tide only managed to score ten points. The tigers limited the turnovers, causing Alabama to lean more on their offense sometimes, which they haven’t done much of this season. Although, thanks to over 200 yards rushing, and a touchdown run by quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Alabama Crimson Tide picked up the victory. That game was the only real weakness the Tide have shown all year, difficult to find weaknesses for any team that has to face them.
When December 31st comes around, the Tide will have to move the ball on offense, both through the air and on the ground. Nick Saban has full confidence in his defense, but his offense is a different story. The magnitude of this game will help fuel this team. But if turnovers are limited the Crimson Tide, and if they struggle to move the ball on offense, we could see Alabama lose their first game of the season.
As for Washington, they were one game shy of a perfect record. Despite that loss the Huskies were still able to win the PAC-12 championship game and make it into the college football playoff. They were lead by a prolific offense lead by a sophomore quarterback, and a defense that capitalized on their opportunities. Jake Browning is having himself a career year, which isn’t much seeing as he is only a sophomore. But still a huge improvement from one year ago, and running back Myles Gaskin also improved this offseason. The huskie defense is lead by safety Budda Baker, who constantly makes plays on that side of the ball.
Washington did not look as invincible as the Crimson Tide did, showing weaknesses in games against Utah and USC. The Trojans, a team that Alabama destroyed at the beginning of the season, got the better of the Washington this season, handing them their only loss. They also struggled against Utah only beating them by a slim margin. Keep in mind, UW also played Colorado, a team that garnered playoff talk themselves, beating them by a large margin.
If they want to beat Alabama, in what will be a road game for the Huskies, they will need to move the ball both on the ground and in the air. Jake Browning will need to have a big game if they have a chance (something he has been doing all season), and limit the turnovers on the offensive side, also the offensive line for Washington will need to give Browning time to throw the ball and keep him upright. The defense will also needs to limit Alabama’s weak points, and needs to create turnovers.
Both teams cannot afford to leave points on the field. Special teams are going to probably play a huge role in this game with both teams being as good as they are. Alabama has struggled in the kicking game, so watch that to possibly be a factor in the Peach Bowl.
It is also worth keeping in mind that Alabama Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin is now Head Coach at Florida Atlantic University. Steve Sarkisian will take over the offensive duty, although not much change as Sarkisian was co-offensive coordinator with Kiffin at Alabama this season. Keep a look out for any changes possible in the Bama offense. It will be nice to see how Sarkisian does against a team that he has coached in the past.
Who wins?
Washington is no doubt the underdog in this one, but I think this game is going to be a lot closer than people expect. Both teams made it into the playoffs for a reason, which is why I do not see a blowout in this game, by either team.
I expect Alabama to win this game.
Their defense is going to create turnovers. Their offense is going to move the football moderately well. However, don’t sleep on the Huskies, this may be the best team the Crimson Tide has faced this year. Alabama is about to go toe to toe with an offense that can take on their defense. Washington has the resources to beat the Tide, and could easily do it. Expect a great game between two great teams, that were very deserving of being in the College Football Playoff. Good luck to both teams.
The Peach Bowl will be played on December 31st at 3 p.m. EST, and will air on ESPN.
