After weeks of endless college football, it is time for the new playoff system to roll out for its second year in existence. While it seems the Clemson Tigers dominated this year, sitting at the number one rank for the majority of the season, the rankings haven't been so cut and dry this year.
Unlike last year, where the teams sitting at the top were dominated by the big three of Oregon (Marcus Mariota), Florida State (Jameis Winston), and Ohio State/Alabama, this year there hasn't really been a dominating team or a dominating player that has stood out.
And why, yes, you must give the nod to Derrick Henry for picking up the Heisman Trophy a few weeks ago, it's not a guarantee that Alabama will even get out of the semifinals this year.
This year's college football playoff might be one of the most exciting times in college football in recent memory.
This year it seems like all four teams have an equal shot of winning the whole thing. Unlike previous years where most of the teams have a stud quarterback and dominate the competition and move straight to the top *glares at Alabama teams of the past,* each team this year has a solid core of players that give them a good shot of hoisting the trophy.
We'll start with the Clemson Tigers, who earned the number one seed for the playoffs this year. This team is led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is as equally as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. Watson had 4,399 yards this season (3,512 pass, 887 rush) and is a fantastic playmaker. To some, Clemson had a very easy schedule (with the exception of Notre Dame, Florida State, and UNC), but their 13-0 regular season record is quite impressive. Nonetheless, they'll have their hands full when they take on Big 12 giant Oklahoma in the first semifinal game.
As for their opponent, the Oklahoma Sooners, I think they have a realistic shot of knocking Clemson off their pedestal, led by their quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is becoming one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch in college football.
Oklahoma is arguably one of the hottest teams right now, and their roll can continue into this game versus the Tigers. The Sooners blew out their Oklahoma counterparts, the Oklahoma State Cowboys, in their last regular season 58-23 so it's possible to see Mayfield and the Sooner's momentum carry into the primetime spotlight.
On the other side of the bracket is an equally as intriguing match up, Alabama (#2) versus Michigan State (#3). For Alabama, the quarterback situation was a sticky situation during the first few months of the season. Switching between Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman, Nick Saban found success in Coker. However, that didn't seem to matter when you have a running back like Derrick Henry.
Henry, as previously mentioned, took home the Heisman this year and he well deserved it. Henry rushed for almost 2,000 yards and helped contribute to the 12-1 record of his team. Count on this team to make a run in the playoffs behind their running back.
As for their opponent, the Spartans, they have a good shot of dethroning the Crimson Tide. Their 12-1 is equally as impressive, and they too have a star-studded running back of their own. LJ Scott, their running back, in combination with senior leader and quarterback Connor Cook have carried this team all year. Expect the momentum from their big win in the Big 10 championship to carry over to these playoffs.
Unlike the last few years of college football where we've seen a powerhouse team knock down every team in it's path en route to the championship, this year has the potential to be different. While there are superstars, there is no super-star. All four teams have a good shot of not only advancing to the final, but winning the entire championship.
So when the college football playoffs come around in the coming weeks get some popcorn and lounge on your couch while watching these games, because the level of football will be at a new level of exciting.
