Photo Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
After 15 weeks of upsets, blowouts, and everything in between, the official college football playoff bracket has been released. After all the chaos that ensued this championship weekend, the committee got it right.
Now what chaos happened this past weekend? Well, would it be a college football playoff without the Clemson Tigers? Dabo Sweeney and the boys held the SMU Mustangs from coming back with a 54-yard walk-off field goal to seal the ACC championship, and the 12th seed in the bracket. Many thought the Tigers wouldn’t get in after their loss to South Carolina just two weeks ago. But with Miami losing to Syracuse, that allowed Clemson to go to the ACC title game. Despite the loss, SMU squeaked into the playoffs as the 11th seed, edging out a controversial Alabama squad.
The ACC wasn’t the only conference with some drama. Down in Atlanta, the Georgia Bulldogs secured their second SEC title in three years, over conference newcomers Texas. Dawgs quarterback Carson Beck left the game right before halftime with an injury, and backup Gunner Stockton led the Dawgs to a scrappy overtime victory. They get the two-seed in the playoffs, with the Horns getting the fifth.
Oregon, Boise State, and Arizona State secure their conferences and first-round byes. The biggest story coming out of these games is the performance of Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who put on one last show before the Heisman winner is revealed Thursday night. He is now 161 rushing yards away from Barry Sander's all-time rushing record. Oregon secures the one-seed, the Broncos get the three-seed, and Arizona State claims the four-seed.
When the bracket was released Sunday afternoon, the only thought that came to my mind was that Miami is the only true loser. The Hurricanes had such a promising year, built off an exciting Heisman campaign from quarterback Cam Ward. Now the Canes will play Iowa State in the highly coveted Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Looking at the official first-round matchups, we have arguably the most electric matchups of the season. Clemson traveling to Texas, Tennessee going to the shoe and taking on a morally defeated Ohio State, SMU traveling to what promises to be the most hostile environment in Penn State and an in-state matchup between Indiana and Notre Dame. These are going to be instant classics, just what the 12-team playoff was intended for.
Now these games won’t be played until December 20th and 21st, so while they are a few weeks away, it’s never too early to break them down.
10 Indiana vs 7 Notre Dame (Friday, December 20th, 8 PM EST ABC/ESPN)
Personally, this is the most exciting one. Both the Hoosiers and Fighting Irish have been one of the best all-around teams in the country. I’m excited to see how the Hoosiers defense will handle Fighting Irish running back Jeremiah Love, who has just over eight yards per rush against top-25 teams. The Hoosiers rank first in the country in rushing yards allowed, with 70.8 per game. With “football” weather expected in South Bend, this will be an exciting old-school game. While I would love to see the Hoosiers continue their historic season, I see Notre Dame taking the victory at home.
9 Tennessee vs 8 Ohio State (Saturday, December 21st, 8 PM EST ABC/ESPN)
The biggest question coming into this contest is how the Buckeyes will respond to their loss against Michigan. As Kirk Herbstreit mentioned on the Selection Show, the Ohio State crowd can quickly turn on them, depending on how fast they come out. All the pressure is on the Buckeyes, so Nico Iamaleava and the Volunteers can come into Columbus with reckless abandon offensively. Will Howard has to get the ball out fast and use his receiver’s elite athleticism to get the win. But I see the Volunteers getting a close win over the Buckeyes.
11 SMU vs 6 Penn State (Saturday, December 21st, NOON EST TNT/MAX)
As I mentioned earlier, Penn State has the most hostile environment arguably in all of college football. Schematically speaking, both teams are very similar. Both quarterbacks are dynamic runners with a huge arm and defenses that can create pressure and limit explosive plays. This one will come down to how both Kevin Jennings (SMU) and Drew Allar (PSU) spread the wealth. X-factor tight end Tyler Warren (PSU) can quite literally play anywhere on the offensive side of the ball. And with SMU being one of the most penalized teams in the country, Penn State should be able to take care of business at home.
12 Clemson vs 5 Texas (Saturday, December 21st, 4 PM EST TNT/MAX)
Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik has had a quietly spectacular season, throwing 33 touchdowns to only five interceptions, and was lights out in the ACC title game, throwing four TDs. The Tigers have to come out of the gate swinging, as the Longhorns have had difficulty playing from behind all year. The Horns have one of the best defenses in the nation, only behind Ohio State and Indiana. With this Tiger team being weaker talent-wise compared to years past, and with home-field advantage, the Horns should be able to get the home win.
Have an opposing viewpoint to this opinion? Let us know. All views are welcome. Send your thoughts to our Editorial Staff – Editor Thomas Szot tszot@student.dean.edu or Dean Daily Faculty Advisor, Professor John Rooke jrooke@dean.edu
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