College Football Playoff Round No. 1

After a long layoff, the College Football Playoffs are here! The first round of the college football playoffs are drawing near, and they offer two very entertaining match-ups. The question will be which teams can shake off the rust fastest and ramp the momentum back up to where they were at the end of the regular season.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for:

ORANGE BOWL (4pm EST)

1. Clemson vs. 4. Oklahoma

Players to Watch:

Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson.

He’s arguably the best dual threat quarterback this year, and will challenge the Sooners’ defense with his legs and arm. In a game that could see both teams struggle to find a rhythm, Watson’s athleticism could translate into points in the early going.

Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is the easy choice here, but he’s surrounded by dynamic offensive weapons in addition to being one himself. Shepard is a big-play receiver whose speed and run-after-the catch ability could turn a first down into a touchdown in the blink of an eye, especially considering Clemson’s safeties have to worry about a potent Oklahoma running game.

Prediction:

Clemson hasn’t faced anyone this talented the whole season. Oklahoma has essentially been in the College Football Playoff for weeks, defeating ranked team after ranked team en route to the No. 4 spot. If Oklahoma can come out and play like they did before the break –not necessarily an easy task– then the Sooners will triumph over the undefeated Tigers.

OU 33 – Clemson 24.

 

COTTON BOWL (8pm EST)

    2. Alabama vs. 3. Michigan St. 

Players to Watch:

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama. 

Every year Alabama has an unstoppable running attack, but Henry might be the best of the bunch. A physically imposing 6-3, 242 pounds, he’s as big or bigger than the majority of the people trying to tackle him, while also boasting breakaway speed belying his size. If Michigan St. has any shot of winning this game, it will have to start with stopping the Crimson Tide’s Heisman winner.

Connor Cook, QB, Michigan St.

Cook will most likely be a first round draft pick next year thanks to a combination of poise in the pocket, accuracy and a strong arm. He will get a preview of what an NFL level defense looks like against Alabama, which boasts possibly the biggest, meanest, and fastest defense in College Football. If Cook can buy time with his feet and make big plays down the field, the Spartans could hang around in this contest.

Prediction:

Alabama is too big, too strong, too fast, and too good for Michigan State. Alabama’s strength and size should come into play over the course of the game and wear MSU down in the fourth quarter. The Spartans need to jump out to a big lead and force the Crimson Tide to throw if they are going to win this game, but it’s unlikely. Alabama 34, Michigan State 17.