Hey everyone, I'm all moved back into my dorm and ready for the second semester of my Sophomore year! I can't think of a better way to start off the year than with the National Championship game. I hope I'm able to watch it though, I actually have a class scheduled tomorrow evening from 6:30-9:20. I'm hoping that since it's the first day we won't cover much and I'll be let out early, otherwise I may have to get creative! Anyways, here is my pick for the National Championship game, it's going to be a good one!
CFP National Championship Game
1 Clemson (14-0) vs. 2 Alabama (13-1)
It's finally here, the last game of the 2015-2016 College Football Season. The National Championship game will either go to the Tigers or the Tide. Alabama is the favorite, as they have been for the majority of the past 7 seasons. Heisman winner Derrick Henry looks to run over the sturdy Tiger defense, while QB Jake Coker and WR Calvin Ridley look to torch them for TDs. This has honestly been one of the more dynamic Bama offenses that I have seen over their past few years of dominance. They are very well balanced, and have play-makers that can break a game wide open. Their defense is the same story in a new chapter, total dominance. As always, they are extremely well coach and the easy choice as victors. However, I have been underestimating Clemson all season long, and they have constantly proven me wrong. The Tigers have been pegged as underdogs to win the entire year, and there is no change here. Dual-threat QB Deshaun Watson & RB Wayne Gallman lead the Tiger offensive attack. Clemson is balanced as well, but rely more on Gallman & Watson to make big plays on the ground compared to deep passes. Watson is a very consistent passer completing nearly 70% this season, but he is more deadly on the ground. His ability to escape pressure and pick up key third downs is what allows Clemson to control so much of the clock. Watch Wayne Gallman in this game too, he's going to have a couple of very key runs late in the game. On the other side of the ball, the Tiger defense is very strong. They could be even stronger as All-American DE Shaq Lawson is expected to return against the tide. Lawson and the rest of Clemson's d-line consistently reek havoc in opponents backfields, and are one of the best run defenses in the nation. Going into the semi-final game, Oklahoma was averaging 300 yards rushing per game. Clemson held them to just 67. Their dominance on defense has been very impressive all season and will be a big factor in stopping Henry.
I think that Clemson will win this game and be crowned National Champs. Their ability to sustain drives and attack multiple areas of the field will be a big difference maker. As will the play of Deshaun Watson. If he can minimize the mistakes and continually make plays both in the passing game and with his feet, Clemson has a great shot. Many people have counted them out already, but after watching their last few games, they look like the team that could knock off Alabama. They have a defense that is capable of shutting down Derrick Henry and causing problems for Coker in the passing game. On offense, I think that Watson and especially Gallman will make more plays and get the win for the Tigers. Clemson 33, Alabama 28.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Saturday, January 2, 2016
January 2nd Bowls
Hey everybody, I hope you all had a fantastic New Year's day and enjoyed all the big games played yesterday. This post will be the last one until my prediction and reflection on the National Championship. It's been a great Bowl season, and I hope you've all had as much fun as I've had watching all the games. Here are my picks for today's games, and please comment on any topics or teams you would like me to cover during the offseason! I'll be looking into recruiting quite heavily after the National Championship game and will likely do a reflection on the 2015 College Football season as a whole. Thank you & GO BIG RED!
Taxslayer Bowl
Penn State (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3)
Two storied programs that have all the capabilities of rising back towards the top, but just can't keep it all together once their season starts. Both teams have stellar defenses that are very tough to break through. However, the offensive side of the ball is often a mess for both squads. Georgia is almost guaranteed to lose half their team (and almost always their best players) to injuries for the entirety of the season. Penn State just doesn't have anyone to help Hackenberg make plays. This is a difficult pick because I honestly could not tell how you how I think either offense will play. Both are very mistake prone, and against tough defenses like these, I don't see too many points being scored in this one. I would love for Penn State to help boost the BIG 10's record a little bit more, but I don't think Hackenberg will be able to do it himself. I think the Dawgs will win it 24-13.
Autozone Liberty Bowl
Kansas State (6-6) vs. Arkansas (7-5)
After watching them in the middle of the season, I was impressed that K-State was able to get that 6th win to become bowl eligible. It was interesting how the Wildcats could take Oklahoma State and TCU down to the wire, but were demolished by Oklahoma and Texas. Arkansas on the other hand has had a very up and down season, losing games that they probably shouldn't have (i.e. Toldeo) but also pulling some upsets (i.e. Ole Miss and LSU). They played in a lot of close games this year, but I think that they are going to be too strong for the Powercats in this game. The Razorbacks should be able to impose their will with their powerful rushing attack, and I see an easy victory for them. Arkansas 45, Kansas State 14.
Valero Alamo Bowl
15 Oregon (9-3) vs. 11 TCU (10-2)
The Horned Frogs took a massive hit the other day when star QB Trevon Boykin was arrested after assaulting a police officer. Boykin has been suspended for what would have been his last game as a Horned Frog. He has accounted for nearly 4200 yards this season and 40 TDs. With star WR Josh Doctson already out from injury, Oregon's main focus on defense can now shift to RB Aaron Green. Boykin's actions have cost him his last game and will likely cost his team the game. Gary Patterson is a very good coach, and I have no doubt that his players will be ready to play despite all that has happened. However, I think that Oregon QB Vernon Adams Jr. will make mince-meet of TCU's defense. Royce Freeman & Adams should have no problem moving the ball, and without Boykin to score points back, this one has potential to get out of hand. I have the Ducks winning this game 56-41.
Motel 6 Cactus Bowl
West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6)
I think that this will be a fun game to end the night on. Both teams are out to prove that their records do not tell the whole story. Lots of close games and even a few upsets, but both teams struggled while in conference play. These two dynamic offenses are lead by two experienced QBs that cause headaches for defensive coordinators. Bercovici for ASU has a great arm, and his stats show that. However, I think that one of his best qualities is the plays that he makes with his feet. The stats don't show it, but when he moves around or out of the pocket and throws on the run, he is difficult to stop. Skyler Howard is the same way, he's a bit more of a runner, but the ability to escape the pocket is something that both these Quarterbacks are very good at. Since a lot of defensive focus will be on containing the two QBs, I believe that establishing a run game will be the deciding factor in this game. Whichever team can take control of the line of scrimmage first and maintain a solid rushing attack, will win. The passing attack will be a big part of both of these offense, but the rushing attack is key to wining the game. I expect a good amount of points in this game, and I'm going to go with the Sun Devils. I think that they'll get a couple big plays early in the game and knock the wind out of WVU. Arizona State wins the shootout 40-31.
Taxslayer Bowl
Penn State (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3)
Two storied programs that have all the capabilities of rising back towards the top, but just can't keep it all together once their season starts. Both teams have stellar defenses that are very tough to break through. However, the offensive side of the ball is often a mess for both squads. Georgia is almost guaranteed to lose half their team (and almost always their best players) to injuries for the entirety of the season. Penn State just doesn't have anyone to help Hackenberg make plays. This is a difficult pick because I honestly could not tell how you how I think either offense will play. Both are very mistake prone, and against tough defenses like these, I don't see too many points being scored in this one. I would love for Penn State to help boost the BIG 10's record a little bit more, but I don't think Hackenberg will be able to do it himself. I think the Dawgs will win it 24-13.
Autozone Liberty Bowl
Kansas State (6-6) vs. Arkansas (7-5)
After watching them in the middle of the season, I was impressed that K-State was able to get that 6th win to become bowl eligible. It was interesting how the Wildcats could take Oklahoma State and TCU down to the wire, but were demolished by Oklahoma and Texas. Arkansas on the other hand has had a very up and down season, losing games that they probably shouldn't have (i.e. Toldeo) but also pulling some upsets (i.e. Ole Miss and LSU). They played in a lot of close games this year, but I think that they are going to be too strong for the Powercats in this game. The Razorbacks should be able to impose their will with their powerful rushing attack, and I see an easy victory for them. Arkansas 45, Kansas State 14.
Valero Alamo Bowl
15 Oregon (9-3) vs. 11 TCU (10-2)
The Horned Frogs took a massive hit the other day when star QB Trevon Boykin was arrested after assaulting a police officer. Boykin has been suspended for what would have been his last game as a Horned Frog. He has accounted for nearly 4200 yards this season and 40 TDs. With star WR Josh Doctson already out from injury, Oregon's main focus on defense can now shift to RB Aaron Green. Boykin's actions have cost him his last game and will likely cost his team the game. Gary Patterson is a very good coach, and I have no doubt that his players will be ready to play despite all that has happened. However, I think that Oregon QB Vernon Adams Jr. will make mince-meet of TCU's defense. Royce Freeman & Adams should have no problem moving the ball, and without Boykin to score points back, this one has potential to get out of hand. I have the Ducks winning this game 56-41.
Motel 6 Cactus Bowl
West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6)
I think that this will be a fun game to end the night on. Both teams are out to prove that their records do not tell the whole story. Lots of close games and even a few upsets, but both teams struggled while in conference play. These two dynamic offenses are lead by two experienced QBs that cause headaches for defensive coordinators. Bercovici for ASU has a great arm, and his stats show that. However, I think that one of his best qualities is the plays that he makes with his feet. The stats don't show it, but when he moves around or out of the pocket and throws on the run, he is difficult to stop. Skyler Howard is the same way, he's a bit more of a runner, but the ability to escape the pocket is something that both these Quarterbacks are very good at. Since a lot of defensive focus will be on containing the two QBs, I believe that establishing a run game will be the deciding factor in this game. Whichever team can take control of the line of scrimmage first and maintain a solid rushing attack, will win. The passing attack will be a big part of both of these offense, but the rushing attack is key to wining the game. I expect a good amount of points in this game, and I'm going to go with the Sun Devils. I think that they'll get a couple big plays early in the game and knock the wind out of WVU. Arizona State wins the shootout 40-31.
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