CFP Championship Prediction

     We've had a fantastic bowl season, and it's all lead up to the final game: The College Football Playoff Championship. The Tide and the Dawgs will clash in Atlanta to take it all, or.... almost all. My reflection post on the season will cover my opinions on UCF claiming a 2017 national title, but for now we'll just focus on tonight's game. I finished the bowl season with a solid 25-14 record while Nate fell short with a 22-17. Even though he won our fantasy league, I'll hold onto my bowl bragging rights for another year! An all SEC title game is what tipped the playoff movement over the edge, and we're here yet again. Let's see what happens!

     Both the Tide and Georgia looked very impressive in their Semi-final games, Bama with their suffocating defense and the Dawgs with an unforeseen offense that could not be stopped. Both teams made me eat my words and did exactly what I thought they couldn't. Alabama shut down Clemson's dynamic offense and Georgia was able to keep pace with the reigning Heisman winner, Baker Mayfield. Both of these teams were expected to meet a month ago in the SEC Championship, but nonetheless, the desired match-up will take place. The big stat to watch will be Saban's 11-0 record against his former assistants.
     The Crimson Tide have been under a lot of fire this season because of their weaker schedule, but when they dominate like they have been, there's not much to say. Jalen Hurts, while not flashy, has been extremely efficient, throwing for 2,060 yards on the season, with a 61.4% completion rating and an insane 17:1 TD to INT ratio. He's done a much better job of staying in the pocket longer this season and progressing through his reads. Apart from the interception category, his stats aren't all that insane. That's because Bama is Bama and they like to run the ball. Their two headed rushing monster of Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough have accounted for over 1,500 yards and 19 TDs this season. Harris averages 7.6 yards per carry and Scarbrough averages 4.8 yards per carry. Much like Georgia's duo, they provide numerous headaches for opposing defenses. Statistically, the Tide's offense isn't the most threatening in the nation, but they're efficient and consistent. Defensively, they're a wall. There's no better way to put it, their defense is simply immovable. Clemson finished with 188 total yards and were 8/19 on third down. Bama will look to stuff Georgia's offense cold before they can get anything going in this one.
     Georgia is much like Alabama when you break it down, young QB, 2 monster running backs and an immovable force called their defense. With the rushing attack, I give the nod to the Dawg Duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. These two backs have been incredible to watch throughout their careers and ran all over the Sooners last weekend. Chubb is a bit more of the bruiser back, averaging 6.4 yards per carry with 1,320 total rushing yards on the season and 15 TDs. Michel is the speedster with an 8 yard per carry average, 1,129 yards and 16 TDs on the ground this season. Alabama's rush defense hasn't faced a combination like these two, and I'm not so sure they'll be able to slow them down. Watching Georgia's offensive line against Oklahoma was incredible. Their first two steps drove the Sooners back immediately, putting them on their heels and opening up rushing lanes. Obviously the Tide defensive linemen are a bit more sturdy, but that will be an interesting battle to watch in the trenches! Switching over the Freshman Phenom, Jake Fromm, many people seem to forget how much he can impact a game due to his pedestrian numbers on the year. However, he only missed 9 throws against Oklahoma (20-29 with 210 yards and 2 TDs), which is extremely impressive. Again, Bama has a much better pass defense than the Sooners do, but Fromm's ability to complete passes when needed will be crucial in this game. Finally, with the offensive explosion we saw both for and against Georgia last week, many are predicting Bama to put up some points in this one. Those experts seem to be overlooking the fact that they did play Baker Mayfield. Mayfield will always get his yards and his points, so don't overlook Georgia's defense. They still average just 270 total yards and 13.2 points given up on them on average. Plus, anyone running in the direction of Roquan Smith will likely cry in terror before gaining any yards.
     I've been struggling to decide if this will be a higher scoring game or a lower scoring game. Yes, both defenses are nearly impossible to move on, but both offenses have two of the strongest rushing games in the nation. This game will definitely be won in the trenches. It's hard to pick against either of these teams in that sense, but I do have to make a decision. I want to see Georgia win, but it's hard to pick against Alabama (I've been screwed over on that far too many times). I think Georgia is feeling all of this "hand the Trophy to Bama" crap that most experts are saying, and they've been viewed as underdogs a lot. I'll take the Dawgs in this one because I believe their backs are more talented than Alabama's. Plus, I think Georgia's front seven will make some big plays to force Jalen Hurts to win on his own. If they can keep him and the Tide's offense off balance, they can win this game. Buckle in, this should be a good one! Georgia Bulldogs 30, Alabama Crimson Tide 25.

Thanks for reading my prediction and enjoy the game! Last College Football game of the 2017 season, try not to cry too much!

#CollegeFootballKnowItAll
Alex Fenando

New Year's Day Bowl Games

     Happy New Year football readers! I don't think there's anything better than kicking off the new year by hanging with friends and family and watching some College Football. There's a fantastic slate of New Year's Day Bowl Games, and we've got predictions on them all! Enjoy!

Outback Bowl
Michigan vs. South Carolina

Alex

     My uncle mentioned to me that this is a win-win game for us as Husker fans. If Michigan wins, the BIG 10 would be undefeated in bowl season and arguably the strongest conference in football. If Michigan loses, we have yet another opportunity to make fun of Jim Harbaugh! Looking at this game, I still don't know what to expect from Michigan. Offensively, they've been a mess all season, especially when John O'Korn is at the helm. Lucky for them, redshirt Freshman QB Brandon Peters should get the start after recovering from a concussion suffered in the Wisconsin game. Their offense is much better off with Peters in the mix, but still not very dynamic overall. With the Gamecocks ranking 25th in scoring defense, giving up just 20.8 points per game, it'll be interesting to see how well the Wolverines are able to move the ball. On the other side, South Carolina will look to air it out with Sophomore Quarterback Jake Bentley. Bentley fizzled out a bit after a hot start to the season, but still finished with over 2,500 yards and 16 TDs through the air. His 11 interceptions are a concerning stat, and he's been sacked 26 times on the season. Michigan ranks 3rd in total defense and 1st against the passing game, so I would expect very tough sledding for South Carolina in this one. Tough defense will lead to a tight game in my opinion, but I think the Wolverines will edge them out. Michigan 23, South Carolina 14.

Nate

     This game is the appetizer for the main courses this day.  For Michigan, Brandon Peters should be back. That should be a huge boost for the Wolverines, as even though he hasn’t been lighting it up, John O’Korn might have been one of the worst quarterbacks I’ve seen this season. For South Carolina, I like Jake Bentley, but not much else on that side of the ball. South Carolina’s offense was bad enough to get their coach fired, and against a Michigan Defense that stands 3^rd in total defense and 13^th in Scoring defense, expect them to get a lead and strangle out the Gamecocks.

Michigan: 20 South Carolina: 10

Citrus Bowl Presented by Overton's

#14 Notre Dame vs. #17 LSU

Alex

     The re-surging LSU Tigers square off against the Fighting Irish down in dreary Orlando, Florida. It's not been the warmest vacation to Florida for my family and I, but I'll take this over the -30 crap going on at home. Anyways, looking at this game, it's going to be a grind. Two power rushing attacks collide as the Irish rank 7th in rush offense and the Tigers rank 28th. Both teams are lead by their star Running Backs, Josh Adams for Notre Dame and Derrius Guice for LSU. Adams has nearly 1,400 yards with 9 TDs and a an incredible 7.3 yard per carry average. Guice has rushed for 1,153 with 11 TDs and a 5.3 yard per carry average. Both defenses will have a very difficult time shutting down these two backs. With the run game being the primary focus, I like to look at the QB battle, and how well they take care of the ball. Brandon Wimbush has been very solid for the Irish, throwing just 6 picks on the year. LSU QB Danny Etling has done much better this season, throwing just 2 picks in 2017. Momentum wise, Notre Dame has lost 2 of their past three, while LSU has won 3 straight. The competition level was a bit different, but that could play a factor. I like the Irish in this one, mostly for the sake of my uncle since he's driving me to Orlando to meet a friend while he goes to the game, but I think they'll take this one. Notre Dame wins it 27-21.

Nate

     The Citrus Bowl looks to be a ground and pound slug-fest. LSU will come into the game trying to exploit a Notre Dame run defense that looked pretty bad at multiple times during the year. Derrius Guice is playing, somehow (seriously top running backs, stop doing this) and should provide a spark. Notre Dame should have Josh Adams healthier and better to run with, so that should be nice. I think this is a fairly even game, but I give the edge to LSU, I think some of their pieces are just a bit better rounded. LSU: 27 Notre Dame: 20

Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl

#12 UCF vs. #7 Auburn

Alex

     Okay, I know I picked Auburn on our radio show, but I'm switching to UCF for multiple reasons. The first reason being is the complete SEC bias for this game, with nearly everyone on ESPN asking how Auburn is supposed to prepare themselves to face a lesser team. Yes, UCF is a Group of 5 team. Yes, they have a very different schedule compared to Auburn. NO, they are not a completely incompetent, wash-over team. Scott Frost has built an incredible program down in Orlando, and this will be a very tough team to beat. First off, they are the top scoring offense in the nation, averaging 49.4 points per game. Secondly, their turnover margin is +15, while Auburn sits at +1. Again, I do realize the competition level is different, but nonetheless, expect UCF to put up a fight in this one. Auburn will likely have star RB Kerryon Johnson back from injury, so that will be a big boost. The odds are against them, but I like the fight in UCF this season. Besides, how can I pick against Nebraska's new coach?! I'm with Frost and the Golden Knights all the way! UCF wins in a shootout, 36-31.

Nate

     Is this a better game than the Peach Bowl?  A lot of national media seem to think that this is the matchup to watch today (before the playoffs I mean) I’m not sure I totally agree, but I do think this will be a tricky game to call.  Apparently there is going to be like 15 thousand Nebraska fans at this game, and that fills me with a level of shame that I don’t know where to place. I hope we can give UCF fans a chance to enjoy their bowl and the end of their season. That being said, as a Nebraska fan, I can’t deny that I am rooting for our new coach to get things done, as I believe a win here will do some good things for our program as well. But enough about us, lets talk about UCF. What can be said that hasn’t already? They are the number one offense in the nation, Mackenzie Milton is one of the most efficient passers in the nation, and they have a blistering +15 turnover ratio.

UCF: 34, Auburn 30

CFP Semifinal: The Rose Bowl

#2 Oklahoma vs. #3 Georgia

Alex

     This game is tough to pick because Georgia's defense is insane, but Baker Mayfield DOES NOT LOSE! That's basically the two arguments to listen to in this game. The Bulldogs give up just 13.2 points per game on average and allow just 270 yards. Mayfield basically averages 28 points all on his own along with roughly 300 yards. He'll be tough to contain for the Georgia defense, especially because they have not played against a dual-threat QB like him. For the Sooner defense, the key is to force Jake Fromm to beat you with his arm. Georgia will look to keep the ball away from Mayfield and control the clock. If they can force a few 3rd and longs, they should be able to get the ball back in Mayfield's hands. We'll see how this one turns out, but I have a really difficult time picking against Baker Mayfield. Sooners win this 38-31.

Nate

     Playoffs, we are talking about playoffs. I think this one is going to be easy. One team has a Heisman winner and one of the best offenses in the nation, Baker Mayfield is throwing for 71%, a ludicrous number. For Georgia, they will have to put it on the ground. Oklahoma has given up 200 yards 4 times this year, and will be the key to snagging this victory. They have to get out early, though, as falling behind will probably spell the end for them, as Georgia ranks dead last in passing offense in the SEC, a stat that confused the hell out of me when I first saw it. I do think Georgia will fall behind, and I expect Oklahoma to roll, not easily, but with confidence.

Oklahoma: 38 Georgia: 24

CFP Semifinal: The Sugar Bowl

#1 Clemson vs. #4 Alabama

Alex

     Tide & the Tigers... PART 3! We've seen some great games between these two teams over the past couple seasons, and it looks like we're in for another one! The Tide have rolled through their schedule (apart from Auburn) this season, and not many teams have bothered them. They did not have a very difficult schedule overall, but still, they demolished teams. Their defense has been stellar yet again, giving up just 11.5 points per game on average and just 257 yards. Clemson looks nearly as dominant as last year, even with losing Deshaun Watson. Kelly Bryan has taken the reigns as QB, and he's lead this dynamic offense to a 35.4 point average and nearly 450 yards per game. He has some of the best weapons at his disposal with Wideouts such as Dion Cain, Hunter Renfro and Ray-Ray McCloud. Plus, Bryant is part of the Tigers' 3-headed rushing monster with Travis Etienne (744 yards) and Tavien Feaster (659). Their defense has been incredible this season, and I think Jalen Hurts and crew will have a tough time moving the ball. Clemson has been the most dominant team on both sides of the ball this season, and I like the Tigers in this one. Clemson 33, Bama 27 in another thriller!

Nate

     Third time is the charm right? Well, maybe not, seeing as how the first two games of this CFB playoff grudge match were instant classics, this one should be no different. Clemson features one of the angriest defensive lines I’ve seen in a while. Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, they hold opposing rushing attacks to 112 yards per game. That will be key against an Alabama team that runs for 250 yards per game. I think this game, like most big Alabama games will come down to Jalen Hurts and how much he has improved. Has he? I can’t see him getting it done.

Clemson: 28 Alabama: 24

I was lucky enough to take in the TaxSlayer Bowl in person on Saturday. It was a great game, with Mississippi State winning 31-27 in the end. Even in the loss, Lamar Jackson was incredible to watch. Not a very good day passing the ball, throwing 4 picks, but his rushing ability is out of this world. There were numerous plays where he turned what would've been a 10 yard loss into a 5 yard gain. His quickness was unreal and the way he squirted through tackles was unmatched. If he returns for his senior season and improves on his passing like he did this year, I think he can be a high draft pick. Definitely worthy of his Heisman and a very fun player to watch! Keytaon Thompson for Mississippi State was quite fun as well! The freshman QB made his first start and led the Bulldogs to a victory! He'll be a great QB for State as they move forward with Jim Morehead at Head Coach. Lots of talent to work with!

Thanks for reading our predictions and enjoy the games!

#CollgeFootballKnowItAll

Alex Fernando

Special Guest: Nate Muhlbach