College football title games provide classic matchups
Alabama-Clemson
For the third straight season, Alabama and Clemson will square off in the College Football Playoff during the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl semifinal. After these two teams met in the championship games of 2016 and ’17, it only seems right that we get a third act in the trilogy of this classic matchup.
For the third straight season, Alabama and Clemson will square off in the College Football Playoff during the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl semifinal. After these two teams met in the championship games of 2016 and ’17, it only seems right that we get a third act in the trilogy of this classic matchup.
After much controversy over whether the fourth and final spot in the playoff should go to Alabama or Big Ten champion Ohio State, the Tide snuck their way in, giving us ’Bama-Clemson Part III. Alabama won it all two years ago, and Clemson claimed the title last year.
It was made clear during the past two matchups that neither team has a massive advantage on one side of the ball.
It was going to be very difficult to replace Deshaun Watson at quarterback for the Tigers, but his heir, mobile QB Kelly Bryant, has done an exceptional job this season. His almost 50 yards a game on the ground have proven to be vital for his team this year, especially late in games when a crucial first down is needed.
And once again, Nick Saban’s Alabama defense is back on top to no one’s surprise. Led by the nation’s top defensive back, Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Tide have stifled opponents week in and week out, holding teams to 257 yards a game and just four yards a play.
Can Bryant make enough plays, or will Alabama’s stacked defense prove to be too much for the junior in the biggest game of his life?
Oklahoma- Georgia
Baker Mayfield’s incredible story of walk-on to Heisman Trophy winner to the College Football Playoff has made Mayfield and his high-powered offense the talk of the college football world.
And for the first time in history, the Oklahoma Sooners and Georgia Bulldogs will square off in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl semifinal.
There’s a key matchup in this game that will decide the outcome: The Oklahoma offense vs. the Georgia defense.
Mayfield has been on fire with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last four games. He’s made big plays with his arm and legs throughout the entire season, making his Sooners the most feared offense in the country.
They don’t do it all through the air, though. Sophomore running back Rodney Anderson has averaged 125 yards rushing over the past seven games, giving Oklahoma a balanced and deadly attack.
Something will have to give in this game due to the two completely different styles of play. Coming from the Big 12, Oklahoma is used to shootouts. The conference hasn’t had a top-10 defense nationally since 2011.
Georgia has held opponents to 270 yards a game and is fourth in the country in total defense. Their ability to pressure the quarterback has made it almost impossible to throw on them, and their front seven have eaten up running backs throughout the season.
But it’s hard to imagine anyone can stop Mayfield right now with the self-confidence he has.
It was made clear during the past two matchups that neither team has a massive advantage on one side of the ball.
It was going to be very difficult to replace Deshaun Watson at quarterback for the Tigers, but his heir, mobile QB Kelly Bryant, has done an exceptional job this season. His almost 50 yards a game on the ground have proven to be vital for his team this year, especially late in games when a crucial first down is needed.
And once again, Nick Saban’s Alabama defense is back on top to no one’s surprise. Led by the nation’s top defensive back, Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Tide have stifled opponents week in and week out, holding teams to 257 yards a game and just four yards a play.
Can Bryant make enough plays, or will Alabama’s stacked defense prove to be too much for the junior in the biggest game of his life?
Oklahoma- Georgia
Baker Mayfield’s incredible story of walk-on to Heisman Trophy winner to the College Football Playoff has made Mayfield and his high-powered offense the talk of the college football world.
And for the first time in history, the Oklahoma Sooners and Georgia Bulldogs will square off in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl semifinal.
There’s a key matchup in this game that will decide the outcome: The Oklahoma offense vs. the Georgia defense.
Mayfield has been on fire with 13 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last four games. He’s made big plays with his arm and legs throughout the entire season, making his Sooners the most feared offense in the country.
They don’t do it all through the air, though. Sophomore running back Rodney Anderson has averaged 125 yards rushing over the past seven games, giving Oklahoma a balanced and deadly attack.
Something will have to give in this game due to the two completely different styles of play. Coming from the Big 12, Oklahoma is used to shootouts. The conference hasn’t had a top-10 defense nationally since 2011.
Georgia has held opponents to 270 yards a game and is fourth in the country in total defense. Their ability to pressure the quarterback has made it almost impossible to throw on them, and their front seven have eaten up running backs throughout the season.
But it’s hard to imagine anyone can stop Mayfield right now with the self-confidence he has.