We started with 12, and now we are down to the Final Four.
The College Football Playoff Semifinals have arrived, and the storylines are incredible. On one side, we have the chaotic, high-flying offense of Miami, led by transfer superstar Carson Beck, taking on an Ole Miss team trying to prove they can win it all even after Lane Kiffin bolted for LSU. On the other, we have a pure football purist's dream: The #1 Indiana Hoosiers facing the Oregon Ducks in a battle for Big Ten supremacy.
Who is going to the National Championship? Here are my predictions.
Fiesta Bowl: #10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss
Kickoff: Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 PM ET (ESPN)
- The Stakes: A trip to the National Championship Game in Miami's own backyard. The Hurricanes have been the story of the playoff so far, knocking off Texas A&M and Ohio State. Ole Miss is looking to validate their season and prove they don't need Kiffin on the sideline to finish the job.
- The Matchup: This game is going to be fast. Both teams want to push the tempo. The key will be Carson Beck. He has played in massive games before during his time at Georgia, and that experience is invaluable in a Semifinal.
My Prediction: The magic continues. Miami is playing with a level of confidence we haven't seen in decades. Ole Miss has the firepower, but I think the turmoil of the coaching change finally catches up to them in a tight game. Carson Beck manages the moment perfectly, making the big throws when it matters, and the Canes pull away in the fourth quarter to secure a "Home Game" for the title.
Score: Miami 34, Ole Miss 24
Peach Bowl: #5 Oregon vs. #1 Indiana
Kickoff: Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 PM ET (ESPN)
- The Stakes: The Hoosiers have had a dream season, earning the #1 overall seed and dominating Alabama in the Rose Bowl. But Oregon has looked unstoppable since the bracket began. This is the heavyweights trading blows.
- The Matchup: Indiana's discipline vs. Oregon's speed. The Ducks have scored 50+ points in multiple playoff games already, but Indiana's defense is a different animal.
My Prediction: This will be the game of the year. Back and forth, punch for punch. Indiana plays a near-perfect game, but the Ducks get the ball last. In a heart-stopping finish, Oregon drives down the field and nails a kick as time expires to break the hearts of Hoosier Nation.
Score: Oregon 38, Indiana 35 (Last Second FG)
The National Championship Matchup: If my picks hold, we are looking at #10 Miami vs. #5 Oregon on January 19th. The speed in that game would be unmatched.