CFB Playoff Preview

 Oregon QB and Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota escapes a stingy USC defense.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr/Scott Enyeart

Oregon QB and Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota escapes a stingy USC defense.

Kevin O'Leary, Online Sports Editor

On Dec. 7, the day after most conference championship football games, the College Football Playoff (CFB) selection committee chose the top four teams in the nation to compete in this year’s first CFB playoff. The four contenders selected are historically known for having successful football programs: the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, the University of Oregon Ducks, the Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes and the Florida State University Seminoles.

Perhaps the most surprising selection is the OSU Buckeyes, a team pictured outside of the top four entering the Dec. six championship games. Texas Christian University (TCU) The Buckeyes, who were forced to start their third string quarterback (QB) after two devastating injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett, routed the Wisconsin Badgers, ranked number 13, 59-0 in the Big 10 title game, solidifying a fourth place spot in the CFB playoff. The OSU Buckeyes will duke it out against the ranked the no. 1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, in New Orleans. While the Tide are heavy favorites under a scorching offense, led by offensive coordinator and mastermind Lane Kiffin, the Buckeyes remain a potent threat even without its studs.

The defending Bowl Championship Series (BCS) champions, the Florida State Seminoles, will face off against the University of Oregon Ducks, who are ranked second in the nation an incredibly talented group led by the Heisman trophy winner QBMarcus Mariota. The highly anticipated match-up will be played in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day, featuring an epic clash of QB’s, Jameis Winston of FSU, and Mariota of the University of Oregon. 

This is the beginning year of the NCAA CFB playoff season, and while many are relieved by the decision to give more teams an opportunity to win a championship, others seem to be distressed and would prefer a single BCS title game. Nonetheless, the CFB playoff will surely make for an exciting finish to college football.

PREDICTIONS:

4. Ohio State Buckeyes: 16

1. Alabama Crimson Tide: 34

3. Florida State Seminoles: 24

2. Oregon Ducks: 27

TITLE GAME:

2. Oregon Ducks: 30

1. Alabama Crimson Tide: 24

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