Bracket for the NCAA Football Playoffs. (Courtesy of Claire Komarek/CBS Sports)
By Owen Kutlu, Staff Writer
Sunday afternoon was a stressful one for fans of the powerhouse college football teams. Everybody was on the edge of their seat waiting to hear the names that the selection committee would call. Multiple teams deserved to see themselves in the playoffs, but only four prevailed.
Michigan and Washington were near locks to get the top two spots. The final two spots were where it could go either way. In the end, Texas and Alabama were named as the three and four seeds, respectively. To much surprise, undefeated and ACC champion Florida State was left out, as well as former top-seeded Georgia.
Here is how the semifinal matchups stack up:
#1 Michigan vs. #4 Alabama
Michigan rightfully earned the top spot in the rankings, but they face off against an Alabama team who is seemingly hitting their stride at the perfect time. The Crimson Tide are coming off a huge win in the SEC championship game over Georgia, which pushed them over the edge into the four slot. Michigan, on the other hand, has not dropped a game all year and hopes to continue their form.
Michigan’s main offensive production comes in the form of star running back Blake Corum, who is dangerous whenever he gets the ball in his hands. Corum could very well be the consensus best back in the country. If Alabama wants any shot at pulling off the upset, they must find a way to contain Corum.
Alabama’s offense is run through the arm of Heisman candidate quarterback Jalen Milroe. Milroe is not only a weapon as a passer, but he can also use his legs when necessary. He has shown that he plays best in the big moments, as he came through with a stellar touchdown pass in the last minute of the Iron Bowl to keep Alabam’s playoff hopes alive.
While both offenses highlight the matchup, the result could come down to which defense bends but doesn’t break. There are some talented players on the defensive side of the ball for both programs, and they are going to need to step up to get their team to the finish line.
#2 Washington vs. #3 Texas
Washington is another undefeated powerhouse, and boasted two wins over a tough Oregon team this season, with one coming in the Pac-12 championship game. Michael Penix Jr. is the man who has led this Washington team every step of the way. With his draft stock rising, Penix would love no more than to end his collegiate career with a national championship. If he can continue to make the plays he has been making all year and get the ball into star wide receiver Rome Odunze’s hands, Washington will be difficult to overtake.
For Texas, their most impressive win came early in the season against Alabama. The Longhorns have a very well-rounded roster and arguably have a better defense than their offense. To keep up with Washington’s high-octane offense, sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers will have to deliver a stellar performance. Texas has playmakers on both sides of the ball, and they can be a scary sight when they are playing as a unit.
In the most anticipated college football playoffs in a while, the title is there for the taking for all four teams. Who comes out on top will come down to the team that brings their best when they need it most. Now all there is to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
