Jonathan Allen and the Crimson Tide tee it up today in the Georgia Dome
The playoffs are here. Couple of good morning games as well involving SEC teams. Michigan would have beaten FSU had Jabril Peppers and Jake Butt, they’re two best players, had played. Good victories for Georgia and Tennessee. Like the way the Dawgs are set up for next season with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel coming back, and a seasoned and highly talented Jacob Eason back for his sophomore campaign.
Here’s a look at today’s action featuring the No.1 Crimson Tide which are in pursuit of their fifth national title in eight years. Wow. They’ll face a solid No.4 Washington Huskies team under the direction of the awesome Chris Peterson. No.2 Clemson and No.3 Ohio State square off right after the Tide and the Huskies. Should be an epic day of college football. Here’s a look at the action with predictions enclosed.
Semifinal 1
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
No.1 Alabama (13-0) vs. No.4 Washington (12-1)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA. (71,228)
2 PM CT/3 PM ET
ESPN
Tess, Todd, Holly
Refs: Big Ten, Dan Capron
Chris Peterson is a super coach and his offense, featuring an excellent quarterback in Jake Browning, an electric, take it to the house wide receiver John Ross, and some other good wide outs, and a very good running back in Myles Gaskin, is explosive. Their defense, led by safety Budda Baker, is solid and physical. But they haven’t faced the likes of Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, and Marlon Humphrey on defense, or an offense led by Jalen Hurts, ArDarius Stewart, Calvin Ridley, O. J. Howard, Cam Robinson, and an emerging running game headlined by Damian Harris, Bo Scarbrough and Josh Jacobs. This Crimson Tide is a winning machine and that machine keeps on cranking as the Tide rolls into the Georgia Dome and takes care of business to head to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Monday, January 9th at 7 PM CT/8 PM ET on ESPN in pursuit of national championship number 5 under Coach Nick Saban, who’s leaving a legacy like no other coach in college football has. And his legacy is better than ever right now and still churning away. There’s no finality in sight with Coach Saban. He’s in great shape, he loves recruiting, he loves developing players and he loves the game of football. The Nick Saban era is in all systems go mode.
Alabama 42, Washington 17
Playstation Fiesta Bowl
No.2 Clemson (12-1) vs. No. 3 Ohio State (11-1)
University of Phoenix Stadium (63,400)
6 PM CT/7 PM ET
ESPN
Chris, Herbie, Sam, Tom
Refs: Pac-12, Land Clark
Ohio State is outstanding. Their defense is a big intercepting team and Deshaun Watson has thrown 15 ints this season. But Deshaun has also thrown for 3,914 yards and 37 TDs. Wayne Gallman is a stud rb who’s run for 1,062 yards and 15, sevens. Mike Williams has caught 84 passes for 1,171 yards and 10 TDs. Artavis Scott (71-592, 5 TDs), Ray Ray McCloud, Jordan Leggett and Hunter Renfroe, are all awesome receivers. And the Clemson defensive front is outstanding as always. Don’t get me wrong, I like Ohio State a lot. They have a stellar defense and an offense led by J. T. Barrett and running back Curtis Samuel that is explosive though inconsistent, particularly Barrett throwing the ball. But they’re good. But I think Clemson’s defense is good, too. The physicality is a wash. The difference for me is the speed and explosiveness of the Clemson offense and Deshaun Watson. Deshaun and company get a rematch with the Crimson Tide on January 9th.
Clemson 31, Ohio State 27
Morning games
Citrus Bowl
No. 20 LSU (7-4) vs. Louisville (9-3)
Camping World Stadium, Orlando (70,000)
10 AM CT/11 AM ET
ABC
Pasch, Greg, Lugues
Whistles: Pac-12, Mark Duddy
Like Derrius Guice and the Bengal Tigers to get it done for the SEC as Coach O gets the momentum rolling for the stretch run of recruiting and for 2017. He has a stellar offensive coordinator, Matt Canada from Pittsburgh, coming in for 2017. He already has stud defensive coordinator Dave Aranda locked in for ’17. Like the Bengal Tigers to knock off Lamar Jackson and Louisville and get ready for what could be an exceptional 2017 season.
LSU 35, Louisville 24
TaxSlayer Bowl
Kentucky (7-5) vs Georgia Tech (8-4)
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL. (67,164)
10 AM CT/11 AM ET
ESPN
Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessinich
Refs: BIg 12, Reggie Smith
The Kentucky running game is superb with 1,000 yard rushers Stanley “Boom” Williams and Benny Snell headlining the act. But the main difference with the Cats since midseason has been the quarterback play of junior transfer Stephen Johnson, from Grambling. Hehas been outstanding. I like where Mark Stoops has this program now and where it’s headed. Like the 3 1/2 point underdog Cats to get the job done today and redeem the SEC brand over a good Tech offense, with that difficult to defend triple option attack.
Kentucky 42, Georgia Tech 38
7 Responses
I agree with your picks but, I would really like to see an Urban vs Saban matchup.
Thanks Walt. Hope your hip is getting better. Would be classic, yes, but a Dabo-S rematch would too in my opinion.
I guess I should have said, I really don’t want to face Watson again and would rather beat Urban more than Dabo. Both teams would be a huge challenge to beat if we can get past Washington.
I agree with both of your picks. Ohio State has a lot of NFL talent, but their biggest weakness is their offensive line in pass protection. Clemson has a great defensive line. I think JT Barrett will struggle.
Thanks G-Logical! Glad you posted
I have to add one more comment. Suburban Meyer and OSU will be overmatched against Clemson. Clemson has several gems on the d-line. It will be a long day for JT. You are right about Clemson’s offense. They are explosive and have a big advantage with their speed.
Good stuff G! Agree.