Sweet 16: Hypothetical 16-team College Football Playoff

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) reacts during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) reacts during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
Final
Ball State Cardinals
30
Northern Illinois Huskies
44

Talk about a shootout. In a game featuring two of the best quarterback in the country, Washington’s Jake Browning was able to make just enough plays to eke out the victory in this one. While both Browning and Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson are premier players, they make plays in different ways, as Jackson is able to do more with his feet that Browning. Both players dominated in this one, accounting for seven touchdown passes between the two of them.

The game featured little to no defense, as both teams were able to go up and down the field with ease throughout. After Washington got out to an early 14-0 lead due to a Browning to John Ross touchdown pass, and a Myles Gaskin two-yard run, it was a seesaw battle the rest of the way. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, every time they would look to take a lead, their defense allowed the Huskies to punch one in.

Louisville lost their final two regular season games prior to this one, and after starting the year off with a 9-1 record. Jackson was able to shake off a couple of subpar games to end the regular season, cementing his place as the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. The Huskies will move on to the Elite Eight, but the Cardinals have to be looking forward to another year of Jackson scoring at will in 2017.