Sweet 16: Hypothetical 16-team College Football Playoff
By Brad Weiss
In one of the best Sweet 16 matches this season, the Michigan Wolverines were able to squeak past Florida State, 24-20. Both offenses struggled to get it going early on, but a Dalvin Cook touchdown run to close out the first quarter gave the Seminoles a 7-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Jabrill Peppers took one to the house, taking the momentum away from Florida State with his 90-yard return.
The teams traded field goals throughout the second quarter, heading into halftime with the score knotted up at 10 a side. A turnover-prone third quarter led to the teams heading into the final frame still tied at 10, but that is where the fireworks would begin. Wilton Speight hit Jake Butt for a 40-yard completion down the seam, setting up the first of two De’Veon Smith touchdown runs in the fourth quarter.
Down 24-10, the Seminoles came fighting back, thanks to a sweet connection from Deondre Francois to Travis Rudolph for a 35-yard touchdown. After a quick three-and-out, the Seminoles marched down and got a field goal, pulling within four points with three minutes left to play. With only one timeout left, the Seminoles needed a stop on third-and-1 at midfield, but Chris Evans was able to get the tough yard, icing the game for the Wolverines.