College Football Playoff 2020: Simulating a 16-team bracket

16-team College Football Playoff semifinal: 1 Alabama vs. 13 North Carolina

As mentioned when talking about Alabama playing both BYU and Georgia in this 16-team College Football Playoff bracket, the Crimson Tide have an unbelievably talented defense but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have a good defense. In fact, we’ve seen on numerous occasions that they can give up a large number of points against the right type of opponent.

Against teams like Ole Miss and Florida, two of the better offensive teams in the SEC this year, the Tide were pushed a bit because they couldn’t stop the opposition from scoring. So in this matchup against the Tar Heels, it’s not hard to envision something like that transpiring once again for Bama.

But much like in the games against the two in-conference opponents, for as generous as the defense can be, the Alabama offense can be just as potent. Not only is Najee Harris one of the best backs in the country but Mac Jones is playing like one of the best quarterbacks and has pro-caliber wide receivers at his disposal.

For as explosive as the North Carolina offense has the potential to be, the defense has some inexperience that has caused them trouble throughout the year. That’s not a good recipe against Bama. So while UNC can score enough to make it respectable, they can’t totally keep up on the scoreboard.

Alabama wins, 63-45