12-Team College Football Playoff: Semifinal Matchups
Oklahoma Sooners (1) vs. Clemson Tigers (4)
Bryan Bresee, Tyler Davis and Clemson’s defensive front would actually have the opportunity for much more success against Oklahoma than they would Oregon. At the same time, however, I also have more faith in Lincoln Riley and Spencer Rattler to combat that schematically. Moreover, the Tigers don’t have the secondary players to keep up with all of the Sooners’ weapons.
If that weren’t enough, OU also has the defensive line advantage against the Clemson O-line, which could fluster a young DJ-U in a high-leverage game that he’s not necessarily accustomed to. Neither team would run away with this but I give a slight advantage to the Sooners to finally get to the National Championship Game. Winner: Oklahoma
Georgia Bulldogs (2) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (6)
We’ve seen the Kirby Smart vs. Nick Saban story before and the advantage has gone to Alabama each time to this point. And now, Smart is starting to feel the pressure in Athens to get over the hump and take control of the SEC against his former employer. For me, it’s going to happen sooner or later, so why not this year?
Even though the Crimson Tide will have film on the offense, they’ve not faced the Todd Monken Georgia offense yet. They aren’t going to be prepared for the explosive and versatile elements that JT Daniels helps provide, even if they have all the defensive talent in the world. This will be a healthy battle but the Dawgs would finally get the edge on the Tide. Winner: Georgia
12-Team College Football Playoff: Final
Oklahoma Sooners (1) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (2)
Even in the 12-team College Football Playoff format, I have the top two seeds advancing. Sure, there’s a bit of projection here but, if things break right for Oklahoma and Georgia, I’m confident in saying these can be the two best teams in the country this season. So who wins when they are matched up against one another?
With Georgia getting to this point, an offensive line that is supremely gifted should be coalescing enough to handle the pressure the Sooners defense would bring. And while improved, the Oklahoma defense would have a hard time with a likely returned George Pickens and all the Bulldogs weapons.
But for as talented as the Bulldogs defense is, I don’t think they’re a match for Spencer Rattler and the Sooners offensive arsenal. Much like when Baker Mayfield and Jake Fromm went head-to-head, this would be a showcase of offensive firepower with the title in the balance. This time around, though, Lincoln Riley finally validates what he’s been doing and gets the hardware to show for it. Winner: Oklahoma
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