DETAILS:   January 12th, 2015 at AT&T Stadium  7:30 PM CST

MATCHUPS TO WATCH FOR:

QB Marcus Mariota vs Ohio State’s Defense – Mariota is the best quarterback in college football and the focal point of Oregon’s offensive scheme. His ability as a dual threat gives opposing coaches nightmares and it will be important for Urban Meyer to contain the Heisman Trophy winner as much as possible.

Oregon’s Offensive Line vs Ohio State’s Defensive Line – Oregon’s offensive line is huge and physical, but now they’re matched up against arguably the best defensive line in the nation, lead by superstars Joey Bosa and Michael Bennett. It’ll be important for the Ducks to protect Mariota and to give him enough time to dissect the secondary.

RB Ezekiel Elliott vs Oregon’s Rush Defense – Elliott tore up a traditionally dominant defense in the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Sugar Bowl, picking up 230 yards and two touchdowns. If he can sustain the type of success he had last time out, then this game could turn out to be a shootout.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Can anybody stop this Oregon offense? – Oregon’s offense was absolutely dominant in the Rose Bowl against Florida State. Despite a close first half, the Ducks ended the game with 34 unanswered points. Ohio State needs to limit the Ducks’ opportunities and force turnovers, or they could be in the same position the Seminoles were during their annihilation.

Can the Buckeyes control the clock? – The Ducks are known for their face-paced, no huddle offense which can score in just a few minutes. The Buckeyes need to establish the run game early and take long scoring drives in order to stay in the game. If Ohio State can keep it relatively low scoring by the 4th quarter, then anything can happen.

How will Cardale Jones play on the biggest stage?- Despite being the third string quarterback, Cardale Jones played like a Heisman Trophy candidate against Alabama. The man nicknamed “12 Gauge” has even attracted the attention of NFL scouts due to his size (6’5 250) and insane arm strength. However, Jones has only started two games his entire career. If he can match Mariota’s production level, then the Buckeyes might be able to sneak out one more improbable victory.

PREDICTION:

Oregon Ducks win, 38-27 – If the old BCS system were in place, then Florida State and Alabama would be squaring off for the national title. Thanks to the new playoff system, college football fans can now watch the true two best teams in football — Oregon and Ohio State — face each other. The Buckeyes should not be taken lightly in this matchup and have a legitimate chance to win, but the Oregon Ducks appear too dominant right now and will take home the first inaugural CFP National Championship Trophy.

 ORIGINAL:

January 1st will mark the beginning of a new year and a new college football championship system. The BCS is in the past, and the College Football Playoff is here. Four teams will square off in two semi-final matches to determine who deserves to play in the National Championship and compete for the title.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

CONFERENCE:   SEC

RECORD:    12-1 (7-1)

BIG WINS:   vs Auburn, 55-44    vs Mississippi State, 25-20   vs Mizzou, 42-13 (SEC Championship)

LOSS:  at Ole Miss, 17-23

MATCHUP:  Sugar Bowl vs #4 Ohio State

STARS:  ✪ WR Amari Cooper    ✪ QB Blake Sims   ✪ FS Landon Collins

SUMMARY:  With the way things ended last season against Auburn and the “Kick Six,” you would think that it would linger over onto the next season and haunt a team. This isn’t just any college team, though; this is the Alabama Crimson Tide, members of the SEC and winners of 15 national championships. Nick Saban has done an amazing job during his tenure at Tuscaloosa and likely assumed that they would claim the #1 seed. The Tide lost accomplished veteran quarterback AJ McCarron to the NFL and had a quarterback controversy heading into the season, but Blake Sims took control of the starting job and ran away with it. Bama has elite talent all across the board, but the brightest star is junior wide receiver Amari Cooper, who broke the school record for receiving TDs in a season. Saban will expect his team to roll through the playoffs and claim their 16th title. Nothing new for the Tide, just business as usual.

OREGON DUCKS

CONFERENCE:   Pac-12

RECORD:    12-1 (7-1)

BIG WINS:   vs Arizona (Pac-12 Championship), 51-13   vs Michigan State, 46-27   at UCLA, 42-30

LOSS:  vs Arizona, 24-31

MATCHUP:  Rose Bowl vs #3 Florida State

STARS:   ✪ QB Marcus Mariota    ✪ RB Royce Freeman   ✪ DE Arik Armstead

SUMMARY:   You can’t talk about the Oregon Ducks without mentioning quarterback Marcus Mariota. On December 14th, Mariota took home the coveted Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in all of college football. He is, without a doubt, the most deserving of the award and it is a testament to his demeanor on and off the field. This season, Mariota led the Ducks to a 12-1 record in which they defeated every team they played (they played Arizona twice). The Ducks are known for their flashy uniforms and fast-paced offense, but this year’s version includes a dominant defense. Oregon has revolutionized the game with their playing style, but they’ve yet to win a national championship. The Ducks are entering the Rose Bowl with a lot of passion and will be ready to contend for their first title.

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

CONFERENCE:   ACC

RECORD:    13-0 (8-0)

BIG WINS:   vs Georgia Tech (ACC Championship), 37-35    vs Notre Dame, 31-27

LOSS:  None

MATCHUP:  Rose Bowl vs #2 Oregon

STARS:   ✪ QB Jameis Winston   ✪ SS Jalen Ramsey  ✪ RB Dalvin Cook

SUMMARY:   To say that Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is a polarizing figure would be an understatement. Winston is the most popular college player in the nation and is no stranger to controversy due to his sexual assault scandals and the infamous crab legs incident. However, there is no denying his talent and competitiveness. Last season, Winston became just the second freshman to win the Heisman Trophy after Johnny Manziel, who won it the year prior. The Seminoles went on to win the championship over Auburn in the what was the last installation of the BCS system. This year, the ‘Noles are returning to the Rose Bowl, but this time for a semifinal match. Despite their impressive 13-0 record, the Seminoles have struggled throughout the year and played in many games that shouldn’t have even been close. Yet, Winston and the ‘Noles seem to always step up on the big stage and should be a true contender come playoff time.

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

CONFERENCE:   Big Ten

RECORD:    12-1 (8-0)

BIG WINS:   vs Wisconsin (B1G Championship), 59-0   at Michigan State, 49-37   at Minnesota, 31-24

LOSS:  vs Virginia Tech, 21-35

MATCHUP:  Sugar Bowl vs #1 Alabama

STARS:   ✪ DT Joey Bosa   ✪ RB/WR Jalin Marshall   ✪ QB Cardale Jones

SUMMARY:  Some Buckeyes fans felt like the season was doomed after it was announced that starting quarterback and All-American Braxton Miller was out for the year. The team got off to a sluggish start and even embarrassingly lost to a bad Virginia Tech team. However, Miller’s replacement JT Barrett improved week by week, as did the rest of the Ohio State squad. Fast forward a few months and the Buckeyes stood at 11-1 heading into their rivalry game against Michigan, with Barrett as a legitimate Heisman candidate. However, things took a turn for the worse, as Barrett dislocated his ankle and would be ruled out for the remainder of the year. But if the Big Ten Championship proved anything, with third-stringer Cardale Jones’ performance, it’s that it doesn’t matter who’s at quarterback for this team. Ohio State has been disregarded by critics all season long, and their matchup against Alabama is no exception. The Buckeyes have a gigantic chip on their shoulder and will head into the playoffs as the underdogs yet again.

DETAILS:  January 1st, 2015 at the Rose Bowl     4:00 PM CST

MATCHUPS TO WATCH FOR:

QB Marcus Mariota vs QB Jameis Winston – In a rare battle of two Heisman trophy winners, Mariota and Winston will be facing off for a trip to the national title. The two quarterbacks are expected to be drafted first and second in the upcoming NFL Draft, as well.

Oregon’s Pass Offense vs Florida State’s Secondary – Although the Oregon offense boasts speed and talent throughout its roster, it will face quite the challenge going up against a traditionally elite Florida State defense, particularly in the secondary.

Florida State’s Offensive Line vs Oregon’s Pass Rush – The Seminole offensive line is full of future NFL draft picks, but they have struggled at various points throughout the season. Oregon’s pass rush, lead by Arik Armstead, should give the Florida State linemen a legitimate challenge.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Can Florida State avoid getting off to a slow start? – The Seminoles have not exactly lived up to expectations this season. Although they’re undefeated, a lot of those victories have come after a second-half comeback, mostly against inferior opponents, too. The ‘Noles can’t afford to start slowly or the Oregon Ducks, an elite team, will make them pay for it.

Will Marcus Mariota back up his Heisman? – In early December 2014, Mariota took home the first Heisman in school history. The whole world will be watching to see if he can produce like he has all season long on the biggest stage of his career. If Mariota can have a Heisman-like game, then the Oregon Ducks should come out victorious.

Can Jameis Winston do it again? – The last time Winston played at the Rose Bowl, he lead the Seminoles past Auburn to win the national title. Winston was sensational that game, as he threw for over 200 yards, 0 picks,  and 2 touchdowns, including a clutch game-winning drive with only a few seconds left on the clock. Winston has struggled throughout the season, but if he’s able to put together another great performance on the big stage, then the ‘Noles might have a chance.

PREDICTION:

Oregon Ducks win, 42-32 – Despite the fact that the Ducks are considerably favored to win, the game promises to be an entertaining one. Jameis Winston is known for stepping up on the big stage, and he hasn’t lost a game since high school. However, the Oregon Ducks may be too much for the defending champs. Expect the game to be competitive, but the Ducks will put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

DETAILS:  January 1st, 2015 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome     7:30 PM CST

MATCHUPS TO WATCH FOR:

Nick Saban vs Urban Meyer – The last time these coaches faced off, it was during Meyer’s tenure at Florida, in which the Tide won convincingly. Meyer is now at Ohio State and it will be entertaining to watch these two great coaches go at it again.

QB Cardale Jones vs Alabama’s Defense – Prior to his own ankle injury, quarterback JT Barrett was sensational filling in for starter Braxton Miller. Now down to their third-stringer, it’ll be interesting to watch how Cardale Jones fairs against one of the best defensive programs in college football history.

Alabama’s Offensive Line vs Ohio State’s Defensive Line – The Crimson Tide consistently have future professional offensive linemen, but they’ll be matched up against arguably the best defensive fronts in the nation. All-Americans Joey Bosa and Michael Bennett hope to challenge the Bama offensive line in both the run game and passing game.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

How will Meyer handle the QB position? – JT Barrett’s injury looked to be devastating to Ohio State’s playoff chances, but his replacement Cardale Jones looked great in their blowout victory over Wisconsin. However, Alabama is a different animal, and Coach Urban Meyer may want to limit Jones’ role in order to avoid costly turnovers.

Will Blake Sims continue his level of production? – Senior quarterback Blake Sims wasn’t expected the have the starting job, but he impressed enough in practice to win it before the season began, and he hasn’t looked back since. The Tide are known for their defense, but the offense has carried them at points during the year. If Sims is able to play an efficient and effective game, then the Buckeyes may be in for a long night.

Can the Buckeyes rally as a team? – Time and time again, the Ohio State football team has been doubted throughout their 2014 campaign. The Braxton Miller injury, the loss against Virginia Tech, and the injury to JT Barrett were all supposed to end the Buckeyes’ playoff chances, but they managed to play well enough to grab the last spot. It’ll be important for Ohio State to play well collectively if they want a shot at playing in the championship and silencing the critics.

PREDICTION:

Alabama Crimson Tide win, 35-16 – The Buckeyes have played excellent football throughout the season and are quite the feel-good story, but the end of their journey draws near. The Alabama Crimson Tide are on a mission after missing out on the championship the year prior and will look to roll all over an injury-struck Ohio State squad.