New Year's Day Showdown: Predictions and Previews for CFP Playoff Games

Happy New Years!

2023 has been one of the best years of college football. In light of conference realignment coming next year, it seemed that every conference had something to prove. So many teams were competitive for a playoff spot this year, and all fans will be happy to see the 12 team playoff implemented next year.

Anyways, in this article I’ll give my predictions for the CFP playoffs. As mentioned previously, the committee got this 100% right, and we have great matchups in both games.

(X)

Get ready for an electrifying showdown as Pasadena, California braces for an epic collision! It's the Rose Bowl, where history will unfold amidst an air thick with anticipation. The #1 ranked Michigan Wolverines are poised to script their inaugural appearance in the coveted CFP championship game. Standing in their path, the formidable #4 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, hungry to reclaim their throne atop College Football's hierarchy. The stage is set, the tension palpable—the Rose Bowl awaits, pulsating with the promise of an unforgettable clash between these legendary teams.

First let's look at both teams.

Michigan football is all about the run game. They beat Penn State without throwing the ball in the second half. Blake Corum is one of the premiere backs in the nation, and when he finds a hole its over. But let's be honest, anyone could run behind that Wolverine O-Line. That unit is the real star of the show, as they have dominated all year. The run game allows for the play action game to succeed tremendously. JJ McCarthy is one of the most dynamic QBs, and he shines throwing on the run, and he can take off when he needs to. Year after year it seems Michigan has a strong defense, and this year is no different as Michigan has ranked as the number 1 defense in the country. The defense has shined in the biggest games for the Wolverines, and they will need to continue that play in the CFP.

In Tuscaloosa, after the brutal loss to Texas in week 2, the Tide have been rolling on both sides of the ball. Jalen Milroe has proved he is that guy. The leadership and determination he has shown has sparked a fire in this team that has led them to this moment. We have seen Milroe dominate with his legs all year, but we have seen him progress tremendously in the air. The rushing attack for bama is strong, the SR duo between McClellan and Williams has shined, but watch out for the young Jam Miller, who is a game changer on the ground and in the air. The WR core has had something to prove this year, and we have seen both Jermaine Burton and Isiah Bond take huge steps from last year. Bama’s defense has also been great. They have the best CB duo in the country with Kool-Aid Mckinstry and Terrion Arnold who are both locked down. This Tide D line, led by Dallas Turned, has dominated, we saw this in full effect against Georgia.

So how do these teams match up?

Both teams are loaded with talent across the board.

I think that both offenses will be tested against formidable defenses. There are 2 key players in this game that will determine the deciding factor. For Michigan its JJ McCarthy. Alabama's line has been very strong against the run. This game will not be like Penn State, JJ McCarthy is going to have to make plays. For Bama, the deciding factor will be Dallas Turner. He must be dominant against the run to force Michigan away from their gameplan. Also he can’t let JJ McCarthy get comfortable in the pocket. When JJ is forced out he often makes mistakes like throwing across his body into traffic resulting in turnovers.

In the end I'm giving the edge to the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide have been here before, they strive when they are the underdog. Jalen Milroe has shown up against the best teams in the nation. I think that Alabama will win this game on defense. Their run defense will force Michigan to throw the ball, and the Tide's cornerbacks will shut down the lackluster Michigan WR core heavily pressuring JJ McCarthy to make mistakes. On offense, the Tides deep RB room will prevail, constantly adding fresh legs to the offense. I think Bond or Burtain will get free for a deep shot as Michigan has been exposed over the top.

In the end I have Alabama winning 31-20 and clinching a spot in the CFP championship.

After this game, our journey takes us southward to NOLA for the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Witness yet another thrilling showdown featuring two of the nation's most formidable offenses. It's a clash between the Pac-12 and Big-12, pitting two determined teams against each other. The #2 ranked Washington Huskies are set to face off against the #3 ranked Texas Longhorns. Expect high-octane offenses boasting dynamic wide receivers, led by top-tier quarterbacks. Both teams are relatively fresh to this stage; this marks Texas' inaugural appearance in the CFP, while Washington makes its second appearance.

Let's take a look where these teams shine.

In Washington, Micheal Penix is simply that guy. He is the sole reason why this team is here. The 5th year senior has been on a tear this year, overcoming all odds by leading this Husky team to an undefeated season. The pressure was on him all year, and he lived up to it, so he and the rest of the squad will be ready for this game. The key to this UW offense is the pass. It starts with the pinpoint accuracy of Micheal Penix. It seems like this guy never misses a throw. Lets not forget this stacked wr room that JaMarcus Shephard has built. Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillan have been lights out. Rome Odunze really put the nation on notice, his contested catching and route running are unmatched. On the defensive side, it often gets overshadowed by the historic offense. But this defense is not bad and has come through when the team needed it. In many games down the stretch of the season, when the offense struggled the defense won the games.

In Austin, Steve Sarkesian has finally brought Texas back. This team is disciplined and we haven’t seen the usual Texas meltdown late in the season. Similar to Washington, the star of this squad has been Quinn Ewers. After getting hurt last year, he had something to prove. After torching Alabama’s defense early in the season, we knew he was legit. He has built a very strong connection with the loaded WR room down at UT. Xavier Worthy can fly, and if he's in open space, you're cooked. Don't forget about AD Mitchell, as he looks to get his third straight championship (He won the last 2 with Georgia). This team did take a big hit at RB after losing Johnathon Brooks to an ACL tear, but CJ Baxter has shown signs of greatness. This Texas defense is no joke either. On the D line T’Vondre Sweat is relentless every play. The Freshman Anthony Hill Jr has also been lights out, and will be a force for the next few years with the Longhorns.

Now let's see how these teams matchup.

These teams are very similar. They both have talent at all positions. Two loaded offenses with experienced quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. I would give the Texas defense a slight edge, but the UW offense a slight edge. I think this game will be a shootout. This will definitely be one of the best games this year, and maybe in CFB history. If you like high scoring, definitely tune into this game. Every big game between Penix and Washington has been doubted, and this game is no different with Texas favored. But each time UW has come through, defying the odds. Texas has also not played a close game since the beginning of November, so we don’t know how it will play out in the end. I’ve gone back and forth on this game but I think that Sarkesian’s offensive scheme paired with the strong defense will come through. I'm taking the Longhorns in a thriller 44-41.

There you have it, my predictions for the CFP. So sit back and enjoy the great day of college football!