The Orange Bowl– (1) Clemson Tigers vs (4) Washington Huskies– It’s almost becoming routine for the Clemson Tigers to make the playoffs and I predict that they will get back to the postseason once again and enter with the top overall seed for the second consecutive season and will come into the playoffs with a serious chip on the shoulder after being embarrassed by the eventual champion Alabama Crimson Tide last season in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl. The last time we saw Chris Pedersen and the Washington Huskies in the playoffs, it was New Year’s Eve in 2016 at the Peach Bowl against the heavily favored Alabama Crimson Tide. This could be a very interesting battle with two quarterbacks in Jake Browning and Kelly Bryant and two of the better defenses in the nation. Both teams are more similar than people give them credit for. They both like to run the ball and each has guys under center that can fire the ball down the field. Myles Gaskin could be the best running back that the Tigers will face all year long and with Washington, their offensive line will have to come prepared facing this defensive front.
Winner: I really believe Clemson would be too much for these Huskies. They can beat you in so many ways on the field. They can dominate you from a defensive standpoint and they can light up the scoreboard. When they have it going on both sides of the ball, nobody is beating them. Washington has the possibility to make things interesting, but Clemson will pull away. Tigers 35 Huskies 20.
The Cotton Bowl– (2) Alabama Crimson Tide vs (3) Wisconsin Badgers– This would be a game that would have everybody talking up until the actual game I feel. Ever since it’s inaugural season, Alabama has always been a participant in the CFB Playoffs and they will begin the quest to continue their dynasty and win their second national championship in a row and sixth title in ten years. Last season, I felt the Wisconsin Badgers were the best team in the country that nobody ever discussed. They ran away with the Big Ten West and had a zero in the loss column until they fell short to the Ohio State Buckeyes. If you’re a fan of physical and hard-hitting football, this will be the game for you. This will feature two of the best programs in the nation along with two of the best coaches in Nick Saban and Paul Chryst. Alabama’s front seven will definitely have to gear up to shut down Jonathan Taylor, the star running back for the Badgers and what quarterback will be under center for the Tide? Will it be Hurts or Tua? Only time will tell. This one could have the feel of a backyard brawl and defense will be a determining factor for this game.
Winner: I could see maybe two offensive touchdowns at the most being scored in this one. What could hurt Alabama is their lack of experience in the secondary and that’s something that Alex Hornibrook and the Badgers will need to take advantage of early and often. I’d make the Tide’s defense guess and assume that they’d come out the gates to establish Taylor and this is the beauty of having such a good running back because you can utilize them and establish your play-action. This is the game that will put Wisconsin over the hump and into the title game. Badgers 17 Tide 14
