(4) Cincinnati Bearcats vs (1) Alabama Crimson Tide– For the first time ever, a non-power five school has made the CFP! How about that? The Cincinnati Bearcats are making their playoff debuts. They are a well-coached group under Luke Fickell, a dynamic playmaker in Desmond Ridder at quarterback, a solid running back in Jerome Ford along with a defense that can get those takeaways and make you one-dimensional. Ever since that win against Notre Dame in October, I’ve been sold on them. Let’s look at the other side of the equation now. The Crimson Tide are looking to repeat as champions once again. They’ve been in the playoffs in all but one year and earned the one seed after their big win against the Georgia Bulldogs. Who’s punching their ticket to Indianapolis in this one?
(3) Georgia Bulldogs at (2) Michigan Wolverines– This is the one that immediately caught my eye. Against Alabama in the SEC Title Game, Georgia’s defense was dominated with speed, and they gave up more points in that game alone (41) than they did all year combined (78). They were outcoached and out played, plain and simple. However, they still deserve to be here because they were so dominant all year long. If they had won, they’d be the one seed on the bracket. How about the team in Ann Arbor? Michigan is playing their best football at the perfect time and making believers out of the doubters. This game features two of the best defenses in the country. I’m expecting a hard-hitting football game between these two.
