The selection show for the College Football Playoff announced to the country which 4 teams will get a chance to comepete for a National Championship Title.
1. Michigan 2. Washington 3. Texas 4. Alabama
Last week I wrote a blog about the possible outcomes of seeding after all Conference Champions have been crowned. I could never imagine the drama that would truly transpire as a result. We'll start off in Atlanta, where the SEC Championship game would be played between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia entered this matchup as the #1 team in the country on a mind-boggling 29 game win streak and while defending back to back titles going for a third straight.
Alabama was on the outs of the CFP unless they managed to win this game and have the comittee convinced of their win. That is exactly what they did. Seemingly dominating from start to finish, and Alabama QB Jalen Milroe torched the UGA defense with his legs on crucial 3rd downs. It was Alabama's defense and pass rush that really came up big for them in the contest, as Alabama narrowed out UGA 27-24 earning themselves a shot at the title.
So Bama's in, Georgia's out from that game. Texas handled business and they're in. Michigan does their job and secures the #1 seed. So that just leaves the Pac-12 champion, right? Win and In scenario for Oregon and Washington and that's the final team in?
That would be the case, if a certain ACC Championship game didn't have a 12-0 team playing in it.
First, Oregon and Washington certainly lived up to the hype that was built around the both of them. And the magnitude of this game alligned perfectly with the story-book college career of Bo Nix. Potentially a heisman on the line for either QB. a 34-31 nail bitter that had all the drama you can expect from a Bo Nix potential Heisman signature game. Washington led wire to wire up until there was 1 minute left in the 3rd quarter, and Oregon's Jordan James punched one in to make it 24-20 Ducks lead. Michael Penix, who was just sensational all game, showed poise and accuracy durning the 4th quarter of this Pac-12 Championship game. A performance that is worthy of a heisman in my opinion. Penix and the Huskies proved to be too much down the stretch, 34-31 Washington takes it.
So, that ACC championship, right? That team I said was 12-0 playing in it... yeah they won. Florida State capped off their 2023 season with an ACC championship to bring their final record to 13-0. They've had several quality wins this year. (vs. LSU, @Clemson, vs. Duke, vs. Louisville) however, their strength of schedule ranked 55th, and thier last two gamnes have been nail bitters against far lesser opponents. With all that being said, they still would have been selected to the College Football Playoff if it weren't for one person.
QB Jordan Travis, who was in the heisman running, and leading his team to an undefeated season. That was until he broke his leg on 11/18 during a home game vs. North Alabama. Ever since that injury the offense has looked very mediocre. This was the exact reason why they were not selected to the playoff. For the first time in the history of the CFP an Undefeated Power 5 school will not be selected as one of the 4 teams to compete for a Natty.
With all this being said, I have to say...
The Committee got it spot on. The 4 teams they selected are undoubtedbly the best 4 teams in the country. Leaving Florida State out is brutal, but it was something that had to be done. That FSU team, in their current state, would get obliterated by Michigan, Washington, Texas, Bama, even Georgia, Ohio State, and Oklahoma would enjoy that beat down. Anyone who is complaining about this seeding, doesn't want the 4 best teams in. Or, the most likely scenario, is they are Michigan fans who are scared to play Bama and thought they were going to get a free ticket to the title game by drawing FSU in the semis. You are not slick Michigan fans. Stop trying to pretend like you care about them "deserving to be in." It's bullsh*t and you know it.
Now, without further ado, my predictions.
Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Alabama (Line: Mich -1.5) The Pick: Bama Moneyline -102
This one I'm not overthinking. I'm taking Bama with the points and expect them to win outright. You simply cannot beat #1 Georgia in an SEC Championship game and then go on to lose to the Big Ten. It won't happen with Saban and not against Jim Harbaugh. I expect a gritty game and I expect a heavy blitz gameplan out of Bama to try and force JJ McCarthy to make big plays.
Sugar Bowl: Washington vs. Texas (Line: Texas -4.5) The Pick: Texas -4.5
A spread that's more than 3 points in a CFP Semi Final is always frightening to see, but this Texas team is simply different. They will prove to be too much with their RB power and their Defense. Texas is better coached in Coach Sark, and I believe they are a lot more physical and this game will be won in the trenches. Give me the Longhorns.
National Championship: Alabama vs. Texas (Line:UD) The Pick: Texas Moneyline
I know this is not what everyone want's but an Alabama vs. Texas National Championship would have all the hype imaginable. A rematch from earlier season, Bama's only loss, two historic franchises, and two legendary coaches. On top of this all, Texas hasn't been good in a long time. Could this be the spark of a modern day rivalry between these two? I'm taking Texas because I will be happy with this title game, and I'll be rooting for Texas. I think either team can certainly win this game and theres not a huge glaring edge for one team.
Regardless, congrats to the 4 teams that made the selection. And congrats to FSU for 12-0, there's nothing more they could've done. Let's hope the drama continues into these Semi Final games.
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