College Football Heating up Despite the Cold

Patrick: So, we’re back again with a discussion of college football. I mean, I’m not sure what to think or feel or anything this season. Seemingly, only one team—some might say two—is an undeniable championship contender, but depending on matchups, shoot, anything could happen. Fellas, let’s hear your thoughts about the four College Football Playoff spots.

Russ: In the wake of the upsets and near-upsets: man, what a week! I had picked the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs, for sure, until the Alabama Crimson Tide beat them 41-24 December 4 in the SEC Championship. The other two spots took some thinking.

Patrick: Well, I must admit I sat there straight stunned while watching the end of that Ohio State/Michigan game--#2 vs. #5. I somewhat forgot Michigan was right in the mix.

John: Fellas, here’s the thing, though: Michigan over Ohio State wasn’t as huge an upset as it seemed, considering Michigan was ranked #5 and Ohio State only three spots up. What I would put up as a factor that could label it an upset is that Michigan hadn’t defeated Ohio State since 2011.

Patrick: Okay, I hadn’t realized that.

Russ: Yeah, me neither.

Donald: I knew it, but I still believe it to be a huge upset because Ohio State in the playoffs feels way bigger than with Michigan—at least in these recent years. Mind you, I get that it’s victories and size of victories that gets teams into the playoffs, so, of course, Ohio State shouldn’t get in ahead of a team that is better than them, but…

John: It’s probably that same feeling when it comes to Notre Dame. On December 4, they needed an Iowa win over Michigan or a Georgia win over Alabama. Neither scenario played out, so Notre Dame is on the outside looking in at No. 5, especially since Georgia had remained undefeated prior to the SEC Championship. Ohio State is No. 6.

Russ: Good points, John. Alabama escaping with a victory over Auburn—in overtime!— was something. Of course, it is a huge rivalry, so a close game wasn’t surprising. After that 'Bama victory over Auburn, I actually picked Georgia, Alabama, Cincinnati and Michigan for the four playoff spots a week before the College Football Selection committee did on December 5. Ohio State's loss against Michigan was an upset enough that, in my opinion, they were out of the playoffs.

Patrick: I felt that Alabama was going to get Georgia, ending Georgia's undefeated season; with that, Alabama would leapfrog at least Michigan and Cincinnati due to strength of schedule. I would have loved to see Notre Dame in the playoffs. They could have pulled off the championship. Of course, the money was on Georgia, but if December 4 showed us anything, it was week-to-week this season. I'm excited.

Donald: I like Alabama to pull it off. That’s who I want…and it’s who I believe in.

John: I think Michigan and Alabama will get the job done. Michigan will face off against Georgia in the Orange Bowl and Alabama vs. Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl, all December 31. 'Bama will play Georgia in a rematch and win again for the championship January 10.

Russ: Georgia’s going to win it all.

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