Texas Christian University (TCU) did not make the four team playoff. The Ohio State Buckeyes changed the playoff landscape with the 59-0 slaughter of the 4th best defensive team, the Wisconsin Badgers. They will face the top team in the nation, the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Scoring at will against the elite defense and slowing down the Heisman Trophy Candidate Melvin Gordon (76 rushing yards in the Big Ten Championship) was enough to get the committee’s attention.
There will be a chess match between Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. The two coaches are familiar with each other since Meyer was the Florida Gators Head Coach from 2005 to 2010.
Cardale Jones was impressive against the 4th ranked defense in Wisconsin as he threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Alabama faces an offensive monster consisting of Jones, Ezekiel Elliot (1402 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns) and Devin Smith (799 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns).
The Crimson Tide’s elite run defense will be tested as Ohio State ranks 11th averaging 260.8 yards per game. Alabama gives up 88.7 rushing yards per game which ranks 2nd in the nation.
The Buckeyes pass offense will need to improve as they rank 50th with 246.8 yards per game.
Alabama is one of the better passing teams in the nation averaging 281.0 yards per game which ranks 22nd in the nation. Ohio State will be tested against Blake Sims (3,250 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions). The Crimson Tide run for 209.5 yards per game which ranks 36th in the nation.
Four team playoff schedule
2. Oregon vs. 3. Florida State, January 1st, 5 p.m. in Pasadena, California
1. Alabama vs. 4. Ohio State, January 1st, 8:30 p.m. in New Orleans, Louisiana
National Championship- January 12th, 8:30 p.m. in Arlington, Texas
Prediction- Buckeyes defeat Crimson Tide
Ohio State wins another stunner 31-24.
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