College Football Playoff 2015: Picks/Predictions

This CFB season has been really fun, and it's about to get even better.  Clemson, Alabama, Michigan State, and Oklahoma have all had very, very successful seasons.  But these teams aren't done yet, there's still some work to do if they want to become the second ever CFP National Champions.  Here are my CFP 2015 picks/predictions.








ORANGE BOWL

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#4 Oklahoma (11-1) vs #1 Clemson (13-0) (4:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Miami Gardens, Florida) UPSET

My pick: #4 Oklahoma defeats #1 Clemson 38-35

What to watch for: Oklahoma's running game.  Oklahoma has a very talented QB in Baker Mayfield, that can pass, but also run the ball very well, along with RBs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon who are very talented also.  In this game, I think it'll be important for the Sooners to run the ball against Clemson, not that passing isn't important in this game for Oklahoma, but because Clemson is ranked 11th in the FBS in stopping the pass, and 32nd (which is still good, but not as good as their rank in stopping the pass) in stopping the run.  So, I think it'll be important for the Sooners to get their yardage on the ground in this one instead of in the air because it'll probably be harder for Oklahoma to have success in the air (not that they can't, though).  In the end, I see Oklahoma pulling out the victory in a close one to advance to the 2015 National Championship game.

My thoughts/reasons: Clemson and Oklahoma have both had very good seasons, this season.  But someone's obviously gotta win in this game, and someone's obviously gotta lose, and as tough as it is for me to pick against Clemson again after I have multiple times this season.  I think Oklahoma will come up big to keep their championship hopes alive.

Photo credit: Kevin Jairaj - USA Today Sports

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COTTON BOWL                                                                                                              

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#3 Michigan State (12-1) vs #2 Alabama (12-1) (8:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Dallas, Texas)

My pick: #2 Alabama defeats #3 Michigan State 31-14                                                      

What to watch for: Alabama's defense.  Anyone who follows college football should know that Alabama has a very good, and talented defense.  Although Bama has a very talented defense, they will be facing a pretty good Michigan State offense who will pose a challenge.  But I think in this game, Bama's defense will be too much for the Spartans to handle, and I see the Tide getting the victory to advance to the National Championship game.

My thoughts/reasons: Bama and Michigan State have both had very successful seasons so far, but I'm sure both of these teams are looking for more than what they currently have in terms of accomplishments this season.  But in this game, I see Alabama getting their redemption and winning over Michigan State after losing to a Big-10 team last season in the CFP semifinals.

Photo credit: Marvin Gentry - USA Today Sports

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There are many college football bowl games that should be fun, and these two CFB playoff games are the biggest of them all, and they should be lots of fun.  So enjoy!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!