The new 12-team college football playoff is upon us and there are some really good matchups to discuss. The action kicks off Friday with Notre Dame hosting Indiana while Saturday’s slate has the other three opening round games.
These two teams had a fairly simple path to 11-1 and a college football playoff berth. Notre Dame’s strength of schedule is ranked 60th while Indiana’s is 67th ranked. The Fighting Irish never played a team that is currently ranked while Indiana’s only ranked opponent was a blowout loss to Ohio St.
Both defenses are top 10 in the country. I have a feeling that this is a game that will be won by two or more scores by Notre Dame. After watching the Hoosiers take on Ohio St, I have little confidence that they can play very well against a top 10 team. Notre Dame may have played a weak schedule like Indiana, but I think they are more ready for this type of game.
It should be fun to watch these two Indiana teams battle it out in South Bend. Either way for Indiana, it has been a special first season under Curt Cignetti. Notre Dame wins by two touchdowns 31-17.
Penn St is another team that has been able to get to the playoff by beating weaker competition without winning against any playoff contenders. SMU is in the same boat, the two tough teams they played both resulted in losses against Clemson and BYU.
The Nittany Lions must win this game. The program is starved for a big win after failing continuously against the big boys of the Big Ten. Playing at home against a team that is not considered on their level better end in victory.
For SMU, they have a chance to have a program defining win. Rhett Lashlee has led the Mustangs to a playoff spot, but they’re certainly disappointed that they couldn’t beat Clemson to win the ACC.
I am curious to see what the Penn St offense will look like. They showed out in the loss against Oregon and played their best game of the season, but they have struggled at times as well against top competition like Ohio St. I predict that Penn St will get the job done after struggling in the first half and move on to the quarter final winning 34-24.
Clemson is just happy to be in the playoff while Texas is stewing over their two losses to Georgia this season. The Longhorns have played weaker competition outside of the Bulldogs though, can they handle Clemson?
Texas is considered one of the most talented teams in the country. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is good, but many have called for Arch Manning to replace him. I don’t have a ton of confidence in Texas considering that they haven’t beaten any ranked competition.
Clemson has been weird to watch. They have gotten blown out by Georgia and lost to Louisville and South Carolina but came through when it mattered against SMU. Dabo Swinney has won two national titles, he has so much experience in big moments to doubt him.
I may be completely wrong, but I am going to predict an upset in this game. Clemson comes to play while Texas struggles, Tigers win 28-23.
Ohio St is hoping to respond with a big playoff run after a heartbreaking loss to Michigan. Tennessee is looking to show that the SEC is as strong as some claim with a program defining road playoff win.
The Buckeyes on paper are as good as anyone in the country. Their wide receiver talent is as good as anybody while their running backs are elite. Their defense is also really special as they are the best in the country in yards allowed. The only question about the team is will the offensive line and quarterback Will Howard play at their best against the better teams.
Tennessee has lost to Arkansas and Georgia while their lone impressive win is Alabama. Freshman Nico Iamaleava is talented, but he will face a lot of pressure on the road against the best defense in the country.
Overall, Ohio St is more prepared for a game like this. Tennessee is certainly capable of beating the Buckeyes, but Ohio St wins this game most of the time. I will take the Buckeyes to win 30-14.
