The College Football Playoff Selection Committee recently revealed which teams are still playing for the National Championship this season. Over the past few months, the committee enraged just about every school’s fan base, but they got the final selections right. Alabama has the top seed, followed by Michigan, Georgia, and Cincinnati.
In today’s article, we’ll preview the offense and defense for each playoff team and predict who’ll make it to the next round.
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The Cotton Bowl
Alabama owns the No. 1 seed.
Alabama’s Offense
The Crimson Tide suffered a significant loss when star wide receiver John Metchie III went down with
a torn ACL
against Georgia. However, the squad still features Heisman Trophy finalist Bryce Young and Biletnikoff Award finalist Jameson Williams.
Young and Williams combined for 184 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia. The wide receiver has world-class speed, which could prove a problem for Cincinnati’s defensive backfield.
Alabama has the
fourth-highest scoring offense
in college football.
Cincinnati’s Offense
Not to be outdone, the Bearcats sport a future NFL quarterback of their own. Desmond Ridder has the most passing touchdowns in program history, and he’s surrounded by future pro players.
Cincinnati also potentially has the best running back in this matchup. Jerome Ford has 1,238 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
The Bearcats could run into problems with their offensive line, which is clearly the least-talented part of their offense.
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Alabama’s Defense
The Crimson Tide possess some defensive juggernauts up front, including Heisman snub Will Anderson Jr. The stud linebacker has 15.5 sacks, according to ESPN, and leads the nation with 27.5 tackles for loss. He’s joined by Christian Harris and Henry To’oTo’o at the linebacker level.
Despite their talent, the Crimson Tide have slipped this year. They’re only 20th in the nation in scoring defense.
Cincinnati’s Defense
The Bearcats boast the fourth-best scoring defense in college football. Their cornerbacks, Coby Bryant and Ahmad Gardner, will prove essential in suppressing Alabama’s passing attack.
I’m curious if Myjai Sanders and Cincinnati’s stacked linebacker room can shut down the running game.
The Orange Bowl
The Georgia Bulldogs are the No. 3 seed.
Georgia’s Offense
Stetson Bennett remains a limiting factor at quarterback for the Bulldogs, and they probably won’t throw JT Daniels into the lineup this late in the year.
Georgia must get the ball to wide receiver George Pickens. The star receiver
missed most of 2021
with a torn ACL, but he’s the team’s only outside receiving threat. Tight end Brock Bowers dominates the middle of the field.
Michigan’s Offense
The Wolverines built their offense around running the football. They’ve attempted the ninth-most runs in the nation. However, Georgia will aim to stop Hassan Haskins on the ground and force quarterback Cade McNamara to win the game with his arm. Michigan isn’t built to throw the ball 30 or more times per game.
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Georgia’s Defense
Even after getting embarrassed by Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, Georgia has the nation’s statistically best defense. In per game stats, the Bulldogs rank third in rushing yards allowed (81.7), third in pass defense (172.7 yards), and first in scoring (9.54 points). They’ve struggled to get to the quarterback at times.
Michigan’s Defense
Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo are the best pass-rushing duo in college football, but don’t sleep on Brad Hawkins and Daxton Hill in the secondary. They’re part of the reason why Michigan is allowing under 200 passing yards per game.
Ideally, the Wolverines will force Georgia to run the ball and battle in the trenches.
Alabama is too talented for Cincinnati to overcome. Hopefully the Bearcats at least cover the spread, but they seemed doomed from the moment Alabama beat Georgia.
Georgia vs. Michigan has the makings of an instant classic. I could see the Wolverines winning on a few splash plays, but Georgia is the deeper team.
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