College Football Playoff Matchups We Want to See the Most
The season has barely begun, but admit it: You’re already looking forward to the first College Football Playoff.
The potential for exciting matchups looms large. Rematches, rivalry showdowns and first-time meetings all look to be in play.
Could we see Alabama-Auburn twice? Will the Tide be able to get revenge on Oklahoma? Or will two new squads enter the fray and surprise everyone?
The possibilities are endless. But here at B/R, we decided to choose potential clashes that stand out.
So let’s take a look at the most intriguing possible matchups, selected by rivalry, tradition and performance so far in 2014.
USC vs. Alabama
1 of 9
Last Meeting: December 28, 1985 (24-3 Alabama; Aloha Bowl)
The Skinny
It’s a surprise that the holders of the last two successful dynasties in college football haven’t met for nearly 30 years.
From 2002-08, the Trojans dominated the college football landscape, going 82-9 during that span. The team won seven straight Pac-10 Conference titles and two national championships, and claimed three Heisman Trophy winners. That includes a 34-game string of victories from 2003-05, longer than all but four other win streaks.
But from 2008-13, the Crimson Tide were just as dominant, going 72-9. The team won three national titles in four years and two SEC championships during that stint.
Both teams appear to be talented this season.
Although USC recently fell to Boston College, this is a young squad that can quickly turn things around. Besides, an undefeated run in the Pac-12 would help put the loss in the rearview mirror.
Who wouldn’t want to see these two settle it all on the field?
Michigan State vs. LSU
2 of 9
Last Meeting: December 29, 1995 (45-26 LSU; Independence Bowl)
The Skinny
If defense is your thing, this is your game.
Last season, the Spartans throttled opposing offenses, ranking No. 2 in the nation in total defense. The team allowed just 252.2 yards per game while conceding a meager 13.2 points.
This year, it's the Tigers who have looked like one of the nation’s stingiest defenses. Through three games, the unit has allowed just 205.7 yards and 8.0 points per game.
Although Michigan State got run over by Oregon in its most recent game—the Ducks won 46-27 while putting up 491 total yards of offense—don’t sleep on the Spartans defense.
Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi should have his guys back playing at an elite level in no time. And with an offense that finally looks explosive, don’t be surprised to see Michigan State make a run.
Georgia vs. Florida State
3 of 9Last Meeting: January 1, 2003 (26-13 Georgia; Sugar Bowl)
The Skinny
Given the difficulty of the SEC schedule, a loss isn’t enough to eliminate the Bulldogs from the College Football Playoff.
Then there’s the fact that Georgia has Heisman Trophy contender running back Todd Gurley in the backfield. The junior has rushed for 329 yards and four touchdowns on a whopping 9.4 yards per carry while also hauling a kickoff return 100 yards for a score.
Although quarterback Hutson Mason has left a lot to be desired with his early performances, the Bulldogs would give the 2013 BCS champion Seminoles a run for their money.
Who wouldn’t want to see the best running back in the country go up against one of the best quarterbacks in Florida State’s Heisman winner Jameis Winston?
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Notre Dame vs. Oregon
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Last Meeting: October 23, 1982 (13-13)
The Skinny
One of college football's traditional powers squares up with one of the top programs since the turn of the century.
Both the Ducks and Irish have had their chances at playing for a national title. Who doesn’t think these programs are deserving of another shot?
For Notre Dame, the return of quarterback Everett Golson has proved beneficial. The senior has racked up 780 yards through the air along with seven touchdowns on 64.6 percent passing. He's also tallied another 83 yards rushings and four touchdowns on the ground.
Meanwhile, fresh off its impressive victory over Michigan State, Oregon is looking like a true national title contender. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is having yet another impressive campaign, and the defense appears to be gelling.
This would be a very fun matchup to watch.
Texas A&M vs. Baylor
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Last Meeting: October 15, 2011 (55-28 A&M)
The Skinny
If you love offense, this is the matchup you want.
Through three weeks, both the Bears and Aggies rank in the top five in terms of total offense. Baylor leads the nation, averaging 654.3 yards and 59.3 points per game while Texas A&M ranks No. 4 with 595.7 yards and 54.3 points per game.
Bears quarterback Bryce Petty has picked up where he left off from last season, throwing for 577 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions on 63.2 percent passing in limited work. Conversely, sophomore Kenny Hill has helped Texas A&M forget about Johnny Manziel, hurling for 1,094 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions on 69.2 percent passing.
These two teams love to score and aren’t afraid to prove it.
We may need a new scoreboard after this one is said and done.
Oklahoma vs. Alabama
6 of 9
Last Meeting: January 2, 2014 (45-31 Oklahoma; Sugar Bowl)
The Skinny
This was the matchup that shocked the college football nation back in January.
The Sooners used this win to propel themselves through a stellar recruiting season and opened 2014 ranked in the Top 3 of the USA Today football coaches poll. Meanwhile, Alabama's loss caused many to question whether the Crimson Tide dynasty had finally reached its end.
Oklahoma would have the edge in a potential rematch, as the team returns the majority of its players who starred in January’s game. Not to mention, Alabama has failed to top its Crimson and Cream foe since 1963.
With revenge on his mind and a shot at silencing critics, don’t expect Tide head coach Nick Saban to have too much trouble convincing his troops to suit up for this one.
Oregon vs. Florida State
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Last Meeting: None
The Skinny
This could very well be a showdown between the 2013 and 2014 Heisman Trophy winners.
The Seminoles' Jameis Winston claimed the trophy a year ago, putting up mind-numbing statistics while helping his Florida State team blow away any team that lined up against it. Meanwhile, the Ducks' Marcus Mariota—who many predict could take the trophy in 2014—will look to rebound from last season's poor finish.
So far, the junior has been tremendous for Oregon, throwing for 806 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions on 70.4 percent passing. He's also contributed on the ground, rushing for 156 yards and three scores. Mariota already has a couple of Heisman moments on his resume, such as leading his team to a thrilling victory against Michigan State and lunging into the end zone against Wyoming last week.
In what could be a battle of past versus present, who will stand tall?
Alabama vs. Auburn
8 of 9Last Meeting: November 30, 2013 (34-28 Auburn)
The Skinny
There’s a good chance you’ll never see a college football game more exciting than the one these two played last November.
Given the game's wild ending, fans clamored for a rematch in the BCS title game. But although that didn't come last year, the change to a four-team playoff could very well make that a realistic possibility this season.
As it stands, the Tigers and Crimson Tide are set to battle in Tuscaloosa on November 29. If that showdown is anywhere close to as good as last year’s showing, there’s a good chance we could see the two rivals suit up against one another in January.
Of course, one would have to win the SEC title, and the other most likely could only have one loss on the season.
Auburn vs. Florida State
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Last Meeting: January 6, 2014 (34-31 Florida State; BCS title)
The Skinny
With 31 points scored between them in the fourth quarter of their last matchup, it was a matter of who had the football last.
So why not give these two another 60 minutes to go at it? And why not put the national title up for grabs again?
Thus far, neither the Seminoles nor the Tigers have looked the part of national champions. After averaging a 39-point margin of victory in 2013, Florida State has looked sluggish and hasn’t scored 39 once this year. Meanwhile, Auburn barely escaped with a victory over Kansas State on Thursday.
Still, given that both teams are currently ranked in the Top 5, a rematch is not at all far-fetched.
All stats and rankings used in this article are courtesy of CFBStats.com.
For complete coverage and everything college football, you can reach Sebastian on Twitter and via email at Sebastian.LenaBR@gmail.com.
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