College Football Playoff 2014-15: Predictions and Odds for Complete CFP Schedule

It only took one season of the new College Football Playoff format to show the controversy doesn't end just because the BCS got the boot. Baylor and TCU both built strong cases for a spot in the final four, only to get left out by the selection committee.

The Horned Frogs have the most reason to complain. They were ranked third in the penultimate standings, beat Iowa State by 52 and proceeded to drop three spots. It obviously raises questions about the accuracy of the weekly releases before the one that actually counts.

Ultimately, the committee chose Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State. It's a strong group that should generate plenty of hype, but the debate rages on about the choices. In the meantime, let's check out all the key information for the playoff and make some predictions for how it will play out.

College Football Playoff Schedule

Date	Bowl	Team	Team
Jan. 1	Rose Bowl	Oregon	Florida State
Jan. 1	Sugar Bowl	Alabama	Ohio State
Jan. 12	National Title	SF Winner	SF Winner

Championship Odds

Rank	Team	Line
1	Alabama	11/10
2	Oregon	17/10
3	Florida State	6/1
4	Ohio State	8/1

Playoff Forecast

The Rose Bowl will feature an extraordinary quarterback battle between Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. The two most recent Heisman Trophy winners should put on quite a show, and their performances could very well decide the game.

Ultimately, the creation of these types of matchups, which likely wouldn't have occurred under the old system, is a major plus of the playoff. Andrew Greif of The Oregonian passed along comments from Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher about the high-profile clash:

"

It's what college football is all about. That makes for great TV and great competition and what it's all about. Getting the best against the best. Oregon is a national brand-name team. They have earned that right, the team is recognized all the way across this country. ... Florida State is a national brand-name. When you put two quarterbacks like that, brand names like that as far as college football it's what the playoff was designed to do.

"

The problem for the Seminoles is trying to keep pace with the Ducks without putting too much pressure on Winston. He's thrown 17 interceptions this season, and giving the ball away to an explosive opponent like the one the Seminoles will face on New Year's Day would mark the end of their extended winning streak.

So expect to see a more moderate pace from FSU. That means plenty of work for Dalvin Cook and Karlos Williams in an effort to control the clock and open more passing lanes for Winston.

The fact that Florida State hasn't been nearly as dominant, despite its undefeated record, is a concern, though. The Seminoles were able to avert disaster numerous times this season, but look for that to eventually catch up with them as the Ducks advance.

If the Rose Bowl is all about the quarterbacks, the focus of the Sugar Bowl is the coaches. The chess game between Nick Saban and Urban Meyer has surely already begun behind the scenes as the coaching staffs try to figure out how to catch their counterparts off guard.

Unfortunately for Ohio State, a season-ending ankle injury suffered by J.T. Barrett against Michigan makes the task much tougher. Cardale Jones proved himself as a capable replacement so far, but going up against the Crimson Tide is an entirely different task.

The key for the Buckeyes to offset that loss is the defensive line. When Alabama is clicking on all cylinders, as it has been for the better part of two months, it's dominant at the line of scrimmage. Joey Bosa and Co. must make their presence felt in the backfield early and often to have a chance.

That said, without Barrett, it just doesn't feel like Ohio State will have enough explosiveness on the offensive side to hang with the Tide for 60 minutes. The top seed should do enough to hold serve and advance to the title game.

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

If the top seeds do advance, it will create a titanic clash between Alabama and Oregon for the title. ESPN Stats and Info notes the Ducks enter the bracket as the favorite:

In reality, it would be a toss-up. Oregon probably has the highest upside of any team in the country, but Alabama is battled-tested after surviving the SEC grind. The Tide won five games over ranked opponents out of their last seven contests.

That type of experience pays huge dividends at the end of the season. That's why Saban's teams are so tough to beat at this stage of the campaign. It makes the Tide the pick to win the inaugural College Football Playoff in a thriller over Oregon.