College Football Playoff 2014-15: Odds and Predictions for Each Semifinal Game

The first ever College Football Playoff hasn't stopped fans from arguing, but the two semifinal games will certainly be entertaining.

In the Rose Bowl, we have a matchup between the two most recent Heisman Trophy winners and possibly two of the top picks in the 2015 NFL draft. This will be followed by a Sugar Bowl battle between two of the most successful coaches in the sport.

These battles are going to be exciting but still the most important thing is winning. The teams that can get through these games will battle for the national championship on Jan. 12. 

With so much at stake in each game, you want to make sure you don't miss a second of the action. Here is a look at each battle with predictions for the two semifinal matchups. 

Rose Bowl

Who: No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 3 Florida State

When: Thursday, Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. ET

Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.

TV: ESPN

Odds (via Odds Shark)

• Spread: Oregon -9
• Over/Under: 71.5

There has been a lot of criticism about Florida State over the course of the season. The squad had a lot of close calls against inferior opponents and it became a question whether it would be able to earn a spot in the playoffs.

Of course, this is forgetting the fact that the Seminoles are the defending national champions, undefeated and have a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback leading the way.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher also explained that the team has prepared itself for a fast-paced opponent like Oregon:

"

It's extremely important. But we see that [no-huddle teams] a lot. Now they do it extremely well. ... I thought (our conditioning) was a key last year when we played Auburn. That was the thing - everybody thought we would fade at the end, that's when we got stronger. I feel very good about where we're at, and our conditioning's going very well.

"

No matter what happens, you can be certain Florida State is going to put up a serious fight.

Still, Oregon might remain too difficult to stop. Marcus Mariota not only won this year's Heisman, but he did it in dominant fashion:

The Ducks have been lights out offensively since the early-season loss to Arizona. They have eight wins in a row, scoring at least 40 points in each. With Mariota making plays with his arm and his legs, along with playmakers Royce Freeman, Byron Marshall and more, the squad will be able to score again.

Florida State will be able to keep up for a while, but Oregon will come through in a high-scoring battle.

Prediction: Oregon 45, Florida State 38

Sugar Bowl

Who: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Ohio State

When: Thursday, Jan. 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

TV: ESPN

Odds (via Odds Shark)

• Spread: Alabama -9
• Over/Under: 58.5

Alabama has been successful for a long time but rarely has the offense been interesting. The squad used to grind teams out with the run game and barely scrape onto victories.

Things have changed with Lane Kiffin in charge of the offense.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has noticed a difference this season, via Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News:

Receiver Amari Cooper, who leads the nation with 115 receptions, expected this change coming into the year:

The Crimson Tide ranks 17th in the nation with 37.1 points per game to go with a defense that ranks fourth in college football.

Ohio State's quality defensive line will be able to slow down the rushing attack of T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry, but Blake Sims and the passing game will make sure the points still come.

On the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes will struggle with third-string quarterback Cardale Jones making only his second career start. He played well against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, but he didn't have to do too much as Ezekiel Elliott had a huge performance.

With the running game likely limited, Jones will have to do too much and you can expect some struggles in a losing effort.

Prediction: Alabama 27, Ohio State 14

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