College Football Playoff Preview

I’m just so happy for college football’s playoff system. It really does a great job of getting the casual fan interested.

Take my good friend George. He doesn’t care about the old system...he didn’t even understand how the BCS worked! But with Winter Madness, George is a huge fan. He’s in pools, he’s watching the games: George is feeling the sport.

And the playoffs are a serious moneymaker. Considering we’re in a recession right now, money is much needed.

At any rate, here’s the preview from Round One...

16. Troy @ 1. Oklahoma

No sense previewing this game. I just wanna say I love how the college football playoff system gets teams from all conferences involved. Sure, the token Sun Belt Conference squad usually gets belted. But much like basketball, it’s fun to have them involved.

As for Oklahoma, they can get away with running up the score all they want, but can they escape a rematch with Texas?

Prediction: Oklahoma in a rout.

9. Boise State @ 8. Penn State

The 2006 Cinderella vs. the 2008 sentimental favorite. Maybe the most intriguing game of round one. By the way, a big shoutout to Joe Paterno, who worked hard throughout his career to make this playoff happen. Now he has another shot at that elusive national championship. God bless him.

Prediction: Penn State pulls away in the second half and takes the game.

12. Cincinnati @ 5. USC

Someone from the Big East had to make it. Props to Cincinnati for surviving. But to go into Los Angeles against the Mighty Trojan Machine...

Prediction: USC in a rout.

13. Virginia Tech @ 4. Alabama

Alabama was pretty ticked that this loss dropped them to the four seed. Nevertheless, they get a pretty easy round one matchup. Virginia Tech was lucky enough to win their division, then got to beat up on a banged-up Boston College team in the ACC Championship. Defense will rule in this one.

Prediction: Alabama in a sloppy, defense-dominated contest.

11. Texas Christian @ 6. Utah

Plenty of people were upset that TCU got the final at-large bid over Georgia, Georgia Tech, or Oklahoma State. But they’re here now, vs. the big sleeper, Utah.

I don’t know if the Utes have it in them to get that far, but they certainly can take care of business in round one. Everyone is looking forward to a potential “Utah vs. Urban (Meyer)” in the semifinals if Florida makes it that far.

Prediction: Utah takes care of business.

14. East Carolina @ 3. Texas

Texas is pretty pissed (and rightfully so in my opinion) that they didn’t get to play in the Big 12 championship and thus not have a chance at the top seed.

In the old days, when a team beats the team that eventually becomes number one (and beats them handily), then loses to a really good team on the road on a fluke play but still only has one loss, and yet that one cheap loss hampers them because the number one team they beat handily keeps running up the score...well, let’s just say I’m glad we don’t have the bowl system anymore. Shame on Bob Stoops for making me defend Texas!

Prediction: Texas crushes ECU—they’re on a mission.

10. Ohio State @ 7. Texas Tech

Terrelle Pryor, welcome to the big time! And just in time, because they will need every single point that they can get vs. a determined Texas Tech team playing at home. I know Ohio State has looked better the past few weeks, but c’mon people...it’s the Big Ten. It's just not...that...good. Don’t shoot the messenger.

Prediction: Pryor keeps it somewhat close but Tech puts up enough points to win, even without Crabtree.

15. Buffalo @ 2. Florida

Good job for Buffalo reviving that program. Really good. I’m happy for them. I was pretty surprised when they upset Ball State in the MAC Championship. Glad to see them here! Really!

Prediction: Uhhhh, Florida.

In the second round, Oklahoma runs up the score on Penn State, making everyone cry. USC surprises Alabama, Texas handles Utah, and Florida knocks off Texas Tech.

Oklahoma beats USC in the semifinals. Texas upsets Florida in an epic classic, then beats Oklahoma again in the championship game.

When I don't have a real rooting interest (I'm partial to Notre Dame, Maryland, and Navy), I just root for great games, so may the games be great!