CFP First Round Preview: Matchups, Game Plans, and Predictions
The college football playoff is a week away and it's time to dive into these first round matchups. Many fans across the country are confused as to why the committee scheduled the most anticipated matchups in the inferior timeslots. Well, the reason for this scheduling is due to the NFL. Before the 12 team playoff existed the NFL decided to spread out their schedule and use Saturday’s to do so. This was a perfect scenario for the NFL as the college football playoffs never interfered with Saturdays and they were able to boost their ratings. The NFL still occupies these timeslots and the committee decided to make sure the more extensive matchups don’t interfere.
ALABAMA VS OKLAHOMA
In week 12 of the college football regular season these two teams faced off in Tuscaloosa. The Sooners came out victorious which essentially gave them home field advantage in this game.
Keys to the game:
Oklahoma will have a similar game plan this time around as they were able to disrupt the passing game with pressure and rely on their secondary to create turnovers. John Mateer will be a huge factor in this game. He will have to extend plays with his legs and find some open receivers. They were able to get pressure on the quarterback in the last matchup without their best pass rusher (R. Mason Thomas). He will be available in this game and will be a possible game changer. The Sooners will need to take points whenever they can get them and rely on their defense to win this game.
Alabama has won and lost games depending on their quarterback’s play. As of late, Ty Simpson has struggled and that has been due to the opponents pass rush. The offensive line will have to hold up against a feisty Oklahoma D-line. The Crimson Tide have had some issues with turnovers throughout the season and will have to win the turnover battle to have a chance to come out victorious. Their offensive game plan should consist of quick throws to the boundary to open up some downfield opportunities. Alabama struggled against Mateer in the first matchup and will have to contain him in the pocket and force him to beat them with his arm. It is very important that they get out to an early lead as the Sooners aren’t built to come back in games.
Prediction: As we all know, the hardest thing to do in college football is beat a good team twice. I believe the Crimson Tide will be able to write their wrongs from the first matchup and come out with a close victory. The Sooners will come out looking flat due to the long layoff between games and the Tide will take advantage. Ty Simpson plays efficiently without turning over the ball and adjusts from the first matchup. Oklahoma will make an attempt to come back into this game but will run out of time at the end. Alabama (21), Oklahoma (17)
TULANE VS OLE MISS
Earlier in the season, the Rebels steam rolled the Green Wave winning by 35 points at home. Tulane has grown throughout the season but they are still major underdogs going into this playoff.
Keys to the game:
Ole Miss is one of the most talented teams in the country but losing Lane Kiffin to LSU will be a major factor in this game. The Rebels defeated the Green Wave by playing aggressive and relying on their talented players. They will need to be themselves without Kiffin and play up to their standards. Feed off of the home crowd and use that against Tulane.
Tulane has their work cut out for them as the Rebels are the far more superior team. They will need to surprise the Rebels on their opening drive utilizing Jake Retzlaff’s legs. They will need to control the clock throughout the game keeping the Rebel offense on the sideline. On defense, they need to be able to limit the explosive plays and keep everything in front of them. If Tulane is able to keep this game close in the final stages then they will have a good chance to win the game.
Prediction: Even though it is hard to beat a team twice I believe the Rebels pull away late to win the game. Lane Kiffin’s departure will impact the start of the game but eventually the Rebels pull away with it. Ole Miss (31), Tulane (20)
JMU VS OREGON
The G6 teams are rooting for JMU as they were able to occupy two playoff spots this season. The question all fans want to know is: Do they belong? This game will give us those answers.
Keys to the game:
Oregon has been playing their best football of the season going into this game. They didn’t make their conference championship game this year which gives their injured players more time to get healthy. When healthy, the Ducks have one of the most talented rosters in the country. Similar to Ole Miss, the Ducks will have to be themselves and dictate the game on their terms. Autzen Stadium is one of the best environments in college football and now they get to host their first playoff game. Oregon will be able to win this game handily and shouldn’t put too much on tape for the rest of the teams in the playoffs.
JMU is a 21 point underdog in this matchup. The Dukes will have to compete with the best in this game and show the country that they belong. They will need to battle and try and keep this game as close as possible. If the game is respectable it can be a huge program builder.
Prediction: This game will be a blowout. We will look into this game in the offseason and truly decide if the G6 teams even belong in the playoff. Oregon moves on to the quarterfinals with the easiest first round draw. Oregon (38), JMU (6)
MIAMI VS TEXAS A&M
This is possibly the best matchup of the first round. Both teams will have a similar game plan going into this game. In my opinion Kyle Field is the best atmosphere in college football and is perfect to host a first round playoff game.
Keys to the game:
Texas A&M is coming off of their first loss of the season to their rival. Remember what happened last season when a team lost their rivalry game going into the playoffs? They ended up winning it all. The Aggies will look to follow in the same footsteps but they need to resolve some issues first. They have been into some close games this season and it is due to the pressure their opponents raise against Marcel Reed. They will have to protect their quarterback throughout this game and keep him on schedule. He will need to utilize his legs in this matchup when pressured instead of forcing the ball into coverage. On defense the Aggies will have to be sound tacklers as they have been poor in the open field all season.
Miami is very excited to be in the playoffs after they thought they would be left out. The Hurricanes have a chip on their shoulder as many believe they didn’t deserve to be here. Similar to the Aggies they will need to protect Carson Beck as he is turnover prone when pressured. They will also need to control the clock and win the rushing battle in all quarters. Rely on your D-Line that’s regarded as the best in college football and create chaos early. If the Hurricanes can silence the Aggie crowd they will have a great chance to win.
Prediction: This game will be an instant classic and the only problem will be that it's at noon. Both teams will come out swinging and they will go score for score throughout the entirety of the game. Texas A&M will win this game on a late field goal and move onto a tough matchup in the quarterfinals Texas A&M (31), Miami (28)
