New Year, New Battles: College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Preview
After a lackluster first round of the playoffs, the quarterfinals look to do the opposite. On paper this slate of games may be the best we have ever seen.The teams coming off a bye from the first round look to change the outcomes from last season as the first four seeds fell short in their respective quarterfinal games. We have rematches, out of conference matchups and revisited rivalries. What a great way to bring in the new year!
MIAMI VS OHIO STATE
These two teams look to rekindle the hard fought rivalry games from the early 2000s. The odds of this game are lopsided but the playoffs are always unpredictable.
Keys to the game:
Miami has an underdog mindset going into every playoff game. They were able to sneak into the playoffs when many counted them out. The Hurricanes have one of the most talented rosters in the country and should be able to compete with anyone. Their pass rush is incredible as they likely have two first round talents on the edge. They will need to disrupt the Buckeyes passing attack by getting pressure on Julian Sayin. On the outside, they must contain OSUs wide receivers and limit the explosive downfield plays. Offensively, the Hurricanes will have to play much better than the first round as the Buckeyes have the #1 defense in the country. Keep Carson Beck protected and allow the running backs to control the game. When throwing the ball, Miami must attack CB Lorenzo Styles as he was recently exposed in the Big 10 championship game. If they can play physical and win the LOS they have a chance to move on to the Semi Finals.
Ohio State looks to replicate what they were able to do last year and avenge their loss going into the playoffs. The Buckeyes were dominant last year and they were able to do so by using their best players. Ohio State will look to gain an early lead in this game by taking shots downfield. The recipe is simple, be yourselves. If the Buckeyes can play the way they have played all season long except the Big 10 championship they will be very tough to beat. Offensively, they will use their WRs to take advantage of Miami’s weaker secondary. They will need to protect Sayin so he has time to make the right reads. The only weakness has been their red zone offense. They will need to figure it out in this game as every possession counts. Defensively, OSU needs to make Carson Beck uncomfortable. Throughout Beck’s career he has really struggled against pressure resulting in turnovers. If the defense shows up in the game then the Buckeyes have a great chance even with a mediocre offensive performance.
Prediction: I believe the Buckeyes come out swinging early and it’s going to be too much for this Miami team to handle. The Hurricanes are very talented but seem to be outmatched as the Buckeyes are a force to be reckoned with. Ohio State (24), Miami (10)
OREGON VS TEXAS TECH
At the start of the season, nobody could have predicted this matchup. Texas Tech will be in the playoffs for the first time in program history. Oregon will look to show them they don’t belong.
Keys to the game:
Oregon had the easiest first round draw in the playoffs and were able to showcase their talent. Hopefully, the Ducks didn’t put much on film for Tech as they have been gameplanning for weeks. The Ducks looked to give up some easy yards to JMU which is concerning as the Red Raiders have one of the most explosive offenses in the country. If the Ducks can fix some of their defensive issues and limit the explosive plays it will bode well for them. Offensively, they need to replicate the game plan and explosive plays they had in the first round. Winning the rushing battle will most likely result in an Oregon victory.
Texas Tech is the Indiana of last year's playoffs. Many didn’t believe that they could make it this far but they did. The Red Raiders will look to take advantage of the Ducks inconsistent defense. Use the running game to open up the explosive plays downfield. Tech will look to control the clock and create a tight game leading into the fourth quarter. LB Jacob Rodriguez will be an important player in this game as many regard him as one of the top players in the country. He will need to cause chaos against the Ducks rushing attack and cause turnovers.
Prediction: This game will be an instant classic as both teams have very similar traits. I believe it will come down to whichever team has possession last. The coin flip at the start of this game may very well decide on who moves on. Texas Tech (38), Oregon (35)
ALABAMA VS INDIANA
If anybody told you that these two teams would be facing off in the playoffs you would think they were crazy. Big Guy vs Little Guy matchup on paper but, the Hoosiers are actually favored to win this game.
Keys to the game:
Alabama is an underdog to Indiana? Yes, the Hoosiers look to be the better team but Alabama can compete with anyone in the country. Mistakes have caused the Crimson Tide to fall short a couple of times this season and they must be sharp in this one to have a chance. Ty Simpson will once again be a major factor in this game as he must play clean. The rushing attack for Alabama has been disappointing all year but, if they can get going against this Hoosier defense they can benefit from it. Defensively, the Crimson Tide have a tall task at hand as they will be facing the Heisman Trophy winner in Fernando Mendoza. They will need to get Mendoza to beat them with his arm and force him into contested throws. Get out to an early lead (two scores) and try to maintain it throughout the majority of the game.
Indiana is the #1 team in the country for a reason and look to be ready for the moment this time around. The Hoosiers must play their brand of football and not let the stage get too big for them. If they can replicate their play from throughout the season on defense and offense they will be able to win this game. Their goal in this game will be to pressure Ty Simpson which will lead to mistakes. Let your best players control this game!
Prediction: After looking at the weather forecast (rain), I am even more inclined to pick Indiana. The Hoosiers have been able to win every game this season in many different ways. They can complete comebacks, be dominant, or compete in low scoring affairs. As long as the moment isn’t too big for them they will win. Indiana (31), Alabama (10)
OLE MISS VS GEORGIA
A rematch of possibly the most competitive game of the season. The Bulldogs went behind in the game by multiple scores but eventually overcame that deficit and beat the Rebels. Ole Miss looks to return the favor as many know that it is hard to beat a good team twice.
Keys to the game:
Ole Miss looked unfazed after losing their head coach before the playoff as they dominated Tulane. The Bulldogs will be a much more talented team but they have had the opportunity to look into the first matchup film. The Rebels will look to get off to an early lead against Georgia once again but they must keep it. Defensively, they will need to stop the outside screen passes and heavy rushing attack as the Bulldogs will look to wear you down. Force them into 3rd down and long situations and rely on your defense. QB Chambliss will have an impact in this game by keeping drives alive with his legs. Ole Miss likes to play fast but must slow it down to control the clock and keep the ball away from the Bulldogs.
Georgia looks like the most dominant team going into the playoffs as they are peaking at the right time. The Bulldogs must win the LOS which will cause the Rebels to get tired. Once they get tired, Georgia must take advantage. In the first matchup, they ran a lot of screen passes to move the ball downfield. This time around they should look to attack downfield early and show Ole Miss that they can do that as well. This will open up their vaunted rushing attack which can control the game. Limit the explosive plays from the Rebel offense and beat them with physicality.
Prediction: This will be a much different game the second time around as both teams are familiar with each other. I believe it will be a close game going into the fourth quarter but the Bulldog mentality will wear the Rebels down late. Georgia (17), Ole Miss (10)
