[Westside]

Who is your pick to win the national championship?

[UKisN1]

Texas

[Old School Hound]

People still watch college football??? If UK or EKU ain't playin, I'm not interested.

[plantmanky]

I am rooting for Arizona State............but I dont see Oregon losing.

[King Kong]

I would've said Georgia,  but I think Beck maybe out the rest of the way.  The backup qb done a good job though.  Plus beating Texas 3 time's in a year if it comes down to it will be tough.  I really like Georgia and Texas defenses. 

Oregon has some of the fastest guys I've seen on a football field.  

Ohio St really throttled Tennessee.  Ohio St played Oregon tough earlier in the year.  I'm picking Ohio St to beat Oregon next week.  

Notre Dame,  I believe is somewhat being slept on.  

I believe either Georgia or Ohio St wins it all. Texas might slip in there and Oregon may very well go undefeated and win it all.  Kinda tough to call right now.  Even with a backup qb I believe Georgia's defense is good enough to slow opposing offenses down.

[Cactus Jack]

Oregon got a rough draw to be the #1 overall team-- they were the best team in the regular season but the deck is stacked against them right now. I'd think they'd have much rather played the winner of Notre Dame/Indiana or even Penn State/SMU before the winner of Ohio State/Tennessee. Ohio State is favored in the Rose Bowl by 2.5 points, which was a bit surprising to me. Ohio State really has nothing to lose at this point. There would definitely be much more pressure on them if this were the National Championship game and there was all the talk about Ryan Day not being able to win big games. As someone who loathes the Buckeyes, I worry that he's going to be due to win a big one at some point.

Texas is in the best spot. I'd be a huge upset if they were to lose to Arizona State in Atlanta. Assuming they don't choke this week, the toughest game for them the rest of the way is probably be the winner of Oregon-Ohio State, and that one is in the Cotton Bowl at Dallas. Would have to think they'd have a huge following there given the distance from Eugene or Columbus (and that OSU fans may be a bit fatigued after a home game and a trip to the Rose Bowl. The Longhorns have some holes, but they can do enough to beat anyone if they play well. If I had to pick anyone, they seem the safest by virtue of their path and depth-- what other team could survive an injury to one of their best players (Ewers) and replace him without really missing a beat?

Georgia is definitely going to be without Carson Beck the rest of the way, as he had a surgical procedure on his UCL ~2 weeks ago. Watching everyone this season, I thought Georgia had the most talent, and when they showed up ready to play, they looked better than anyone else. They also had a habit of playing down to their competition and coming into games with a lack of energy and focus. I'm not saying that they'd have won it if Beck were healthy because it honestly seemed like he'd lost the team at some points this season, but I am pretty skeptical about Gunner Stockton being able to win three straight, especially as film gets out on him and teams make adjustments. I think they'll survive Notre Dame in New Orleans, and maybe even survive their next one against the winner of Penn State-Boise State in Miami, but even against whoever makes it out of the top, I don't know that they have enough to win if it comes down to Stockton needing to play from behind or they get into a shootout where he needs to answer with points or long, sustained drives. It seemed like they were using a lot of smoke and mirrors when he was thrown into the Texas game; I wouldn't be shocked if they have to go to Jaden Rashada or Ryan Puglisi (read: their third and fourth string QBs at Thanksgiving) at some point, even if it's just to see if they can get hot or mix it up if Stockton stalls out.

Notre Dame is the team I've watched least, but I have a hard time seeing the eventual national champion being beaten by NIU. Until Notre Dame does two things, I personally won't count on them beating elite teams: 1. getting the type of speed at their skill positions that truly elite teams have; 2. actually beating someone and being worthy of the status that their fans and the media often thinks they have. Not saying they're terrible, but I think they're probably closer to Boise State or Arizona State than they are to Texas or Oregon-- what separates them from that tier usually isn't so much size as keeping everyone from running past them vertically. Even if their defense could hold up, they only put 27, 23, 31, and 31 on Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, and Louisville, so I can't see them scoring enough to beat a Texas, Ohio State, or Oregon.

Boise State is a cool story and they're giant killing underdogs who won't be intimidated or caught up in the moment. At the same time, there's a pretty big line favoring Penn State (-11), especially with a low over/under on total points (52). Penn State has a cross-country flight and their 7:30 ET kickoff will be 4:30 local time. I'd think they've been there for a few days at this point, but transnational flights have a pretty pronounced effect on NFL results (and the Big Ten expansion has shown that the collegiate game is following the same trend(s). I think they'd need to both get up early and get at least one defensive or special teams touchdown to really have a shot.

The above aside, I think Penn State will ultimately put away the Broncos. Low-key, this seems like a really nice dark horse to come out of the bottom bracket. Their biggest issue seems to be playing in shoot-outs or from behind. Boise isn't built to test them like that; re-read what I wrote about Notre Dame if you think they are; Georgia might be able to out-score them if they control the line of scrimmage and run the ball down their throat, but I think it's a big ask of their back-up that's known as more of a scrambler to execute a game plan designed around getting into an up-tempo game with them.


Predictions:
Oregon 28, Ohio State 27
Texas 35, Arizona State 17
Penn State 31, Boise State 21
Georgia 24, Notre Dame 13

Texas 30, Oregon 28
Penn State 21, Georgia 17

Texas 42, Penn State 30


The only things that would surprise me:
- Arizona State winning a game.
- Boise State winning more than one game.
- Notre Dame not ultimately being proven to be a fraud... again.
- Someone other than Oregon, Texas, Ohio State, or Georgia (with an electric back-up QB) winning the CFP.

Fun Fact:
If Oregon wins the natty, they'll be the first team to win their first NCAA Football Championship since Florida in 1996.

[Granny Bear]

I think Oregon will take it.
That's what my head says; not what my heart says.

[Van Hagar]

I feel the exact same way, Granny. And please let it be any of these teams other than Ohio (gag) St.

[King Kong]

Oregon got a rough draw to be the #1 overall team-- they were the best team in the regular season but the deck is stacked against them right now. I'd think they'd have much rather played the winner of Notre Dame/Indiana or even Penn State/SMU before the winner of Ohio State/Tennessee. Ohio State is favored in the Rose Bowl by 2.5 points, which was a bit surprising to me. Ohio State really has nothing to lose at this point. There would definitely be much more pressure on them if this were the National Championship game and there was all the talk about Ryan Day not being able to win big games. As someone who loathes the Buckeyes, I worry that he's going to be due to win a big one at some point.

Texas is in the best spot. I'd be a huge upset if they were to lose to Arizona State in Atlanta. Assuming they don't choke this week, the toughest game for them the rest of the way is probably be the winner of Oregon-Ohio State, and that one is in the Cotton Bowl at Dallas. Would have to think they'd have a huge following there given the distance from Eugene or Columbus (and that OSU fans may be a bit fatigued after a home game and a trip to the Rose Bowl. The Longhorns have some holes, but they can do enough to beat anyone if they play well. If I had to pick anyone, they seem the safest by virtue of their path and depth-- what other team could survive an injury to one of their best players (Ewers) and replace him without really missing a beat?

Georgia is definitely going to be without Carson Beck the rest of the way, as he had a surgical procedure on his UCL ~2 weeks ago. Watching everyone this season, I thought Georgia had the most talent, and when they showed up ready to play, they looked better than anyone else. They also had a habit of playing down to their competition and coming into games with a lack of energy and focus. I'm not saying that they'd have won it if Beck were healthy because it honestly seemed like he'd lost the team at some points this season, but I am pretty skeptical about Gunner Stockton being able to win three straight, especially as film gets out on him and teams make adjustments. I think they'll survive Notre Dame in New Orleans, and maybe even survive their next one against the winner of Penn State-Boise State in Miami, but even against whoever makes it out of the top, I don't know that they have enough to win if it comes down to Stockton needing to play from behind or they get into a shootout where he needs to answer with points or long, sustained drives. It seemed like they were using a lot of smoke and mirrors when he was thrown into the Texas game; I wouldn't be shocked if they have to go to Jaden Rashada or Ryan Puglisi (read: their third and fourth string QBs at Thanksgiving) at some point, even if it's just to see if they can get hot or mix it up if Stockton stalls out.

Notre Dame is the team I've watched least, but I have a hard time seeing the eventual national champion being beaten by NIU. Until Notre Dame does two things, I personally won't count on them beating elite teams: 1. getting the type of speed at their skill positions that truly elite teams have; 2. actually beating someone and being worthy of the status that their fans and the media often thinks they have. Not saying they're terrible, but I think they're probably closer to Boise State or Arizona State than they are to Texas or Oregon-- what separates them from that tier usually isn't so much size as keeping everyone from running past them vertically. Even if their defense could hold up, they only put 27, 23, 31, and 31 on Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, and Louisville, so I can't see them scoring enough to beat a Texas, Ohio State, or Oregon.

Boise State is a cool story and they're giant killing underdogs who won't be intimidated or caught up in the moment. At the same time, there's a pretty big line favoring Penn State (-11), especially with a low over/under on total points (52). Penn State has a cross-country flight and their 7:30 ET kickoff will be 4:30 local time. I'd think they've been there for a few days at this point, but transnational flights have a pretty pronounced effect on NFL results (and the Big Ten expansion has shown that the collegiate game is following the same trend(s). I think they'd need to both get up early and get at least one defensive or special teams touchdown to really have a shot.

The above aside, I think Penn State will ultimately put away the Broncos. Low-key, this seems like a really nice dark horse to come out of the bottom bracket. Their biggest issue seems to be playing in shoot-outs or from behind. Boise isn't built to test them like that; re-read what I wrote about Notre Dame if you think they are; Georgia might be able to out-score them if they control the line of scrimmage and run the ball down their throat, but I think it's a big ask of their back-up that's known as more of a scrambler to execute a game plan designed around getting into an up-tempo game with them.


Predictions:
Oregon 28, Ohio State 27
Texas 35, Arizona State 17
Penn State 31, Boise State 21
Georgia 24, Notre Dame 13

Texas 30, Oregon 28
Penn State 21, Georgia 17

Texas 42, Penn State 30


The only things that would surprise me:
- Arizona State winning a game.
- Boise State winning more than one game.
- Notre Dame not ultimately being proven to be a fraud... again.
- Someone other than Oregon, Texas, Ohio State, or Georgia (with an electric back-up QB) winning the CFP.

Fun Fact:
If Oregon wins the natty, they'll be the first team to win their first NCAA Football Championship since Florida in 1996.

Very well said CJ.  You nailed it about the Georgia backup qb,  about him getting exposed as the playoffs go on.  There likely wasn't much film on him going into the SEC championship.  You also reminded me of some of Georgia's not so great performances this year.  Like when they only beat Kentucky by one.  If that team shows up in the playoffs,  Georgia will likely be in for a long night. 

For Notre Dame,  I'd say there probably couldn't be a better time for them to face Georgia,  given the qb situation.  Which idk if Notre Dame has faced a defense anything close to what Georgia has.  Will make for a interesting game. 

If Oregon beats Ohio St I guess they'd want to see Georgia over Texas,  in terms of facing SEC teams.  Which I can't remember exactly how the bracket is set up. 

The way the bracket has fallen so far,  it's almost like Penn St has hit the lottery. Them and Texas both. I know nothing really about Arizona St.  I'd be shocked if they beat Texas.  Boise has a great RB,  he was runner up in the Heisman contest.  I'd still kinda be shocked if they beat Penn State.  Although it's not out of the realms of possibility.  I can definitely see Boise winning a game before Arizona State.

[King Kong]

I think Oregon will take it.
That's what my head says; not what my heart says.

I wouldn't mind at all to see Oregon win it.  They've gotten to the title game,  can't remember the year,  but fell just a little short.  I'd be okay seeing them win the title.

[Westside]

I think Oregon will take it.
That's what my head says; not what my heart says.

I wouldn't mind at all to see Oregon win it.  They've gotten to the title game,  can't remember the year,  but fell just a little short.  I'd be okay seeing them win the title.

I'm a Buckeye fan.  I feel that they have the most talent and maybe the Michigan loss was a blessing in disguise.  GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

[Van Hagar]

Hate to go against you Westy, but I hope Cryin’ Day and the Suckeyes lose to Oregon 106-2.

[Westside]

Hate to go against you Westy, but I hope Cryin’ Day and the Suckeyes lose to Oregon 106-2.

Before long, I am going to bring you to the dark side.  You will join the Buckeye fan base.

[King Kong]

I think Oregon will take it.
That's what my head says; not what my heart says.

I wouldn't mind at all to see Oregon win it.  They've gotten to the title game,  can't remember the year,  but fell just a little short.  I'd be okay seeing them win the title.

I'm a Buckeye fan.  I feel that they have the most talent and maybe the Michigan loss was a blessing in disguise.  GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

I'd love to watch a game at the horse shoe some time.  I've got some family that don't live to far from Columbus,  I've mentioned going to a game there to them before.  I've been by the stadium before but never stopped there.  I got a brother in law who used to live up there.  I can't remember if he worked for the university or if his company was contracted to do work there.  He was a mechanic.  He's worked on equipment inside the stadium right by the field! Not during a game,  but that was a pretty cool experience. 

The way Ohio State performed vs Tennessee,  they've gotta be one of the hottest teams in the country right now,  if not the hottest.  I'm not a OSU fan but have a have a great deal of respect for their history and tradition.

[plantmanky]

I think Oregon will take it.
That's what my head says; not what my heart says.

I wouldn't mind at all to see Oregon win it.  They've gotten to the title game,  can't remember the year,  but fell just a little short.  I'd be okay seeing them win the title.

I'm a Buckeye fan.  I feel that they have the most talent and maybe the Michigan loss was a blessing in disguise.  GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

Explains so much.