The guys preview the first ever College Football Playoff with a look-ahead at the much-anticipated semifinal games that kick off on New Year’s Day. Thursday starts off with a Florida State – Oregon matchup in the Rose Bowl that puts the spotlight directly on the last two Heisman winners, quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota.
Beyond the marquee quarterback battle, Michael points out some other guys to pay attention to for the Ducks’ and Seminoles’ attacks. Though Oregon enters the game a bit banged up and without tight end Pharaoh Brown, leading receiver Byron Marshall could present a problem for Florida State’s linebackers in coverage.
— Rose Bowl Podcast: Florida State vs. Oregon Preview —
But ultimately, it’s the Mariota- and Winston-led offenses that will decide where this shootout goes. If Winston, who has thrown 17 interceptions this season, makes too many mistakes in this game, it could be the end of Florida State’s 29-game winning streak.
The next podcast features on the Sugar Bowl between Ohio State and Alabama, as two of the game’s best coaches in Urban Meyer and Nick Saban square off for a shot at another national title. Meyer’s Buckeyes have seen a drastic resurgence since the early-season loss against Virginia Tech, going on to crush Michigan State and Wisconsin to win the Big Ten title. But Saban and top-seeded ‘Bama remain the favorite (-9) to top the high-flying Bucks.
–Sugar Bowl Podcast: Alabama vs. Ohio State preview–
The Saban-Meyer showdown has its roots in the SEC championship games when Meyer was the head coach of the Florida Gators, when national titles were consistently on the line between the two schools. The reunion goes deeper than the coaches, of course, as Ohio State third-string quarterback Cardale Jones makes only his second start against Alabama’s top-ranked defense.
Beyond the positional breakdowns and big news entering each game, Will makes his pick and score prediction for both games, as well as his pick to win the national championship in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
