FAVORITE TEAMS

GOODYEAR COTTON BOWL CLASSIC – 1PM PT/ 4PM ET [ESPN]

2 CLEMSON (13-0) VS 3 NOTRE DAME (12-0)

Clemson and Notre Dame meet for the fourth time. Clemson won the last two meetings and Notre Dame last won against Clemson in 1977. Notre Dame makes their eighth Cotton Bowl appearance while Clemson makes their second appearance since 1940. Notre Dame is also the first non-Power Five team to make a college football playoff appearance.

This matchup features two quarterbacks that took over the starting job during the season. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence was all the hype since his stellar performance in the spring game. Quarterback Ian Book took over the starting job to light some fire in Notre Dame’s offense. Clemson dominated most of their schedule while squeaking by Texas A&M and Syracuse, in which Trevor Lawrence only threw 93 yards in each of those games. Ian Book was nothing but consistent and easily dominated against three ranked teams.

Notre Dame’s offensive line and Clemson’s defensive line will be the focus of this matchup. Despite Clemson losing defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, they have plenty of depth to compete. Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams will be key to moving Notre Dame’s offense.

There were some games where Notre Dame could’ve faltered, but their resiliency on both sides of the ball has made them such a competitive team to root for. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence will play his biggest game of his true freshmen career and hope he continues his amazing run.

MY PICK: NOTRE DAME

CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL – 5PM PT/ 8PM ET [ESPN]

1 ALABAMA (13-0) VS 4 OKLAHOMA (12-1)

Probably the most anticipating game of the entire season between two historical college football teams. Oklahoma is the only one-loss team (which they made up in the conference championship against that same opponent), the only team with a defense that allows more points than the rest of the playoff teams, the only team of the four that hasn’t faced Alabama in a championship-like situation, and the only team with only one, same quarterback throughout the entire season. Alabama has always been known for their defense and a physical running attack. But in 2018, they’ve become a more dominant passing team in program history with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Obviously, everyone knows Oklahoma’s defense is weak, but it’s hard to question the team overall with such a lethal offense. Quarterback Kyler Murray is so good, that it makes up for their defensive mediocrity. Just to note, Kyler Murray played against Alabama three seasons ago for a few series with Texas A&M. Now humor me. In non-conference play, Oklahoma’s defense allowed 18.6 points per game. In nine of their ten conference games, their defense allowed 39 points per game. Playing against Alabama is kind of a godsend, but they’re technically not safe. Alabama’s offense lit up more than they have in their program history. Whether it’s Tua or Jalen Hurts, defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeil must prepare his defense even though he’s seen plenty of offensive opponents in the Big 12.

Alabama is the obvious favorite and the most dominant team in college football under Nick Saban. Their defense and run game are the stability of this program, but the arrival of Tua Tagovailoa changed the way Alabama runs their offense. Along with him are the fastest and most young, dynamic receivers that make him even better. The issue is the health of the quarterbacks. Tua admits that he’s not 100%, but that won’t keep him from playing. Jalen Hurts will also be involved in the offense. Now, Alabama ran through their schedule, but the beginning of November exposed them a bit. In the last five weeks of their season, they sputtered through the first half. They also trailed Georgia for most of the game despite Tua playing well before his ankle injury. Their defense has a few flaws and most of it comes from the backfield. The front will be the strength, but if they can’t pressure or contain Kyler Murray, the linebackers and defensive backs will be in for a long night.

Oklahoma is 3-1-1 all-time against Alabama and won three straight meetings, but all three wins came from Bob Stoops. Oklahoma also has the most appearances in the Orange Bowl including a National Championship title in 2001, but lost the last two in championship/playoff games in the Orange Bowl. Alabama is 4-4 and made it’s last appearance in Miami Gardens in 2013 when they won their championship game.

Oklahoma will go as far as Kyler Murray goes, but their defense will be the biggest question mark for the entire game against Tua, Jalen and the run game. Alabama is the heavy favorite, but unless they contain Kyler the entire game, they must play all four quarters consistently to win. Tua’s ankle will be on watch, but Jalen Hurts will be on the ready. Alabama’s linebackers and defensive back are potential weaknesses, so the defensive line must set the tone for the entire defense.

MY PICK: OKLAHOMA