Who Will Win the College Football Playoff?

The culmination of the college football season is here, and while most of the bowl games are going to be largely meaningless, the playoff featuring the top 4 schools will be for the ultimate crown of crowns: a national title. Between Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Michigan State, we will have our national champion. The only question is, who will win it all?

If last year’s run by 4^th seeded Ohio State taught us anything, it’s that anything is possible in these games. The balance can be swung in an instant, or a single blown call can ruin a season of hard work. But amidst such possibilities, here’s what I expect to happen.

Alabama is going to win the title. College football games are often dictated by who runs the ball the best. Crimson Tide star running back Derrick Henry is the Heisman champion and will punish any defense, especially the largely average defenses presented in this college football playoff.

Clemson is my second favorite, and I expect them to beat Oklahoma, but ultimately they will be undone by Alabama’s fine defense. Clemson has a great running back in Wayne Gallman, and quarterback Deshaun Watson is as dynamic as anyone in the game, but I feel they will be slowed by Alabama. And unfortunately their defense will simply not be able to contain Henry, who I expect to have a field day and rush for over 150 yards.

Oklahoma and Michigan State have had fine seasons, and their prototypical quarterbacks Connor Cook (MSU) and Baker Mayfield (OKLA) will give their teams a fighting chance. However, like so many great running backs have proved time and time again over the years, a strong rushing attack and a mighty defense is the recipe for success in college football, not a star quarterback. These two traits have come together perfectly for Alabama this season, and I suspect they will have a relatively easy time reclaiming the title.

AAASportsMemorabilia Prediction: Clemson Tigers