The Natty!

There is a lot to be said about the first inaugural four team college football playoff. Pinning number 2 Oregon against number 4 Ohio state in the national title game, was a good way to start. Respectively both teams earned their spot. Ohio state took down number 1 ranked Alabama while Oregon took down number 3 ranked Florida state, last years national title winners. The old system used statistics and schedule voting with computers to decide the national title game. Which because Florida state was undefeated (even with an easy schedule), they would have most likely been the number one seed. Leaving Alabama at number two. So the fact that what the computers would have chosen would have been wrong makes me feel like the playoffs are nothing less than a success.

We all know that the playoffs were just another run at ratings. I mean that is what college football seems to be about. Case in point that there are dozens of pointless championship bowl games that no team really deserves to be in. With that said the semifinals which were played on new years eve set some records with their ratings. More than 28 million viewers tuned in to watch the games leaving the imprint that ESPN was looking for when they invested in the idea of a playoff system. The national title game could break those records as well. Adding onto the many successes that the playoffs have already shown.

Oregon managed to beat Florida state 59-20 thanks to five second half turnovers, all leading to points on the board for Oregon. The Ohio state Alabama game was a little closer but no less entertaining with a final score of 42-35. Marcus Mariota is the player to watch going into this game. The current Heisman winner for the Ducks has quacked up quite a few stats that bolster his resume as one of if not the best players in college football. Stacking up 55 total TDs with only 3 interceptions on the year is definitely a way to make a name for yourself. Ohio state is on their 3rd string QB but Cardale Jones has looked poised and has played efficiently in the past couple of games. Also with the help of his team, Ohio state definitely looks like a well oiled machine that has the speed and arm to match Oregons style of big or go home play.

The final score will come down to how well the defensive lines get pressure on the opposing QB. Although I have yet to see Mariota get flustered, since Oregons one defeat on the year against Arizona, that will and should be the point of emphases for the Buckeyes defense. I think Oregon will take the game but it should be a classic. Going with a final score of Oregon 45 Ohio 34. With Marcus Mariota leading the way for National title game MVP honors.