Randy Smith: CFB Playoff Preview

College football playoffs end with controversy. Texas and Alabama advance to the championship, with Alabama winning in a rematch.

The upcoming college football playoffs are creating a ton of controversy as the final year of the four-team playoff system. Florida State, the first Power Five conference team to go undefeated and not make the playoffs, faced Georgia in the Orange Bowl. The four teams competing are Sugar Bowl #2 Washington versus #3 Texas and Rose Bowl #1 Michigan versus #4 Alabama.

In the Sugar Bowl, Texas is making its first appearance ever in the playoffs. With Coach Steve Sarkisian leading the Longhorns, they have a 12-1 record, with their only loss to rival Oklahoma. Texas has a strong history, with nine national titles and a big win against Alabama. However, their average pass defense may be an issue against Washington's strong passing attack. The Huskies, champions of the Pac-12, are unbeaten at 13-0. Despite taking a back seat to the Michigan and Alabama game, this matchup is expected to be entertaining, with a prediction of a win for Texas.

In the Rose Bowl, Michigan has a veteran squad with a mission to win under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh. Alabama, under Coach Nick Saban, has won seven national titles, six of them at Alabama. They are eager to prove themselves after a shaky start to the season. The outcome of this game will depend on which team has the bigger mission, with a prediction of a win for Alabama.

The National Championship game will see a rematch between Texas and Alabama. It's unlikely that a Nick Saban team will lose to the same team twice in the same season, with a prediction of a win for Alabama.