Can Clemson repeat as national champions? Will Oklahoma be the first Big 12 team to win in the CFP era? Does Georgia have what it takes to make the most of their best season since 2005? Or will Alabama capitalize on their last-minute entry into the semifinals? These are the 4 big questions surrounding this year’s CFP Semifinal. Both the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl are set for January 1, so fans and bettors alike have time to ponder the different outcomes. You can find betting options through US friendly online sportsbooks.
#2 Oklahoma and #3 Georgia are slated for the Rose Bowl. The Sooners reached the semifinal in 2015/16, but they were decisively beaten by Clemson. Now, QB Baker Mayfield is in his senior year, is practically a shoe-in for the Heisman and is part of arguably the best offense in the NCAA. Despite a close loss to Iowa State, the Sooners have been lighting up teams all season long. While there is no denying Oklahoma’s offensive power, their defense is a liability. They’ve won most games by double digits, but you can’t bank on your offense bailing you out against the top teams in the country. Georgia recently put on a defensive clinic against Auburn in the SEC Championship, so there is no doubt that the Sooners need to make the most of their time to prepare before the game.
This year’s Sugar Bowl sees #1 Clemson defend its title against #4 Alabama. This matchup may seem familiar to some, and that is because it is a rematch of the past 2 National Championships. Alabama were thought to be out of the CFP after blowing the Iron Bowl against Auburn, but Ohio State winning the Big Ten Championship threw everything into a tailspin. As soon as the Buckeyes beat #4 Wisconsin, everyone was wondering whether the Selection Committee would pick Alabama or Ohio State. They ended up going with the 11-1 Bama over the 11-2 Ohio State because of Bama’s schedule and 1 less loss. On the other hand, Clemson made a statement in the ACC Championship by beating Miami 38-3. They looked well rounded on both sides of the ball, nearly scoring on every drive and capitalizing on turnovers.
In the CFP’s senior year, fans are finally getting treated to what looks like an accurate representation of the 4 best teams in the country. History has shown us blowouts in each of the CFP semifinals, but this year has the potential to be some of the best college football seen in recent years. Many analysts are predicting the winner of the Sugar Bowl to go on and win everything, but that is a disservice to the progress shown by both Oklahoma and Georgia.
This CFP postseason will provide several major storylines. The grudge match between Clemson and Alabama will be settled as someone wins the best-of-3 series. Oklahoma will answer the question if they deserve to win it all after demolishing the Big 12 and hosting a Heisman-winning quarterback. Georgia could make a case for a new best team in the SEC. Clemson will find out if they can win back-to-back championships. For fans, this is some of the most exciting college football to date. For bettors, this is an intriguing landscape where anyone can win, making the betting action at US online gambling sites a bit more interesting.