Whether you agree with their selections, or their rankings for that matter, the college football playoffs are set. Alabama, Michigan, Georgia and Cincinnati will vie for a national championship in a few weeks time.
The top four teams ultimately remained the same as they were prior to this weekend, however their order was slightly shuffled. Following a dominant performance over Georgia in the SEC championship, Alabama took over the number 1 seed. Big10 champion Michigan moved up to number 2, Georgia slid to number 3, and unbeaten Cincinnati claimed the final spot at number 4.
In the aftermath of the SEC title game, many wondered whether the same two teams would have a first round rematch in the CFP. In the end, Georgia will have to wait before exacting revenge on their southern nemesis as the rivals will first have to win their semi final games to set up a national championship showdown.
Instead, Alabama will take on Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl, while Michigan will play Georgia in the Orange Bowl. The winners will then head to Indianapolis on January 10th to crown a college football champion.
Georgia, who has struggled mightily in recent clashes with Alabama, had more than its fair share of fans from other big name schools pulling for them in the SEC championship game. Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma State all had a vested interest in the Crimson Tide picking up a 2nd loss on the year. Unfortunately for them it wasn’t meant to be, meaning they’ll have to settle for lesser bowl games this holiday season.
Our friends over at MyBookie currently have the Crimson Tide as -102 betting favourites, with Georgia coming in at +115, Michigan at +600, and Cincinnati at +1450 to win it all. Other intriguing bowl matchups to keep an eye on include Oklahoma and Oregon in the Alamo Bowl, Utah vs. Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, Baylor vs. Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, and Oklahoma State vs. Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.
Bowl season officially kicks off on Friday Dec 17th with the Bahamas Bowl which features Middle Tennessee and Toledo.
