By Luke Magnante

Orange Bowl: NC State vs Notre Dame

This NC State team is essentially returning their entire team from last year that won nine games. This sets the Wolfpack up to push for the ACC crown this year, with 2021 title game participants Pittsburgh and Wake Forest seeing massive changes from last year. Clemson will always be the hurdle they will have to face, but if they can clear it for a second year in a row and not falter along the way, getting a playoff bid could be in the cards. Looking at Notre Dame, they are not as complete as they were last year and have some major question marks roster-wise. However, it is Notre Dame and their favorable schedule outside of tests against Ohio State, Clemson, and USC, that puts them in a very viable position to return to the Orange Bowl and test Marcus Freeman after one full year as head coach of the Fighting Irish. 

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs Oklahoma

Georgia will take a slight step back from the all-time team they were last year, and that will cost them a playoff spot. This team is still better than most teams in the nation, so it would be a surprise not to see them playing in a New Year’s Six Bowl this year. Losing Dan Lanning could be more damaging than people think for the Bulldogs, however, Kirby Smart has recruited well and knows how to win. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has a lot of question marks, new coaches, new players and a new identity. UCF transfer Dillon Gabriel will more than likely determine the season for the Sooners, but with a weaker Big 12 and strong roster around him, he should play similar to 2019 and 2020. Brent Venables may also get a notoriously bad Oklahoma defense to begin showing up on a weekly basis, and that would be a sight for sore eyes for college football fans.

CFP Semifinal Peach Bowl: Alabama vs Baylor

Alabama is back. Well, they never really left. They return numerous players from last year’s runner-up finish and retooled with numerous highly-rated freshmen. Returning Heisman trophy winner Bryce Young seeks to get his team one more win than last year and hoist the trophy at the end. As boring as it sounds when it comes to Alabama, this year do not expect anything crazy to happen to them barring key injuries. This Baylor team gives the vibes of Michigan State in the 2016 playoff, a team whose defense covers up an average offense leading them to a playoff. However, this Baylor team will not come out of nowhere, as they are the favorites to win the Big 12 this year after winning it last year. They play the brand of football that frustrates their rivals Oklahoma and Texas, and the Baylor Bears can easily make their first appearance in the playoff. 

CFP Semifinal Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs Utah

Disclaimer: this matchup is completely a dream rematch and the playoff seeding will have a lot to do if these two face off again. Ohio State appears to be the best team in college football this year, with CJ Stroud being settled in his role as the leader of the team, great receivers and running backs, and a defense that can hold teams for long enough for the offense to take over. The Buckeyes will be dominant this year and they will be a team opposing fans are afraid to face. On the other hand, Utah should breeze to a 12-0 record, with Cameron Rising coming back for another strong campaign, Kyle Wittingham being one of the most underrated coaches in the sport, and one of the best home-field advantages in the nation. The Utes control the clock and do not let opponents score, they should stifle offensive threats like USC, UCLA, and Oregon. Florida may be their toughest task just because it is Week 1 in college football and that is when craziness happens. This is the PAC 12’s best chance to make the playoff in years and Utah is unlikely to squander it. 

Cotton Bowl: Houston vs Clemson

Houston is the team that is getting a lack of respect from most people. A team that was very close to beating Cincinnati last year eturns all valuable pieces from last year and has a favorable schedule. The Cougars are primed to be the Group of Five representative in the New Year’s Six, which would be monumental for a team transitioning to the Big 12 in the coming years. Clemson, much like NC State, could very easily be in the College Football Playoff, however inconsistent quarterback play of DJ Uiagalelei will dash their dreams of returning to the playoff. A likely 10-2 record due to poor play at quarterback, despite the incredible Will Shipley in the backfield and strong defense, will sink their playoff stock.

Rose Bowl: UCLA vs Wisconsin

UCLA is arguably the second most talented team in the PAC 12 behind USC, and they have an argument to be the second-best team behind Utah. Dorian Thompson Robinson has taken major leaps each year and looks to do the same this year, the defense looks to be much improved, and Zach Charbonnet is the steadying force in the backfield any team would want. The Bruins are likely to be in this spot due to not making the title game and taking over the second spot in the conference after the PAC 12 title game. This does not mean the Bruins are not deserving of the spot, but it is probably their best path to play a bowl game in their home stadium for the first time since 1999. Wisconsin, on the other hand, had one of the best seasons outside of the month of September last year. While Graham Mertz struggles often, if he can play steadily the Badgers are in a position to go 11-1 in the regular season and make it to the Rose Bowl. Braelon Allen looks to be on the list of incredible Wisconsin running backs and looks to have an impact to the level of Jonathon Taylor. The mark of consistency is the identity of the Badgers, and if they can play to their standards on all sides of the ball, Pasadena will be their destination for the second time in the last three Rose Bowls.