I have an SEC problem

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well folks, I'm here to tell you, I have a problem. An SEC problem.

A little background for those who don't know me. I grew up in Columbia, SC. I was raised in a house divided - Mom was a Gamecock, Dad was a Tiger. I think somewhere around sixth or seventh grade, I finally picked sides. I cut myself one day to check and sure enough, my blood runneth orange! (I really didn't cut myself).

Growing up in South Carolina, particularly Columbia, you hear all the crowing about the SEC, but never see what all the fuss is about. Gamecock fans yell "SEC! SEC! SEC!" more than any other fan base. And as it has been noted, they have an "Alabama mouth and a Vanderbilt trophy case" - and that might be demeaning to Vandy.

This talkative bunch won their first bowl game in 1995 and hadn't experienced success until Steve Spurrier came along. Before he arrived, South Carolina's overall record was sub-.500. Since he left, they've slid back into mediocrity-at-best. Clemson owns the overall series record over South Carolina 68-42-4. In my lifetime, the Tigers are 19-11-1 against the Gamecocks, including last year's 56-7 thumping. Against other SEC foes since 2011, Clemson is 6-2 with wins over LSU, Georgia, Auburn and Alabama.

I tell you all that because that's where my personal disdain for the conference began. Thanks a lot, Gamecock fans.

On a whole, since the ACC didn't decide to become a "football conference" until very recently, ACC football was always looked down upon with the exception of Florida State. Many schools were on the verge of breaking through yet never did. The addition of Miami and Virginia Tech was supposed to upgrade the conference, but the Canes took five steps backward and Virginia Tech was barely relevant nationally early on in their ACC marriage.

Thus, SEC football was the king of the south. And everyone else had to deal with it.

I despise the SEC. I loathe it. The constant "we're better than thou" attitude despite the fact that most of them aren't. The "we won seven straight national titles" when it was four teams who won, not 14. Sorry, Georgia and Tennessee and South Carolina and Kentucky and Vanderbilt and Mississippi State and Ole Miss and Arkansas and Missouri and Texas A&M, but you didn't win a championship. As for LSU (2003 and 2007) and Florida (2006 and 2008), we're going on 10 years since you last won a title.

Most of all, I hate the arrogance that fans of SEC schools have, who don't give credit to other teams and conferences. Sure, a few SEC teams have been on top and are tough to beat, but that doesn't mean the success of others should be downplayed. Nor does it mean that everyone in your conference are world beaters. That's just Alabama.

Yes, the SEC experienced unprecedented success with the seven straight championships and the 2011 rematch in the title game between LSU and Bama. But the fans haven't come down as far as the play on the field has in the past few years.

There have been three CFB Playoff years. The ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 have sent two different teams each to the first three semifinal matchups. Alabama is the only SEC representative to make the Playoff (all three years). In all likelihood, the Tide will once again represent the SEC in 2017. Not so favorable for the crowd screaming "The SEC has the most depth." Seems to me that a deep conference would be represented by more than just one school in college football's ultimate prized tournament.

But wait, there's more...

SEC media bias
Yes, ESPN has agreements with pretty much every conference, including the little guys like the MAC. But which one has the ESPN invested more money in? Which one did ESPN start a TV network for?

There is a media bias for the SEC, like it or not. Pick any college football Saturday this coming season and see which games are on in primetime. More often than not, you'll find SEC games on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU in prime slots (read: after 3:30 PM ET).

Oh, and guess who spent the entire week at SEC Media Days with a full crew for not one, but two different shows (SEC Now and College Football Live). The four-letter network again.

Now, I'm not saying every analyst is told to pick SEC teams for this or promote an SEC player for that. I'm saying when your company has invested more money and more time in one conference, it's going to get way more play, eye balls across the country are going to see way more SEC coverage, and people are going to fall into the trap that is watching SEC more than other games.

Switch over to Fox or FS1 a few times this season and see how varying their coverage is. You won't get SEC crammed down your throat, I promise.

"We get beat up by the brutal SEC schedule"
Ah, the old "we're not good by the end of the season because we got roughed up early on" argument. Yeah, okay. This is what you will hear when an SEC team loses in a bowl game or a late regular season rivalry matchup. It's totally contradictory to the argument when an SEC team wins those games and they boast that the SEC has depth and is strong top to bottom. Also, what's the argument for when you lose one of the first few games of the season?

Let me get this straight, if you win it's because your conference prepared you for it, but if you lose it's because it's too tough and beat you up? I guess you can spin anything to make it fit your stance.

For one, I'd love for Clemson to play an SEC schedule. Heck, I'd love to see any team play an SEC schedule. I'd also love to see LSU or Alabama or Florida or Georgia play an ACC or Big Ten schedule. Or heck, go play the wide-open spread offenses in the Big 12 week in and week out.

Recall that Texas A&M and Missouri - two former Big 12 schools - entered the SEC, with Missouri winning the SEC East twice and A&M beating big, bad Alabama on their home field. Next.

"They're built like an SEC team"
This phrase is regularly used to justify another team being great. So they're built like Missouri? Kentucky? Mississippi State? Or do you really mean they're built like Alabama? To pump up your entire conference as if all 14 teams are in the Top 5 is ridiculous.

What does this even mean anyway? That only SEC teams produce fast, physical, athletic players? I'll give you that more players are drafted in the NFL than any other conference, but that doesn't mean Michigan and Oklahoma are producing minor leaguers. The best NFL running back in the last 15 years - Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (Big 12). The best NFL quarterback - Tom Brady, Michigan (Big Ten). The best receiver - Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (ACC).

These things are cyclical. Twenty years ago, people wanted to be "built like" Nebraska and Florida State. When Tennessee won in 1998, nobody said they were built like a Big 12 or ACC team. Fifteen years ago, it was Miami. When LSU won in 2003, no one proclaimed the Tigers to be "built like a Big East team." Twelve years ago, USC was the darling. No one was going around when Florida won in 2006 saying, "They're built like a Pac-12 team."

So stop. Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State, and several others aren't built like an SEC team. They're built like a Top 5 CFB Playoff contender.

"It Just Means More"
I'll end on this one because it's my favorite. By now you've seen or heard this moniker from coast to coast. I'm not here to argue that it doesn't mean more than it does in Austin or Norman or Eugene or Ann Arbor.

I'm here to tell you to own it. If you're going to go around beating your chest that "It Just Means More" to you in the SEC, then don't get your panties in a wad when a non-SEC team beats your beloved school and does a little MORE bragging than usual.

Whatever it is might mean more to you, but it also means more to us to beat you.

This past season, you weren't first. You were second. You can't spell second with S-E-C. And that's a fACCt!

-BtW

National Championship Prediction - Tigers vs. Crimson Tide

It's here. Again.

College football's National Championship awaits. An unprecedented rematch pits the No. 2 Clemson Tigers (13-1) against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (14-0). The script is flipped from a year ago when Clemson entered unbeaten and No. 1 with the Tide ranked second at 13-1. Alabama won 45-40.

It's a different year and both teams have proven to be on top of their games going into Monday. Here are a few last-minute notes:

• Alabama has not lost in a National Championship Game under Nick Saban.
• Clemson is 27-2 in the past two seasons; Alabama is 28-1. The Tide are on a 26-game winning streak.
• Alabama has 76 wins since the start of the 2011 season. That leads the nation. Clemson is second with 69 wins.
• The Tigers and Tide have combined to play in seven of the nine CFB Playoff games since its implementation, including each of the past six games and both National Championships.
• Clemson and Alabama have won the previous four semifinal games by an average of 26.5 points, including a shutout by each team.
• In fact, the two teams have given up a total of 24 points (17 by Clemson, 7 by Alabama) in those semifinal games.

There's no arguing these two programs have put themselves on a pedestal the past two years. Alabama and Clemson. Clemson and Alabama. No matter how you say it, you know it's big-time football.

The keys to the game are:
-Can Clemson exploit a weakness in the Alabama secondary?
-Will the Tigers offensive line give Deshaun Watson enough time to do so?
-How different will the play-calling be from Steve Sarkisian?
-Is Clemson equipped to go toe-to-toe with Alabama for four grueling quarters?
-What momentum swing will we see in this year's game?

There are a few differences from a year ago when the Tigers and Tide dueled in the desert. Clemson was dealing with injuries, especially on defense. Mackensie Alexander was hampered by a bum hamstring and left early in the game. Both Shaq Lawson and Ben Boulware were practically playing with one arm. Plus, two key ingredients were missing from Clemson's high-flying offense: Mike Williams and Deon Cain.

This year, the Tigers are fully healthy. Williams and Cain are part of the equation.

And last I checked, Watson is still at the helm.

The Tigers hope to put Alabama to bed and celebrate
the school's second National Championship.
(Photo courtesy Reuters)

It is difficult for me to pick against Clemson, y'all know that. I went against them when Louisville came to town. I was wrong. I'm just having a hard time getting over the fact that this is Alabama, the gold standard in college football. This Tide team might be the best ever, at least if you listen to the pundits.

I have concerns with their offense against a salty and laser-focused Clemson defense. I also have concerns that Alabama hasn't seen anything close to what the Tigers have to offer.

Deshaun Watson is the best player on the field for the final time as a college quarterback. And he leaves behind a legacy capped with a National Championship.

Score Prediction: Clemson 23, Alabama 17

-BtW

National Championship Preview: Clemson O vs. Alabama D

After a close look at the Clemson defense's advantages over the Alabama offense, it's time to flip the field and see where the Tigers can exploit any weakness in the Tide. Here's a hint, there ain't much.

This is ultimate unstoppable force against immoveable object. The Tigers are lightning quick, have future NFL stars at every skill position and have the best quarterback in the country, who just so happened to post 478 yards and four TDs against this same Alabama team one year ago.

The Tide don't let anyone past them. They have as many defensive touchdowns as they've allowed. You want NFL talent on defense? Just look to Alabama. Let's dig in.

(NOTE: Later this evening, BENched will provide a prediction for the game. Follow blogger Ben Whitehead on Twitter @thebenwhitehead)

Clemson Tigers Offense
Total Offense Rank: 12th
Total Yards Per Game: 503.1
Yards Per Play: 6.28
Rushing Offense Rank: 62nd
Rushing Yards Per Game: 175.4
Passing Offense Rank: 7th
Passing Yards Per Game: 327.8
Scoring Offense Rank: 13th
Points Per Game: 39.5

Alabama Crimson Tide Defense
Total Defense Rank: 1st
Total Yards Per Game: 244.0
Yards Per Play: 3.86
Rushing Defense Rank: 1st
Rushing Yards Per Game: 62.0
Passing Defense Rank: 14th
Passing Yards Per Game: 182.0
Scoring Defense Rank: 1st
Points Per Game: 11.4

For Clemson, it starts and ends with Deshaun Watson. The Heisman runner-up is 31-3 in his career as a starter. He's finished in the top three of the Heisman Trophy voting twice. He's led his team to the CFB Playoff and National Championship Game in back-to-back seasons. Simply put, Watson is the greatest player to ever wear the Tiger Paw.

Deshaun Watson has left plenty of defenders behind
as he's danced into the end zone.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

And Clemson fans need to come to grips with the fact that Monday may be the last time he ever puts on that helmet.

But Watson is nothing without his weapons. Mike Williams will likely be the first wide receiver off the board at the NFL Draft. Williams has been spectacular in his comeback season. He has 90 receptions for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns to lead an impressive receiving corps. That group includes Clemson's all-time receptions leader Artavis Scott, former walk-on turned stud Hunter Renfrow, and deep-ball threat Deon Cain. When Watson has time, he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal.

It doesn't end there, either. Tight end Jordan Leggett is the most decorated at his position in Tiger history. Leggett creates mismatches for linebackers and has been front and center during the Tigers' biggest games.

Part of the reason Leggett is so effective is the run game with Wayne Gallman. The do-it-all tailback is a bruising runner and forces defenses to key on him. He draws attention of the linebackers just enough to allow Leggett to sneak behind them. Gallman, along with Watson and the Clemson offensive line, will be imperative to keep the Tide at bay.

The athleticism of the Crimson Tide defense, including
Jonathan Allen, is what separates Alabama from the rest.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

But this group is a Crimson wall. From Jonathan Allen up front to Reuben Foster and Tim Williams at the next level and Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey in the secondary, there is no weakness to be found. And every single position has a backup that would start at 90 percent of FBS schools.

Somehow, some way, Nick Saban pieced together arguably the greatest defense of all-time after several departures to the NFL a season ago.

Alabama has scored 11 defensive touchdowns, nearly averaging one per game. They've come in all shapes, sizes and forms, from interceptions at every level of the field to fumbles returned. Ohio State ranks second behind Bama with seven defensive scores, but the Buckeyes couldn't muster one against Clemson. Will the Tide be able to change momentum with a big play?

The Tigers have taken a step back in rushing yards, but big steps forward in the passing game. If there is any area Clemson can take advantage of the Tide, it'd be through the air. It won't be easy and the big men up front will have to bring their "A" game to give Watson time.

Advantage: Alabama

-BtW

National Championship Preview: Clemson D vs. Alabama O

Here we go again.

For the first time in college football history there will be a rematch in the National Championship Game. No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Clemson have earned their way back onto the big stage. Many recall the epic event that unfolded less than a year ago in Glendale, Ariz., and are hoping for a repeat performance. Alabama claimed the crown with a thrilling 45-40 win. It was the Tide's fourth title in the last seven seasons.

Now, these two are set to square off much closer to home. The setting: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. It's a rematch for the ages and BENched is here to break it all down.

We start with a look at the matchup between the Clemson defense and the Alabama offense. Tomorrow, we'll break down the Tigers O against the Crimson Tide D, as well as provide the prediction for the game. What you're going to find is it will be strength on strength all over the field on both sides. There's a reason these two are in the title game for another season. Settle in for the weekend because it all goes down Monday night.

Alabama Crimson Tide Offense
Total Offense Rank: 31st
Total Yards Per Game: 460.9
Yards Per Play: 6.52
Rushing Offense Rank: 11th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 246.7
Passing Offense Rank: 81st
Passing Yards Per Game: 214.2
Scoring Offense Rank: 15th
Points Per Game: 39.4

Clemson Tigers Defense
Total Defense Rank: 8th
Total Yards Per Game: 306.9
Yards Per Play: 4.56
Rushing Defense Rank: 19th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 123.1
Passing Defense Rank: 17th
Passing Yards Per Game: 183.8
Scoring Defense Rank: 7th
Points Per Game: 17.1

Clemson is coming off its most dominant defensive performance of the year. The Tigers blanked the Ohio State Buckeyes in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, 31-0. Ohio State entered the game averaging over 42 points per game and nearly 260 yards on the ground. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables' defense held OSU to 88 rushing yards and the big fat zero on the scoreboard.

Discussion about the Tigers on defense for much of the season has surrounded the defensive line play of Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins and Dexter Lawrence. Add in linebacker Ben Boulware and the front seven is as loaded as any in the country. But the breakout performance by redshirt freshman Clelin Ferrell - three tackles for loss and a sack - earned him defensive MVP honors for the bowl game.

Clelin Ferrell (99) and Carlos Watkins are just two
of several fierce Clemson defensive linemen.
(Photo courtesy SI.com)

The Tigers have depth as evidenced by the lockdown performance against one of the nation's top offenses. Jadar Johnson and Cordrea Tankersley anchor a secondary that has allowed the big boys up front time to get to the quarterback.

This time, that quarterback is freshman Jalen Hurts. He's not the most prolific passer in the country. His stats are similar to JT Barrett, whom the Tigers just faced. Hurts completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 2,649 yards and a 22-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Bama's run game is where the Tide wear down opponents. Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough form a two-headed monster in the backfield. Harris has received the bulk of the carries between the two. He's 17 yards shy of 1,000 for the season. Scarbrough has just 539 yards, but has 90 yards or more in the last three games, including an Alabama bowl game record 180 in the Peach Bowl. There's a third back, Josh Jacobs, who actually has a dozen yards more than Scarbrough on the season. Scarbrough is built like a Bama running back and does the heavy lifting late in the game when the Tide have worn down their opponent.

Jalen Hurts has left defenders lying on the ground
for much of the season, leading Alabama with 12 TDs.
(Photo courtesy Orlando Sentinel)

But the Tide roll best when Hurts uses his legs. The quarterback run game has amplified Alabama's attack this season. Hurts is second on the team with 841 yards and leads the offense with 12 rushing scores.

Just when you think you've figured him out, Hurts goes back to the air to receivers Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart and tight end OJ Howard. Howard was the hero of last season's title game with over 200 yards and two touchdowns. Another player to watch is Greg Dieter, who is third on the team with four TD receptions.

Hurts, though, wasn't overwhelmingly spectacular against the best he's faced this season. In nine games against some of the Tide's top competition, Hurts averaged just over 160 yards through the air with just 10 touchdowns. He accounted for 10 of his 12 rushing scores in those games, as well. You can bet to see Hurts will be used heavily against Clemson, allowing for an extra blocker against the relentless Tiger defense.

Of course, there's the Steve Sarkisian factor for the Tide. Sarkisian takes over as offensive coordinator just a week before the game after Alabama and former OC Lane Kiffin parted ways. How will his play-calling and rhythm affect Alabama on the biggest stage? That remains to be seen.

Where Clemson may have a clear advantage over this unit is tackles for loss. The Tigers are second in the nation with 123 tackles for loss, averaging 8.8 per game. Alabama 122nd in tackles for loss allowed with 101, an average of 7.1 per game. If the Tigers are in the backfield often, it could spell a long night for Hurts and the Tide.

This will be the best defense Alabama has faced all season. The Tigers are hungry to shut down another top-tier opponent. The team who can win in the trenches will have the upper hand.

Advantage: Clemson

-BtW

The Evening After... One Step Closer

Someone must have gone into the settings and changed the difficulty level to "easy." Second-ranked Clemson drilled third-ranked Ohio State 31-0 in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Saturday night to clinch a second straight trip to the National Championship Game.

The Tigers out-coached and out-played the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff semifinal. There was a clear discrepancy in talent and scheme all over the field. That won't be the case next week, as Clemson advances to face No. 1 Alabama in the title game in Tampa. Here are a few of my final thoughts on the win.

1) Early in the week, I had a feeling. It just crept up on me. That feeling was that Clemson was going to roll. I texted my good friend TJ Saturday afternoon to inform him of this because I had to tell someone. I didn't want to jinx it or look like a homer in my prediction post. I felt like Clemson was coming into the game hot. Ohio State struggled all year against top-tier teams (Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State). Clemson's defense was equivalent, statistically, to Wisconsin and Michigan, who held the Buckeyes to 23 and 17 points in regulation, respectively, and neither allowed an offensive touchdown until late in the third quarter. The Tigers offense was by far the most explosive Ohio State had played, but I noted that both teams would end up making plays, thus it would be a draw picking the better unit.

I didn't see a shutout coming, but I told him my thought was 41-13 - a 28-point win. Final difference: 31 points.

2) In my blogs, I noted that Deshaun Watson was the best player on the field. You didn't need to read that to know it, if you've watched any Clemson game the last three years. But it's worth noting every time the Tigers step on the field. Clemson has an advantage simply because of No. 4. He's 31-3 as a starter. One loss came at Georgia Tech when he left the game with a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return. Clemson was leading at the time he exited. Another was to Alabama in the championship game last year when he put up 478 yards and 40 points against the Tide. The third was to Pittsburgh this year, another game Watson was outstanding with 580 passing yards and leading the offense to 42 points. You can't count out Clemson with him under center.

3) Clelin Ferrell was never once mentioned in any pregame banter about the teams. When experts broke down Clemson's defensive front, names like Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins and Dexter Lawrence were uttered over and over again. But Ferrell, a redshirt freshman, was a force to be reckoned with. He recorded three tackles for loss, a sack, and earned Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP honors.

The Tigers blanked the Buckeyes and now face Alabama once again.
(Photo courtesy Clemson Athletics)

As a group, the Tigers had 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, forced three turnovers and shut down Ohio State's vaunted rushing game. The Buckeyes went into the bowl game averaging 258 rushing yards and over 42 points per game. Ohio State finished with 88 rushing yards (215 total) and zero points.

4) The biggest defensive stat, in my opinion, was third down defense. Clemson was one of the best in the nation in that category and proved it again Saturday. Ohio State was 3-for-14 on third downs.

5) Wayne Gallman pounded out 85 yards on 18 carries with a score to lead a Tiger rushing attack that gained over 200 yards. Watson had 57 yards and two rushing TDs. Ohio State was 13th in the country allowing just 117 yards on the ground per game.

6) The play of the game to me was CJ Fuller's 30-yard touchdown catch on the wheel route. Fuller caught a similar touchdown in the Tigers' win over South Carolina. It looked like he had a step on the defender and Watson's pass was slightly under-thrown. That allowed the defender to catch up. No pass interference was called, but it was clear the Buckeye grabbed onto Fuller, knocking his arm down prior to the catch. His concentration and physical ability to keep his arm up, catch the ball and hang on while diving into the end zone was a thing of beauty.

7) Clemson football and its fanbase has been the brunt of the longest running joke in college football. You know the word. It doesn't need repeating. So, we're sorry if we're not sorry for basking in this moment, the moment of shutting out Ohio State on the second biggest stage in the game. The moment of giving Urban Meyer his worst loss and first shutout of his career. The moment of shutting up all the haters who still look at us as "little, ole Clemson," as Dabo likes to say. The moment of out-classing another college football blueblood. The moment you realized "Clemson is coming" wasn't just a catch-phrase. Clemson is "here."

8) I am always proud to be a Clemson Tiger, but these last two years have made walking around with a paw on my chest and that "C" on my ring all the better. Clemson fans, we are in rare air right now. Our Tigers are playing for the national championship for the second straight season, something that's never happened for the orange and white. This program has won 10 or more games six consecutive years, has defeated the likes of Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Georgia and LSU, has taken back to Clemson an Orange Bowl trophy and a Fiesta Bowl trophy in back-to-back years, has seen a two-time Heisman finalist after never having anyone head to New York. Dabo Swinney has earned the right to be considered one of the top coaches in America right now and it's time people take notice.

9) Oh, they'll take notice on Monday, January 9. The entire 2016 season comes down to one game. A rematch for the ages. Perennial powerhouse, bad to the bone Bama against a band of brothers with one goal left to accomplish. ESPN did a nice piece on teams/fans across the country and their "We want Bama" signs. Folks, there's only one team that "wants" Bama. And there's only one team that can take down the mighty Tide. That team gets its chance to make college football history in Tampa.

10) Beat Alabama.

-BtW

Fiesta Bowl Prediction - Tigers vs. Buckeyes

No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Ohio State square off in the
CFB Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
(Photo courtesy CFB Playoff)

We are less than 24 hours from kickoff of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Ohio State. BENched took at look at the matchups of Clemson's defense vs. Ohio State's offense and the Tigers offense vs. the Buckeyes defense the past couple days.

Now, it's time to predict who wins the game.

These two teams have had eerily similar seasons, with several blowout wins mixed in with too many close calls. The Tigers last left University of Phoenix Stadium with an empty feeling in their stomachs. Dabo Swinney and his team want to atone for the loss in the national title game. Ohio State also played in Glendale last year, taking down Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes hope they will leave Arizona with another 'W'. Either team that wins this one will head to Tampa with full confidence that it can win the national championship. So who will walk away victorious?

We noted that there is a virtual draw between the Tigers high-octane offense and the Buckeyes lockdown defense. Perhaps a big play here or there will be made on either side. But it appears if either team has an advantage somewhere it would be Clemson's defense.

Deshaun Watson will be the difference in the Fiesta Bowl.
(Photo courtesy Clemson Athletics)

Ohio State is going to force Clemson to stop the run. The Tigers big front welcomes that challenge. The Buckeyes are going to bust a couple big plays. It's happened all year to Clemson from Dalvin Cook to James Conner to Matt Dayes. There have been several busts and Curtis Samuel or Mike Weber will get loose.

But it won't happen all night. And Deshaun Watson and his offense are on a mission. Through his entire career, Watson has been at his best against the best. There is some unfinished business the Tigers want to close. With the best player on the field, Clemson gets it done.

Score Prediction: Clemson 34, Ohio State 27

Fiesta Bowl Preview: Clemson O vs. Ohio State D

Yesterday, BENched took a look at the matchup between the Clemson defense against the Ohio State offense. Today, we switch to the other side of the ball for both teams and take a look at the Tigers high-powered offense against the Buckeyes shut-down defense. (NOTE: Later this evening, BENched will provide a prediction for the game. Follow blogger Ben Whitehead on Twitter @thebenwhitehead)

Clemson Tigers Offense
Total Offense Rank: 12th
Total Yards Per Game: 505.7
Yards Per Play: 6.35
Rushing Offense Rank: 67th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 173.1
Passing Offense Rank: 7th
Passing Yards Per Game: 332.6
Scoring Offense Rank: 14th
Points Per Game: 40.2

Ohio State Buckeyes Defense
Total Defense Rank: 3rd
Total Yards Per Game: 282.3
Yards Per Play: 4.25
Rushing Defense Rank: 13th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 117.8
Passing Defense Rank: 5th
Passing Yards Per Game: 164.5
Scoring Defense Rank: 3rd
Points Per Game: 14.2

This is the juicy matchup of this game. There's little separation between how good Clemson's offense is and how dominant Ohio State's defense is. NFL Scouts salivate when these two units are on the field and they will get a chance to see them up close against each other.

Clemson does one thing extremely well while wanting to be highly successful in another area. The Tigers own the seven best pass offense in the country and have arguably the best set of skill players. Receivers Mike Williams and Artavis Scott receive a lot of the attention, but the Tigers are loaded at the wideout position with Deon Cain, Hunter Renfrow and Ray-Ray McCloud plus tight end Jordan Leggett.

Clemson fans are confident No. 4 won't let them down.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

It doesn't hurt that there's a two-time Heisman finalist throwing to that group. Deshaun Watson will go down as one of the best, if not the best, to ever don the Tiger Paw. Watson's game has transformed since last year. He is still a runner when he has to, but his numbers in the passing game have increased. He's scanning the field more pre-snap to see what the defense is doing. All season long, Clemson coaches along with Watson have uttered the phrase, "We're just taking what they're giving us." That's meant more short passes and more passes in general.

Watson is on pace to surpass his passing numbers from a season ago. He does have 15 interceptions, but he closed the season with 10 touchdowns to just two INTs in his final three games. For the season, Watson has completed nearly 68 percent of his passes for 3,914 yards with a Clemson record 37 touchdowns. Watson has two weapons at his disposal that he didn't have during last year's Playoff - Williams and Cain. Both missed for differing reasons, but both will be on the field in the Fiesta Bowl.

Last season, particularly down the stretch, Clemson relied on the legs of Watson and Wayne Gallman. Many pundits will argue that running the ball with Watson is what pushed Clemson to the National Championship Game last season. In four of the final six games, he rushed for over 100 yards, including three games where he had 20+ carries. This season, he's only gone over 15 carries twice - at FSU and vs. VT in the ACC Championship. Watson has yet to eclipse the 100-yard mark on the ground.

While Gallman hasn't been used as much in the game plan, the Tigers have made it a point to at least say he is an integral part of the plan - but teams have forced Watson into changing calls at the line. Still, Gallman has over 1,000 yards on the ground. He's only the sixth back in program history to go over 3,000 yards in his career. The offense simply hasn't been put on his back this season. It goes through the air.

And that's what Ohio State wants. The Buckeyes boast an elite secondary that has been a nightmare for the Big Ten. Led by All-American safety Malik Hooker, Ohio State is second in the country in defensive touchdowns behind only Alabama. The Buckeyes have forced 25 turnovers, 19 of which have been interceptions.

At the center of it all for the Buckeyes defense is All-American Malik Hooker.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

Hooker might be the household name, but the Bucks are deep at the cornerback spot. Gareon Conley, Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore have locked down opposing team's deep threats. Hooker and Damon Webb keep the middle of the field a scary place for QBs to throw. The duo has also kept running backs at bay, not giving them space to break a long run with their length and ability to cover sideline to sideline.

Defensive coordinator Greg Schiano uses a press quarters defense. It's essentially a man defense, but allows for free roaming by the defender in each quarter of the field. Cornerbacks are on an island when the Buckeyes blitz. But Schiano trusts his guys and its worked. Ohio State is 10th in the country in third down defense. Getting off the field against the Tigers will be key.

Clemson's spread offense will force OSU linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker to cover receivers more than they have all season. That could open up the running game if the backers are spread out or being pulled away from the box.

We're not discounting the front seven for Ohio State nor the offensive line for Clemson. But this battle will be won on the outside. If Clemson can find success through the air, the Tigers will have the upper hand. If Ohio State limits Watson and Co., the Buckeyes will force Clemson out of its comfort zone.

There are two trains of thought here. One, Clemson has not seen a defense quite like this one all season. If there's any comparison, it might be Auburn. But that game was so long ago and such a different game having been the season opener when both teams were still figuring things out.

The other is Ohio State hasn't played an offense as dynamic and with the skill players like Clemson. Ohio State limited Oklahoma in Week 3, but again that feels like forever ago and the Sooners hadn't hit their stride.

Clemson fans will relax a little knowing Watson is on their side. Buckeye Nation will feel good about the relentless pressure with which OSU plays. Neither truly knows what to expect, though, because this is the best matchup this season for both units. That's why we're calling this a draw.

Advantage: Even

-BtW

Fiesta Bowl Preview: Clemson D vs. Ohio State O

In just two days, the No. 2 Clemson Tigers will square off against the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz. This is the second semifinal game of the 2016 College Football Playoff. The winner will advance to Tampa for the National Championship against the winner of the Peach Bowl between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washington.

Today, BENched takes a look at the matchup between the Clemson defense and the Ohio State offense. Tomorrow, we'll break down the Tigers O against the Buckeyes D, as well as provide the prediction for the game. Let's get started with a little tale of the tape.

Ohio State Buckeyes Offense
Total Offense Rank: 20th
Total Yards Per Game: 479.5
Yards Per Play: 6.15
Rushing Offense Rank: 9th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 258.3
Passing Offense Rank: 77th
Passing Yards Per Game: 221.2
Scoring Offense Rank: 9th
Points Per Game: 42.7

Clemson Tigers Defense
Total Defense Rank: 8th
Total Yards Per Game: 313.9
Yards Per Play: 4.61
Rushing Defense Rank: 22nd
Rushing Yards Per Game: 125.8
Passing Defense Rank: 19th
Passing Yards Per Game: 188.2
Scoring Defense Rank: 11th
Points Per Game: 18.4

We begin with Ohio State's offense and the man running it all J.T. Barrett. The junior signal-caller completed nearly 62 percent of his passes for 2,428 yards with 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions. As Buckeye coach Urban Meyer put it, "One thing you don't hear about our quarterbacks, 'They're gunslingers, they're risk takers.' That's not how we do that."

Meyer loves his power spread offense designed to be an option offense out of the spread and shotgun formation. It's predicated on running the football down a defenses throats to make them commit, then hitting play-action to open receivers and backs out of the backfield. Barrett was second on the team in rushing with 847 yards and tied with rushing leader Mike Weber with nine touchdowns. The big play threats include Weber and Curtis Samuel, the latter of whom was the only player in the nation to have over 700 yards rushing and receiving this season.

Ohio State's Curtis Samuel is one of the keys to the Buckeyes' spread attack.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

Samuel has been compared to Percy Harvin, a previous Meyer player from his days at Florida. The Buckeyes use Samuel in similar ways, giving him the ball on jet sweeps, dump passes, motioning him in and out of the backfield to create space for him to operate. His 15 touchdowns, 12.8 yards per catch and 7.7 yards per rush prove it's working.

If there's a weakness for the Buckeyes, it's their inability to pass block. Barrett was sacked 24 times this season, 19 of which have come in the latter half of the season against better Big Ten defenses (Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan accounted for 15 total sacks).

Christian Wilkins and the Clemson front seven will need to be
up to the challenge of slowing down OSU's rushing attack.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

That spells trouble against a Clemson defense that recorded 46 sacks and 112 tackles for loss, both good for third best in the nation. The Tigers are deep across the defensive front with Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins and ACC Rookie of the Year Dexter Lawrence anchoring the line. Wilkins is Clemson's do-it-all kinda guy. He's an interior lineman playing the end position, which started out of necessity when Austin Bryant was injured during preseason. Bryant is back and has added to the depth, but Wilkins has been a critical piece to the starting rotation.

The next level is where things get shaky. Linebackers Ben Boulware and Kendall Joseph have been tremendous in most areas, but downfield coverage is a weak spot. Ohio State could exploit this with some counters with Samuel (a la Dalvin Cook at FSU) and play-action calls. Going back to his days with Oklahoma, Brent Venables' defenses have been suspect defending those type of plays. But give credit where it's due to Venables, who won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach. He is one of the best in the country in scheming, particularly when given extra time and ample video evidence of a team's offense.

Clemson will need to key in on the run without its secondary getting sucked into the box. Safety Jadar Johnson and the entire secondary will need to rely on the gameplan and read their keys. If the Tigers get caught looking in the backfield, receivers like Samuel, Noah Brown or tight end Marcus Baugh could find themselves streaking down field. If so, this one could end up looking at lot like the National Championship Game from a season ago.

One final note on Ohio State: When the Buckeyes faced their toughest defensive opponents, they struggled mightily. Here is a list of the top defenses OSU faced and their point totals in those games:

• (2) Michigan - 30 in double OT (17 at end of regulation)
• (7) Wisconsin - 30 in OT (23 at end of regulation)
• (22) Nebraska - 62
• (23) Penn State - 21
• (34) Michigan State - 17

Nebraska was the clear exception, but the Huskers were depleted and spent by the time they traveled to Columbus. The other four games produced an average of 19.5 points per game in regulation. Clemson is No. 8 in total defense, comparable to Wisconsin. The Buckeyes didn't score a TD against the Badgers until three minutes to go in the third quarter. Against Michigan, OSU didn't score an offensive TD until 1:06 to play in the 3rd. If it takes that long for the Buckeyes to get in the end zone Saturday, the lead may be insurmountable. With the leadership, depth and experience Clemson has, it's tough to go against the Tigers here.

Advantage: Clemson

-BtW

PTW: Prediction Time Wednesday - Bowl Season

Bowl season is halfway over, meaning we've finally reached the good games. With 40 bowl games plus a National Championship, nearly two-thirds of the teams in college football are awarded a postseason trip. That's simply too many games and BENched doesn't have the time to break down matchups like 5-7 North Texas vs. 7-5 Army or Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Southern Miss.

Instead, BENched jumps on board with the bowl games beginning today. There are 20 games to pick, so buckle up!

2016 BENched PT Record

Final Week: 6-1
Game of the Week Pick: 6-4

Overall: 123-55 (.691 win %)

*Rankings below reflect the CFB Playoff Top 25

Wednesday, Dec. 28
Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, N.Y.)
No. 23 Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern (Line: Pittsburgh -4.5)
Pitt has been one of college football's toughest outs this season. The Panthers own wins over No. 2 Clemson and No. 5 Penn State. Pitt's offense is dynamic, but will be without offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who is now the OC at LSU. Northwestern lost to the upper half of the Big Ten and beat the lower half. It began the season 0-2 with home losses to Western Michigan and FCS Illinois State. James Conner is due for a big day in the Big Apple to send him off in style. Panthers 45-12

Russell Athletic Bowl (Orlando, Fla.)
No. 16 West Virginia vs. Miami (Line: Miami -2.5)
West Virginia's only losses came to the top two teams in the Big 12 - Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Both were by double-digits, so it's difficult to say exactly how good this 10-2 Mountaineer team really is. Miami, on the other hand, had two four-game winning streaks sandwiched around a four-game losing streak. The Canes have plenty of talent, but are lacking in the consistency department. It's a good, old battle between former Big East foes and should come down to the wire. 'Neers 33-28

Foster Farms Bowl (Santa Clara, Calif.)
Indiana vs. No. 19 Utah (Line: Utah -5.5)
Despite making a bowl game, Indiana fired coach Kevin Wilson. That should make you leery enough. Add in a pretty good Utah team that knocked off USC and took both Washington and Colorado to the wire, it's a recipe for a bowl game blowout. Utes 52-20

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl (Houston, Texas)
Texas A&M vs. Kansas State (Line: Texas A&M -2.5)
The Aggies have a virtual home-field advantage playing at NRG Stadium in Houston. The atmosphere should be electric as both fan bases will fill it up as these two former Big 12 foes renew acquaintances. You never know when Bill Snyder's time will be up, but while he's still coaching with weeks to prepare for an opponent, old Bill has the edge. A&M should have a healthy Trevor Knight, but not sure that's enough. SnyderCats 31-27

Thursday, Dec. 29
Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, Ala.)
South Florida vs. South Carolina (Line: South Florida -10)
South Carolina closed the season 4-2 with a win over Tennessee to reach bowl eligibility. However, the Gamecocks were non-competitive in losses to Florida and Clemson. South Florida's quarterback Quintin Flowers might be the best kept secret in college football. His dual-threat ability will give Will Muschamp nightmares. Bulls 41-21

Belk Bowl (Charlotte, N.C.)
Arkansas vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech (Line: Virginia Tech -7)
The Hokies are coming off a hard-fought loss in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson. Jerod Evans is one of two QBs to have 3,000+ yards passing, 25+ TDs, 500+ yards rushing and 10+ rushing TDs. The other to do that this season? Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. So yeah, Evans is pretty good and the VT offense runs through him. Arkansas struggled this year with uptempo offenses, but the Hogs can hang some points up themselves. A win for the Hokies would cap a tremendous first season by Justin Fuente in Blacksburg. Hokies 38-24

Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, Texas)
No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Colorado (Line: Colorado -3)
Another game between a current Big 12 team and a former conference foe who left for seemingly greener pastures. Colorado is the country's biggest surprise. The blemishes for the Buffs were mostly due to losing quarterback Sefo Liufau against Michigan and Washington. Oklahoma State has two befuddling losses to Central Michigan and Baylor, but the QB-WR combo of Mason Rudolph and James Washington is dangerous downfield. The Pokes also found a decent running game with freshman Justice Hill and senior Chris Carson. It's a toss-up, but BENched is going with the coach-of-the-year Mike MacIntyre who has his team in a bowl game for the first time in 10 years. Buffs 28-27

Friday, Dec. 30
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tenn.)
Georgia vs. TCU (Line: Pick 'em)
Can you figure these teams out? TCU, led by transfer quarterback Kenny Hill, could never find consistency, never winning more than two in a row and alternating wins and losses the last five games of the season. The Horned Frogs had a double-OT loss to Texas Tech at home, then beat Baylor on the road 62-22. The next three games were a 31-6 loss to Oklahoma State, a 31-9 win at Texas, and a 30-6 loss at home against K-State. Georgia was just as inconsistent with losses to Vandy and Georgia Tech at home, but a win over North Carolina to open the season and against Top 10 Auburn late in the year. No wonder it's a pick 'em. Georgia 24-23

Hyundai Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas)
No. 18 Stanford vs. North Carolina (Line: Stanford -3)
Christian McCaffrey won't play in this game. Maybe that takes some shine off the Sun Bowl, but the matchup between the Cardinal and Tar Heels is a good one. Stanford came on strong after a slow start, scoring 41+ in each of its last three games and winning its final five in a row. North Carolina ended the season with a dud, falling to Duke and NC State in two of its final three games. The Heels were in line to possibly clinch a division title and reach 10 wins for the second straight season. How will Mitch Trubisky handle the Cardinal defense? The answer to that will provide the winner of this one. Trees 34-30

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.)
Nebraska vs. No. 21 Tennessee (Line: Tennessee -6.5)
The Vols were the most overrated team this season, entering with tons of hype and potential, but going just 4-4 in the SEC while playing the worst division in football (SEC East). Nebraska started 7-0, but was a bit of a fraud. The Huskers fell to Wisconsin in OT, then were shellacked by Ohio State 62-3 before the 30-point drubbing from Iowa. Both Tennessee and Nebraska fell flat against their rivals to close the season. Who will show up to end the year on a high note? Vols 28-23

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl (Tucson, Ariz.)
South Alabama vs. Air Force (Line: Air Force -13.5)
Like BENched said, there are too many bowl games. Look, we're glad the Air Force Academy gets to play in a bowl game, but a 9-3 Mountain West team against a 6-6 Sun Belt squad just doesn't get the meter going. Falcons 34-14

Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State (Line: Michigan -7)
Ah, that's more like it. Florida State's offense faces a stiff test against the Wolverine D. Dalvin Cook against Jabrill Peppers is the matchup to watch. And it will be a fun one. But the Seminoles are looking to go out with a bang on defense as well. FSU's defensive line anchored by Demarcus Walker will cause havoc in the Michigan backfield. The first New Year's Six bowl should be an instant classic. Noles 30-27

Saturday, Dec. 31
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Fla.)
No. 20 LSU vs. No. 13 Louisville (Line: LSU -3)
Lamar Jackson will get his chance to put on a show against one of the nation's stingiest defenses. LSU hasn't faced a dynamic quarterback like Jackson this season, but the Tigers will be eager to shut him down. When Louisville faced tough defenses, especially down the stretch, the Cards folded. Will it be more of the same, or will the lack of Leonard Fournette give Louisville the upper hand? Cards 24-17

TaxSlayer Bowl (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky (Line: Georgia Tech -3.5)
Ground and pound, that'll be the name of this game. Georgia Tech's option offense against Kentucky's SEC best rushing attack. Which defense can stiffen up enough times to get off the field? Give the edge to the Yellow Jackets for senior quarterback Justin Thomas. But don't count out the Cats who just took down Heisman winner Lamar Jackson on his home field. Mark Stoops and Co. have had a month to break down the Jacket attack. But that also means Paul Johnson has had a month to be even more creative. Bees 35-30

CFB Playoff
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta, Ga.)
No. 4 Washington vs. No. 1 Alabama (Line: Alabama -14)
There's no questioning the consensus No. 1 team in the land this season. But there are question marks about the quality of competition Bama has played. Finally we'll get our answer. Washington brings an athletic bunch and a stout defense to the Tide's backyard. Chris Petersen has a history of bigtime calls in bigtime bowls. Don't expect too much too soon from the Huskies, but if it's a tight one late there could be some trickeration in the ATL. However, BENched doesn't think Washington is there yet. Rome wasn't built in a day and this Bama team is loaded with studs. There's also that guy Nick Saban on the sideline, who arguably has his best team ever. Tide 34-17

GAME OF THE WEEK
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.)
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Clemson (Line: Ohio State -3)

Ohio State and Clemson meet in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
with the winner advancing to the National Championship.
(Photo courtesy CFB Playoff)

BENched will be providing an in-depth look at Clemson's Offense vs. Ohio State's Defense and the Tiger D vs. the Buckeye O over the next couple days. For now, we'll just say this: Ohio State's secondary is second to none, but the Buckeyes haven't seen the likes of Mike Williams, Deon Cain, Artavis Scott, Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud, etc. Deshaun Watson is also better than any QB the Buckeyes have faced and it ain't even close. On the flip side, Ohio State has more athleticism on the offensive side than Clemson has seen. Curtis Samuel and Mike Weber out of the backfield matched up with a linebacker and JT Barrett's legs could wear down the Tigers if they aren't able to get off the field. BENched thinks this might be the best bowl matchup in recent memory. Hold on to your hats for the prediction. That will come Friday night.

Monday, Jan. 2
Outback Bowl (Tampa, Fla.)
No. 17 Florida vs. Iowa (Line: Florida -3)
Florida's inept offense against Iowa's fickle self. The Gators won the SEC East, riding the defense all the way to Atlanta before being throttled by Alabama, 54-16. The most points Florida scored in its final six games was 24 in a win against Georgia. Iowa finished the season with three straight wins including the thriller over Michigan and a 40-10 blowout over rival Nebraska. But there were losses to North Dakota State and Northwestern along the way. Expect defense and not a lot of points. Gators 17-13

Goodyear Cotton Bowl (Arlington, Texas)
No. 15 Western Michigan vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (Line: Wisconsin -7.5)
What a fun one this should be (ROW THE BOAT!). Wisconsin might be the most unlucky team in terms of its close losses that could've turned its season into a magical one (ROW THE BOAT!). The Badgers have a seven-point loss at Michigan, a seven-point overtime loss to Ohio State, and blew a 21-point lead to lose by - you guessed it - seven to Penn State in the Big Ten title game (ROW THE BOAT!). Western Michigan turned in an impressive 13-0 season behind its infectiously optimistic coach PJ Fleck (ROW THE BOAT!). His catchphrases took America by storm and he always wants you to have an ELITE day (and to also ROW THE BOAT!). The talent gap between UW and WMU is sizable, though. Badgers 38-27

KEEP ROWING, THOUGH!!!

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual (Pasadena, Calif.)
No. 9 USC vs. No. 5 Penn State (Line: USC -6.5)
BENched isn't thrilled with the Committee's choice to move USC ahead of Colorado when the Buffaloes won the division and took a loss in the Pac-12 Championship. The way the Trojans finished the season, winning eight straight games, they are certainly deserving. But so were the Buffs. Aside from that, the Nittany Lions pulled off a miraculous season after starting 2-2 to win eight straight themselves. Penn State is a second half team, so the halftime score might not be an indication of how this game is going. PSU scored 38+ points in their final six games and were pretty salty on defense, too. USC scored 36+ in five of its final six, the lone exception a 26-13 win at Washington. It'll likely be a shootout in Pasadena. Trojans 45-35

Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, La.)
No. 14 Auburn vs. No. 7 Oklahoma (Line: Oklahoma -3)
At first glance, this appears to be a mismatch. A 10-2 Big 12 champion against a middling 8-4 SEC squad. Auburn dealt with injuries through much of the year, but should be healthy for the bowl game. Running backs Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway give the Tigers a two-headed monster in the backfield. Those two plus a healthy Sean White can put up points with the best of them. That's a dangerous thing for OU's feeble defense. The Sooners, though, boast two Heisman finalists in Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook. The star wide receiver ran wild in the Big 12 and provides a spark in the kicking game alongside Joe Mixon. OU is out to prove it can hang with some of college football's toughest teams after lacking the past few seasons against Clemson, Houston and Ohio State. The question is, will that be enough? Ponies and Wagons 37-35

-BtW

Playoff set, Tigers duel with Buckeyes in the desert

With little drama, the CFB Playoff Committee released the 2016 version of the Top 4 teams in America. The two semifinal matchups are set, with No. 1 Alabama returning to the Georgia Dome to take on No. 4 Washington in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. And, No. 2 Clemson will battle No. 3 Ohio State in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.

Alabama, winner of the SEC, finished the season 13-0 and with a 54-16 thumping of Florida in the conference championship game. The Tide are trying to become the first team in the Playoff era to win back-to-back national championships. Alabama is the only team to make the Playoff in each of the first three years.

The ACC Champion Clemson Tigers are back in the Playoff for a second straight season. Clemson has been ranked in the Top 4 of every Playoff poll the past two seasons. The Tigers are 12-1 after holding off Virginia Tech 42-35 to win the ACC. Clemson won 10 games against bowl eligible teams, the most in the nation.

Clemson will play in its second straight CFB Playoff against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.
(Photo courtesy Clemson Athletics)

Ohio State remained in the Top 4 despite not playing for a conference championship. The Buckeyes become the first team in the three seasons of the Playoff to accomplish that feat. Ohio State went 11-1 with only a three-point road loss to eventual Big Ten champion Penn State. 

The final Playoff spot went to Pac-12 Champion Washington. The reward? Traveling across the country to take on the Crimson Tide in their backyard. The Huskies finished 12-1 with a 41-10 win over Colorado to claim the Pac-12 title. Washington is having its best season in a quarter-decade, when the Huskies won the 1991 national championship.

Left out of the Playoff this year are Penn State (11-2 and the Big Ten champions) and Oklahoma (10-2 and the Big 12 champions). The Nittany Lions' and Sooners' two losses did them in. Penn State lost twice in September to Pitt and Michigan, the latter a 39-point blowout in Ann Arbor. Oklahoma also lost twice in September to Houston and Ohio State, the latter a 21-point drubbing on OU's home field. 

Michigan, which went 10-2, is also left on the outside looking in. The Wolverines closed the season with two road losses to Iowa and Ohio State in their final three games.

Here are the CFB Playoff and New Year's Six Bowls:

Playoff 

Dec. 31 

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Washington

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 3 Ohio State

I would not to have put Ohio State in over Penn State, but that is why the Committee was created: to bring subjectivity into the rankings. Penn State beat Ohio State at home by three points essentially on a returned blocked field goal. To me, those two teams are on equal footing. By using the tie-breakers, the Committee had to choose between a body of work (including the out-of-conference schedule) and a conference championship. Ultimately, the folks in the room went with the body of work. Ohio State beat Oklahoma in Norman by 21. Penn State lost to Pittsburgh at Pitt by three. Additionally, Penn State had a second loss, whereas Ohio State had just one.

When debating the final spot between Penn State and Washington, the edge went to Washington, probably again because of a two-loss team vs. a one-loss team. Both were conference champions. Washington had a weak non-conference schedule, but thoroughly dominated every team it played. Penn State won, but not convincingly enough.

Alabama is going to be a shoe-in for the National Championship, but don't count out the Huskies. Washington is much bigger and stronger up front that most people realize.

Clemson and Ohio State met recently in the 2014 Orange Bowl (2013 season), with the Tigers winning a 40-35 thriller. The two teams are far different from back then, and this matchup is worth watching. If Bama reaches the National Championship, either of these teams are built to dethrone the defending champs.

One final note, we figured Clemson would jump Ohio State by winning a conference championship. But why Washington didn't do the same is a little puzzling. Perhaps it comes down to overall résumés, but we've been told in the past that conference championships matter more. That didn't seem to be the case this year.

Gotta love the Playoff.

New Year's Six

Dec. 30

Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State

Jan. 2

Goodyear Cotton Bowl: No. 8 Wisconsin vs. No. 15 Western Michigan

Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual: No. 5 Penn State vs. No. 9 USC

Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Auburn

All of these matchups were pretty much predicted based on the last set of rankings. The Orange, Rose and Sugar all have tie-ins with conferences that required them to take either a conference champion or the next highest-rated team from that conference (if the champ is in the Playoff).

The Orange Bowl took Florida State as the next team from the ACC and Michigan as the next team from either the Big Ten, SEC or Notre Dame. Florida State leapt Louisville, despite the Cardinals 63-20 win over the Seminoles. FSU closed the season strong, while Louisville dropped two straight to Houston and Kentucky.

The Rose Bowl takes the Pac-12 and Big Ten. Since Penn State didn't make the Playoff, the Big Ten champs head west to Pasadena. The Rose then selected USC from the Pac-12 instead of Colorado. This one irks me because I feel like Colorado should be rewarded with the Rose Bowl for its tremendous season. USC won eight straight after a 1-3 start, but the Buffs won the Pac-12 South after not making a bowl.

The Sugar Bowl selects teams from the Big 12 and SEC. Oklahoma won the Big 12 and did not make the Playoff, thus the Sooners are headed to New Orleans. Auburn was rated the next highest SEC team all the way at No. 14. Auburn finished the season 8-4 with losses to Clemson, Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama.

Western Michigan finished as the highest ranked Group of 5 champion to earn the at-large bid to the Cotton Bowl this season. The Broncos take on the next highest ranked team in the Playoff rankings, the Wisconsin Badgers.

BENched will have more Playoff and NY6 breakdowns as these games approach.

Reax: Interesting debates as penultimate Playoff Ranking revealed

Not a whole lot changed from last week, considering previously No. 3 Michigan fell on the road in double overtime at No. 2 Ohio State. The only other mover in the Top 10 of the Playoff Committee ranking was Colorado jumping Oklahoma. The Sooners were off, while the Buffaloes took down Utah to clinch the Pac-12 South. Here's the Top 10 and some thoughts, courtesy of BENched.

A quick reminder: The rankings today have absolute no bearing on the final rankings on Dec. 4. If a team is ahead of another team now and both win out, they can flip-flop. Here's the Playoff Committee's Top 10:

The Playoff Poll Top 10

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Clemson
4. Washington
5. Michigan
6. Wisconsin
7. Penn State
8. Colorado
9. Oklahoma
10. Oklahoma State

Alabama is all but assured a spot in the College Football Playoff. Even if the Crimson Tide lose to Florida in the SEC Championship Game, they will surely not fall out of the Top 4.

Ohio State held onto its No. 2 ranking, while Clemson and Washington each moved up one spot to Nos. 3 and 4, respectively. Two years ago, the Committee dropped TCU from No. 3 to No. 6 because it did not play in a conference championship game, thus not collecting a "13th data point." Ohio State also won't be playing in a championship game, but everyone seems to think the Buckeyes are guaranteed a Playoff spot.

I have a lot of thoughts on this, but the most prevalent right now is that it is hard for me to understand why Ohio State gets a virtual bye week, whilst Clemson and Washington are in must-win games against ranked opponents. If Clemson or Washington lose, they'll be out of the Playoff. Ohio State gets to enjoy the weekend on the couch.

The Huskies are excited to be back in the Top 4.
Washington needs a win Friday over Colorado in the
Pac-12 title game to remain there. We think.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Michigan dropped to fifth and is the first of three straight Big Ten teams (after Ohio State). Wisconsin and Penn State, the two teams playing in the Big Ten Championship Game, follow at sixth and seventh. The winner more than likely jumps Michigan, but the question remains if the Committee will put the Big Ten champ in the Top 4. All season, the Committee has said the Big Ten is the best conference and the metrics prove that. So, how can the champion of that conference be left out of the Playoff?

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are behind Colorado, meaning Bedlam will simply be for the Big 12 title and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. Even if Clemson and Washington lose, the Bedlam winner will be competing with: Michigan, the Big Ten champion, and Colorado for the final two spots. Advantage: those other teams.

Other thoughts:

• The SEC had three teams that lost this past weekend remain in the Top 25. That's not all too shocking. What is baffling is how those three teams - Auburn, Florida and Tennessee - somehow managed to drop a combined six spots. Auburn fell one spot from 13 to 14, despite an 18-point loss at Alabama. Florida also lost by 18 at Florida State, but the Gators remained exactly where they were a week ago at 15th. And Tennessee was pummeled by a 5-6 Vanderbilt team by 11 points and only dropped five spots from 17 to 22. LSU entered the rankings at No. 21 after beating unranked Texas A&M.
• Auburn, the highest ranked of that group is in the best shape to head to the Sugar Bowl, as the SEC representative. That would pit the Bedlam winner against the Tigers in New Orleans.
• Louisville and Florida State give us another interesting debate. The Cardinals and Seminoles are both 9-3. Louisville has lost its last two games to Houston and Kentucky, while Florida State has won four straight, including the 31-13 win over Top 15 Florida. Louisville went 7-1 in the ACC; FSU went 5-3. And Louisville beat FSU 63-20 back in September. Yet, the Noles are ranked 12th and Louisville is 13th. This makes sense from a "FSU is playing better right now" perspective. But if the two teams are so close that they are one spot apart, how is head-to-head not used, especially when that head-to-head result is a 43-point shellacking?
• That said, I actually agree that FSU is the better team right now.
• Western Michigan is now the highest ranked Group of 5 team at No. 17. The Broncos are undefeated and play for the MAC Championship Friday night against Ohio. A win in Detroit all but guarantees they will be headed to the Cotton Bowl.
• That is unless Navy, which is No. 19 but has two losses, impresses the committee more by winning the AAC. It's possible, but not probable, that the Midshipmen could jump Western Michigan and claim that coveted spot in the New Year's Six.

CFB Playoff and New Year's Six Bowl Projections (Based on current rankings)

• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Washington
• PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Clemson
• Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 Florida State
• Goodyear Cotton Bowl: No. 7 Penn State vs. No. 17 Western Michigan
• Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual: No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 8 Colorado
• Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Auburn

-BtW

Rapid Reax: Not much changed in Playoff poll, but changes are afoot

A week after half the Top 10 lost, only one of the Playoff Committee Top 10 teams fell during Week 12. That was Louisville, which was crushed by Houston, 36-10. Not much changed other than that, but we are less than two weeks away from finding out who goes to Atlanta and Glendale, and who doesn't.

A little reminder: The rankings today have absolute no bearing on the final rankings on Dec. 4. If a team is ahead of another team now and both win out, they can flip-flop. Here's the Playoff Committee's Top 10:

The Playoff Poll Top 10

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan
4. Clemson
5. Washington
6. Wisconsin
7. Penn State
8. Oklahoma
9. Colorado
10. Oklahoma State

Alabama remains No. 1 as the only Power 5 undefeated team. The Crimson Tide collide with rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl this Saturday. The game is in Tuscaloosa and the Tide are favored by 17.

Michigan made snow angels after beating Indiana.
Will the Wolverines be able to celebrate a win at Ohio State?
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

Despite both team's struggles, Ohio State and Michigan will head into their annual meeting ranked No. 2 and 3. This will be the second time in the rivalry's history that the two teams are in the Top 3. The Buckeyes struggled with three-win Michigan State while the Wolverines were in a battle with Indiana. For at least the next ranking, the winner of this game will remain in the Top 4, while the loser will suffer its second loss and be eliminated from Playoff contention (barring more chaos).

The intriguing thing here is a Michigan win sends the Wolverines to the Big Ten title game, whereas an Ohio State win combined with a Penn State win would put the Nittany Lions in Indianapolis. If the Buckeyes win, but don't get a chance to win the conference, it will be interesting to see where the committee places OSU in the final ranking on Dec. 4 with just one loss, but without a conference championship.

Clemson handled its business with Wake Forest and stays at No. 4. The Tigers have in-state rival South Carolina visiting Death Valley Saturday before heading to Orlando for the ACC Championship Game.

Washington moved up to fifth thanks to Louisville's loss. The Huskies are in great position to slide into the Top 4 ahead of the Michigan-Ohio State loser. UW must get by Washington State in the Apple Cup to win the Pac-12 North.

Other thoughts:

• Wisconsin and Penn State remain behind Washington, which will make it tough for them to jump the Huskies even if one of them claims the Big Ten Championship. If Washington has a Pac-12 title and just one loss, compared to two losses by the Badgers and Nittany Lions.
• Oklahoma benefitted from a road win over a Top 15 team. The Sooners, though, take a week off before hosting Oklahoma State in the Bedlam game and the unofficial - but official - Big 12 championship game. It will be important for OU or OSU to be playing on the final weekend of the season, but taking this weekend off could also hurt as everyone around them is playing in a meaningful game.
• Despite its loss, Louisville (No. 11) remains ahead of Florida State (No. 14) in the poll. That gives the Cards a chance at the Orange Bowl bid should Clemson win out and make the Playoff. Louisville absolutely needs to beat Kentucky this weekend to stay ahead of FSU.
• Western Michigan, the only other unebaten team in the land, stayed at No. 21, while Boise State moved up to No. 19. Houston, previously unranked, also moved ahead of WMU at No. 20.
• Interesting for the Pac-12 with Washington out front, but with a big game at Wazzu; Colorado can clinch the South title at home against Utah. The Pac-12 championship could end up deciding the fourth team in the Playoff. If Washington wins, they more than likely would be in at 12-1. If Colorado wins, there'd be lots to debate.
• The Pac-12 leads the way with six teams in the Top 25; Big Ten has five, including four in the top seven (Nebraska is 16th); SEC has four, while the Big 12 and ACC have three each.

CFB Playoff and New Year's Six Bowl Projections (Based on current rankings)

• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Clemson
• PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Michigan
• Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 11 Louisville vs. No. 7 Penn State
• Goodyear Cotton Bowl: No. 9 Colorado vs. No. 21 Western Michigan
• Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual: No. 5 Washington vs. No. 6 Wisconsin
• Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Auburn

-BtW

Rapid Reax: Playoff Poll all mixed up

When Saturday ended, half of the Playoff Committee's Top 10 had fallen. Ultimately, there was already a gap between several of the top teams and everyone else. How did the Committee piece together the rankings this week? And do I think they got it right?

Let's get this out of the way now: The rankings today have absolute no bearing on the final rankings on Dec. 4. If a team is ahead of another team now and both win out, they can flip-flop. Here's the Playoff Committee's Top 10:

The Playoff Poll Top 10

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan
4. Clemson
5. Louisville
6. Washington
7. Wisconsin
8. Penn State
9. Oklahoma
10. Colorado

Jalen Hurts and Alabama are running away from the field.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Of course, Alabama is No. 1. The Crimson Tide are the only unbeaten Power 5 team (Western Michigan is the only other undefeated team). Alabama has looked the part of a champion and is almost assured a spot in the Playoff when the final rankings come out.

Here's where things get hairy. Ohio State comes in at No. 2 leading the one-loss teams. It appears the eye-test and the talented roster have given the Buckeyes the edge. No problem with them here, but what will happen to them if they don't even win their division in the Big Ten?

At No. 3 is Michigan with Clemson at No. 4. These two are interchangeable for me, but it's hard for me to see what Michigan did to deserve to remain ranked third this week after a loss in which it scored 13 points and had just 200 yards of total offense. In the end, Michigan and Ohio State will play each other in two weekends, so that will sort itself out.

It's pretty clear that if any of these teams in the Top 8 win out - that includes No. 8 Penn State and No. 7 Wisconsin - there's a great chance with a conference championship that they have a strong argument to be in the Playoff.

Tenth-ranked Colorado could make a big move as well. The Buffs final two games are at home against No. 22 Washington State and No. 12 Utah. If they win both, they will be in the Pac-12 title game likely against No. 6 Washington. Three wins against ranked opponents at the end of the season could give Colorado a jolt in the rankings.

Other thoughts:

• Undefeated Western Michigan is ranked 21st and behind one-loss Boise State, which is 20th. This is important because the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion earns an automatic bid to the New Year's Six Bowls. Boise State still needs to help to become the Mountain West champion, so it may not matter much anyway.
• West Virginia, at 8-1, sits behind a lot of two-loss teams. Some of those I can't really argue. But for the Mountaineers to be behind 7-3 USC is atrocious.
• The Big 12 altogether is interesting. Oklahoma is the highest-ranked team, but has two losses to Ohio State and Houston. Oklahoma State gave West Virginia its lone loss, but the Cowboys are 8-2 with a loss to declining Baylor and Central Michigan. OU plays both WVU and OSU in the coming weeks. Time will tell what the committee thinks of the Big 12 champion.
• SEC and Pac-12 each have six teams in the Top 25; Big Ten has five, including four of the top eight; ACC and Big 12 have three apiece. Those are pivotal for teams jockeying for position late in the season, as the committee will weigh Top 25 wins.

CFB Playoff and New Year's Six Bowl Projections (Based on current rankings)

• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Clemson
• PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Michigan
• Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 5 Louisville vs. No. 8 Penn State
• Goodyear Cotton Bowl: No. 10 Colorado vs. No. 21 Western Michigan
• Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual: No. 6 Washington vs. No. 7 Wisconsin
• Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 15 Auburn

-BtW