Bowl Week 3: Big Bowls Plus Semifinal Matchups
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
You've been hearing since this matchup was announced: Alabama is going to win in a blowout. All signs seem to point towards that result, but that may not necessarily be true. Alabama's one weakness has been what Washington can provide. Jake Browning hasn't put up any gaudy numbers with his legs, but he is mobile, and that benefits the Huskies immensely. Browning is able to throw, but also able to escape pressure when necessary to make plays. Chris Petersen's offense features a RB (Myles Gaskin) and two WR (John Ross and Dante Pettis) who can beat you at any time. Their talent combined with Petersen's innovative mind offensively bode well for a Washington team who many have already written off. Last year, the Tide crushed Michigan State, and it was a surprise. This year, they are expected to crush the Huskies, but don't be so sure about that. Michigan State's offense wasn't built to beat teams with speed, they were meant to line up and run the ball consistently until the other team quit. Their quarterback was also far from mobile and the Tide feasted on his inability to move the ball down the field. Washington won't struggle that mightily. Now, this isn't a slight at the Tide, as they are undefeated and #1 for a reason. Nick Saban's defense is, once again, the best in the nation, and it's not even close this year. They seem to be two deep at every position and get great production from every player that steps on the field. The difference this year? Their offense is so explosive, they've won games with their offense when the defense struggled. True freshman Jalen Hurts has evolved as the season went on, but he's had no shortage in talent surrounding him. His offensive line is solid (as usual for a Tide team) and his trio of Bo Scarborough, Damien Harris, and Joshua Jacobs punish opposing defenses. OC Lane Kiffin also utitlizes quick screens and jet sweeps for Calvin Ridley and Ardarius Stewart to keep defenses honest. And when you think you have the Tide figured out, they find TE OJ Howard because your team forgot about him. Howard's stats may not be impressive this year, but they weren't last year either. Ask Clemson how that turned out. So while you're thinking this game is already over, be mindful that Washington isn't the team you think they are. Petersen's Boise State team was written off against Oklahoma, and, well, the rest is history as they say. Washington keeps it close, but the Tide are too talented overall.
MY PICK: ALABAMA 42 WASHINGTON 38
One team is extremely experienced but also inconsistent while the other is young but exceeded expectations. Clemson is right back where they expected to be after last year, and they are focused on redeeming themselves after one onside kick changed the championship game last year. Getting hear hasn't been easy for the Tigers. QB Deshaun Watson has so much talent, but has been plagued by turnovers this year at crucial times. He turned the ball over twice in the red zone and needed a missed field goal by Troy to survive in the early part of the season, and a field goal ruined their perfect season against Pitt. Still, they are back and ready to show they are focused on revenge. Ohio State's youth has been difficult to spot this year, as they have passed almost every test this year. Youth will find a way to shine through eventually, and it did in the Buckeye's loss to Penn State. Even without winning their conference championship game, they find themselves in prime position to make a statement. Of the four teams playing, Ohio State benefits the most from being here. With one senior in the starting lineup, most of this youth will return next year with valuable experience to return. Oh, and don't count them out just because they're young. The last time Urban Meyer's team was "young" and played in the playoff, they came home national champions. The biggest matchup in this game will be up front. Ohio State's offensive line needs to control Clemson's front seven to be successful. Their QB, JT Barrett, is a great runner who likes to complement his running by passing. If the Tigers can force him to pass, it may be difficult for the Buckeyes' offense to move the ball down the field.
MY PICK: CLEMSON 35 OHIO STATE 34
