The College Football Playoff is locked, loaded, and ready to go. The selection committee announced Sunday the four teams that'll partake in this season's CFP semifinals:
Sugar Bowl: No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 4 Alabama
The most dramatic decision in CFP history will see Alabama face Clemson for the third year in a row. The committee deemed the 11-1 Crimson Tide more worthy of the No. 4 slot than 11-2 Ohio State, despite the fact Alabama failed to win its conference.
While many will criticize the decision, the first two games between the schools have been epic, setting the stage for an incredible Sugar Bowl to serve as the trilogy matchup.
Deshaun Watson may be gone, but Clemson hasn't missed a beat without the star quarterback, as Kelly Bryant emerged as a star all season. With arguably the country's best defensive line, Clemson rolled through ACC play and hammered Miami 38-3 in the conference title game.
Alabama dominated the majority of its schedule but fell in a tough road game at Auburn to end the season. Jalen Hurts will have to emerge as a bigger threat in the passing game if the Crimson Tide are to win the rubber match with Clemson.
Rose Bowl: No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Georgia
For the first time in the storied histories of both programs, No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 3 Georgia will meet, with the Rose Bowl contest serving as the second CFP semifinal.
It will be a contrast of dominant units, as the Sooners sport the country's fourth-ranked offense, while Georgia is the fourth-ranked defense, nation-wide.
The Sooners are led by Heisman favorite Baker Mayfield, the nation's second-most prolific passer, while Georgia relies on a heavy run-based attack led by Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Whether the Sooners' 54th-ranked run defense can slow down the Georgia attack will be interesting, but seeing Mayfield against the Bulldogs dominant defense will be must-see television.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
