Predicting the outcome of every single College Football Playoff game in first year of 12-team field
With the 12-team College Football Playoff field set to kick off their first games starting this weekend, it's finally time to set aside the thinkpieces, the one-upmanship about why this format is unfair to San Diego State or whatever, and enjoy some games.
Of course, not everyone will allow themselves that small pleasure, and we'll see some grousing no matter what. But there are some really juicy matchups here in this bracket, and if for just three hours, I'll try to take a brief respite from discussing the problems with which this format is, admittedly, rife.
It's almost time to enjoy these games, however. As they draw ever nearer, here's how we see them playing out.
Predicting every College Football Playoff game - First round: Notre Dame vs. Indiana
This promises to be one of the best games of the first round from several standpoints, and is significantly underrated at the moment to my eye. This is an in-state rivalry that does not often get played, as the two have not met since 1991. The Irish are on a six-game win streak that dates back to the early fifties, if that gives you any feel for how seldom the two meet.
These are two CFB programs that are also polar opposites, in a way. Indiana is a perennial doormat, while Notre Dame is one of the biggest names and most high-achieving programs in the sport. However, this season is one where the Hoosiers can claim nigh-equal footing with the Irish for the first time in forever.
Sadly for the folks in Bloomington, however, I don't see this one going their way. As with the Ohio State game, I think this defense is too much for Cignetti's squad, and the Irish come away with a victory.
PREDICTION: Notre Dame, 34-24