The 2023 college football season is coming to an end. In one of the most controversial selections the playoff field is set with #1 Michigan vs #4 Alabama, and #2 Washington vs #3 Texas.
Entering selection Sunday on December 3rd, Michigan, Washington, and Texas were all just about locks to make the playoffs. All three had won their respective conferences and were almost guaranteed a chance at the national championship.
The big story is that the Florida State Seminoles, who despite being undefeated, were left out of the playoffs. In spite of losing their star quarterback to injury, the Seminoles won the ACC championship and had an impressive playoff resume. Florida State Athletic Director Michael Alford released a statement following the announcement of the college football playoff (CFP) teams; “The committee failed college football today.”
Team By Team Preview
#1 Michigan
The top overall seed in the 2023 playoffs is coming off a third consecutive Big Ten Championship and an undefeated season. Michigan seems to play its best football against ranked opponents. Against the third ranked opponents they faced this year they averaged just over 26 points while holding their opponents to only 13.
Key Players
QB: JJ McCarthy
RBs: Blake Corum,Donovan Edwards
WR: Roman Wilson
The Wolverines offer an electric 1,2 punch on offense in the form of running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. In last year’s semifinal game versus TCU Edwards filled in for an injured Corum and had an excellent game totaling 119 rushing yards.
#2 Washington
The Huskies are making their first CFP appearance since 2016 and are much improved from that 2016 season. Led by Heisman hopeful QB Michael Penix Jr, Washington has one of the most electric offenses in the country. That deadly offense led the Huskies to an undefeated season and third PAC-12 Championship in Washington history.
Key Players
QB: Michael Penix Jr
WRs: Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillan
DE: Bralen Trice
In classic PAC-12 fashion, the Washington Huskies run an air-raid offense and can torch any defense in the country. In the two games against a stout Oregon defense that allows a PAC-12 leading 224 passing yards per game, Penix threw for 302 and 319 yards respectively.
#3 Texas
The Texas Longhorns make their first trip to the CFP and what a ride it has been. Texas is a historically good football team but recent struggles have prevented them to even make an appearance in the CFP. The Longhorns won their first Big 12 championship since 2009 in their final season in the Big 12 before they moved into the esteemed SEC.
Key Players
QB: Quinn Ewers
WR: Adonai Mitchell
LB: Anthony Hill Jr.
Former Ohio State QB Quinn Ewers is one of the best quarterbacks in all of college football and the CFP is his biggest chance to show his talent. Texas defeated 4-seed Alabama earlier this season in what has proven to be extremely significant in getting the Longhorns into the playoffs.
#4 Alabama
Barely sneaking into the playoffs the Crimson Tide benefited heavily off the injury to Florida State QB Jordan Travis. But Travis’ injury is not the only reason Alabama is in the playoffs. An impressive win over #1 Georgia made all the difference between making and missing the playoffs.
QB: Jalen Milroe
WR: Jermaine Burton
LB: Dallas Turner
Jalen Milroe struggled early in the season but has turned into a walking highlight reel. This Alabama team is entering the playoffs with more confidence than any other team. They are the most dangerous #4 seed the CFP have ever seen.
Playoff Prediction
#4 Alabama defeats #1 Michigan 31-24
#2 Washington defeats #3 Texas 38-17
Championship: #2 Washington defeats #4 Alabama 41-38
