The Champion’s Table Is Set
The two College Football Playoff games of Monday could not have been more different, but they pointed in the same direction – toward dominance by the Southeastern Conference.
In the Sugar Bowl, Alabama (12-1) smothered Clemson 24-6. The Tigers (12-2), who had beaten Bama last year for the national title, could not get anything going on offense and a pair of interceptions that led to Crimson Tide touchdowns in the second half did them in. Alabama will now be in the championship game – next Monday – for the third straight year, playing SEC rival Georgia.
This was pretty much Alabama the way we’ve come to know it. The Tide defense allowed a mere 188 total yards and made the big plays.
The Rose Bowl was the wild one. Georgia (13-1) blocked a field goal try in the second overtime and got a quick, 27-yard touchdown run from Sony Michel in the second overtime to defeat Oklahoma 54-48. The Sooners (12-2) led by 17 at halftime and their 31 points in the first two quarters are a CFP semifinal record but they couldn’t keep the Bulldogs’ running game under any sort of control. Michel and Nick Chubb combined for 386 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Alabama has won 11 national titles, Georgia five (the last one 37 years ago).
The championship game is Monday, Jan. 8, in Atlanta.
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman
Our Favorite Celebrity Interviews Revealed
-
Robert Kraft wants to re-sign Brady just long enough that he can retire as a Patriot. Earlier this week,...
-
The skilled third-baseman will be enshrined in Cooperstown. Scott Rolen is one of the most skilled and recognized third-basemen...
-
Brady’s 23rd football season has ended. On Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys went head-to-head for...
-
Smith has been fired after one season with the team. Over the weekend, the owners of the Houston Texans...
-
Pelé passed due to complications related to colon cancer. On Thursday night, the sporting world received unfortunate news: Pelé,...
-
His return heralded a victory over the Phoenix Suns. On Sunday, Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas needed to take...
-
Mayfield will be available on waiver to other NFL teams. After an underwhelming performance in his current role as...
-
Mike White led the team to a decisive victory over the Bears over the weekend. On Saturday, the New...
-
The game has been moved out of New York due to an encroaching snowstorm. This weekend, the Buffalo Bills...
-
Negative pushback prompted the team to give the role to someone else. Recently, the Brooklyn Nets have been in...
-
The Bears got Claypool in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers cut a deal...
-
Belichick has cycled through several players in search of the right one. Recently, the New England Patriots have been...