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