BCS playoffs
LSU is a 9.5 point favorite over OU
Clemson is a bit of a surprising 2.5 favorite over Ohio State.
Clemson has been there before so they'll be ready. No one really knows how good they can be because of the pitiful ACC schedule they played. Couple that with an experienced coaching staff against a first year head coach and I think you have an explanation for Clemson being the favorite even though Ohio State seems to be the most complete team. I think North Carolina was the only team that even threatened Clemson. They got caught sleeping but woke up in the second half. Ohio State got caught sleeping in the first half Saturday.
I believe Joe Burrow had the Heisman wrapped up since the Alabama game. He put a ribbon on it with that performance Saturday. He may make a few mistakes but he never makes a critical one. Seems like when the pressure get's ratcheted up on him the ice water starts flowing. He understands and is in control of the offense. How many teams will have a passing game coordinator like Joe Brady next year? Coach O clearly learned from his mistakes at Ole Miss and USC. He isn't micromanaging.
Ohio State may be the most complete team but Ryan Day doesn't have a whole lot of experience. This will be his first real test.
LSU has improved on defense all year and worked their way up in defensive statistics after some early shootouts. Holding Georgia to under 300 yards a field goal and one TD in garbage time was pretty impressive.
OU backed into the playoffs. It doesn't mean they don't belong but they are outclassed by the top three.
I expect an LSU vs Ohio State national championship game. I'll see how the semis play out before I predict the winner.
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