by Hugh Greenfield ’22
December 17, 2021
It’s the best time of year for College Football fans as the Playoff is now set. There were multiple different possible combinations of teams that could have made the four-team bracket, but the four teams that managed to secure their spot are Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, and Cincinnati.
The Alabama Crimson Tide head into the playoffs as the Number 1 seed with a record of 12-1. Alabama went into the last week of the season as an underdog to Georgia, who was previously ranked number one. Not only did the Tide upset the Bulldogs, but they punched their ticket and locked in the number one spot with an emphatic 41-21 win.
The Michigan Wolverines are rolling into the playoff as the number 2 seed with a record of 12-1. In their last two games, they have defeated Ohio State, who was ranked number 2 in the nation at the time, and Iowa, who was 16th at the time. Since picking up these two impressive wins, they have proved that they are the real deal, and will pose a challenge to the rest of the championship contenders.
The Georgia Bulldogs looked unstoppable for most of the year, exhibiting pure dominance over whomever they played. Entering conference championship week, the Bulldogs were 12-0 and had been the top-ranked team in the nation since the first College Football Playoff rankings were released. They had played many valiant opponents throughout the season and surpassed all of them. Georgia had a chance to hand Alabama their second loss of the season, which would have potentially knocked them out of the playoff race, but fell short. Now, the Bulldogs stand at 12-1 and are the number 3 seed heading into the Playoff. They will most likely be looking for redemption against Alabama, but will have to get by the formidable Wolverines first.
The Cincinnati Bearcats have been underestimated for the entire season. They have the best record in the country, standing at a perfect 13-0. The reasoning behind analysts and fans questioning their legitimacy is their fairly easy schedule. However, they have beaten some notable opponents, like Notre Dame, who was number 6 in the nation when the Bearcats beat them, and is now number 5. Throughout the season the Bearcats were snubbed of the recognition and credit they deserve, but now they look to finally stake their claim as the best team in the nation.
If you’re looking to cheer for the favorite to win it all, Alabama is the team for you. Despite a loss to Texas A&M and close calls against Florida and LSU, Alabama has been winning championships for decades and knows how to prepare for big games. Alabama’s quarterback, Bryce Young, just won the Heisman Trophy, and the rest of the roster is filled with future NFL talent. The defending champions are without a doubt the team to beat.
If you’re looking for a team that is entering the playoffs on a hot streak, then Michigan is the team for you. They have been in the top 25 for most of the season, but have recently made their surge to put them in contention to win a National Championship. The Wolverines have looked unbeatable the last couple of weeks, after being doubted for the first half of the season.
If you’re looking for a team on a hunt for revenge, then Georgia is the team for you. After being the top team in the nation all year, they fell to the third seed after losing to Alabama. The Bulldogs are looking for revenge on Alabama, both for their SEC Championship loss this season, and for their loss in the 2018 National Championship against the Crimson Tide.
If you’re looking for the team that has the most to prove, Cincinnati is the team for you. After being doubted all season long, the Bearcats will have a chance to shock the world by beating Alabama in their first-ever playoff game.
