National Semi Final, Sugar Bowl

Alabama

Senior QB Blake Sims has thrown to junior Amari Cooper for over 1,600 yards this season, and will look for the stud WR against Ohio State. Coach Nick Saban’s Alabama defense will aim to keep the Buckeyes in check, allowing for a controlled attack on offense.

Ohio State

Coach Urban Meyer and his Buckeyes have had quite the season. Now down to his third-string QB, sophomore Cardale Jones, Meyer will hope to do what he has all season: trust Sophomore DE Joey Bosa and company to keep them in the game and confuse Alabama’s defense to allow for big plays on offense.

Prediction- Alabama 38, Ohio State 24

National Semi Final, Rose Bowl

Oregon

Heisman Trophy-winning QB junior Marcus Mariota will lead the Ducks against Florida State. Oregon’s high-scoring offense, started by Chip Kelly, continued its success in the PAC-12 conference this season. The Ducks will play a fast-paced game, which the Seminoles will likely struggle to keep up with.

Florida State

Sophomore QB Jameis Winston, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, has always had close calls, on and off the field. The undefeated Seminoles have struggled to produce points early in their games, which could prove disastrous against the high-flying Ducks. Winston may have to make a comeback for FSU to win, a situation he has looked good in many times this season.

Prediction- Oregon 45, Florida State 35

Cotton Bowl

Michigan State vs. Baylor

Junior Connor Cook is seen by many as the most pro-ready quarterback in college. He runs a “pro style” offense, a staple of Mark Dantonio’s Spartan team. Michigan State will face the high-scoring Baylor Bears, who own half of the Big 12 championship and nearly made the playoffs.

Prediction- Baylor 52, Michigan State 38

Potato Bowl

Air Force vs. Western Michigan

RTB: Row the Boat. That is the philosophy embraced by WMU Coach P.J. Fleck. His Broncos may be rowing upstream against the Air Force Falcons. Western’s sophomore QB Zack Terrell has completed 70 percent of his passes this season for 3,146 yards. Terrell’s offense is accustomed to scoring 33.3 points per game, yet Air Force is only allowing 23.4 points per game this season.

Prediction- Western Michigan 21, Air Force 17

Bahamas Bowl

Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky

Central Michigan’s defense has allowed very few yards this season, ranking them 14^th in the nation in total yards allowed, and is averaging 331 yards allowed per game. Sophomore QB Cooper Rush has completed 63 percent of his passes but has not had to do much more than that because of the Chippewas stingy defense. His defense faces a tough challenge against WKU in Brandon Doughty, though. The senior QB has passed for the most yards in college football this year.

Prediction- Western Kentucky 28, Central Michigan 14