CFB: Alabama, Georgia aim for all-SEC national championship
The Orange Bowl will take place on Dec. 31 with two familiar programs projected to meet in Alabama and Clemson. Bryce Young (156 yards, 59.1% passing) will step into the spotlight under center for the Crimson Tide as Nick Saban will lean on receivers John Metchie, Jahleel Billingsley, Agiye Hall, and Jameson Williams. Not to mention an elite secondary with Jordan Battle, Josh Jobe, Jahquez Robinson, and freshman 5-star Kool-Aid McKinstry. Alabama is projected to go 12-0, while we have Clemson going 11-1. The Tigers offense features quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (914 yards, 66.7% passing) and junior receivers Justyn Ross and Joseph Ngata. Dabo Swinney's defense should be able to create pressure with edge rushers KJ Henry and Xavier Thomas, and dominant defensive tackle Tyler Davis. Clemson is looking for a seventh straight playoff berth.
Ryan Day's team is expected to get back to the CFP for a third straight season, this time after a projected 12-0 regular season. Ohio State is a step above the Big Ten with first round receivers Chris Olave (729 yards, 7 touchdowns) and Garrett Wilson, plus Master Teague and Miyan Williams in the backfield. CJ Stroud will be the successor at QB after limited snaps a year ago but he should acclimate himself quickly. The Buckeyes also return Haskell Garrett and Zach Harrison on the line. Kirby Smart brings back arguably his most talented team with JT Daniels at quarterback, Jermaine Burton (404 yards, 3 touchdowns) and Arian Smith on the outside, and Kearis Jackson in the slot. It's scary to imagine what the offense could look like if Arik Gilbert (personal reasons per 247 Sports) and George Pickens return. The Cotton Bowl will also be on Dec. 31.
USC is flying a bit under the radar because Oregon is the favorite to win a third consecutive Pac-12 championship but the Trojans have enough to challenge for a playoff berth. Kedon Slovis (1,921 yards, 17 touchdowns) is one of the most complete passers in the country, Drake London is a ridiculously skilled 6'5 receiver, and Texas transfers Keontay Ingram and Jake Smith will make this offense even more explosive. Drake Jackson will be the driving force on defense as USC is projected to go 10-2 with matchups at Arizona State, Colorado, and Notre Dame. Wisconsin, projected to go 10-2, will also play the Fighting Irish with Graham Mertz (1,238 yards, 9 touchdowns) set for a breakout year. Jalen Berger, Keeanu Benton, and Kendric Pryor will be key offensively. The Badgers season opener is on Sept. 4 against Penn State as both teams hope to reach the Rose Bowl.
Before Oklahoma bolts to the SEC, we could get another former Big 12 rivalry game if they were to meet Texas A&M in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. Lincoln Riley's squad has their eyes set on competing for a national championship but we have them coming up just short with an 11-1 record. Spencer Rattler is surrounded by big time playmakers Kennedy Brooks, Eric Gray (772 yards, 4 touchdowns), Marvin Mins, and Jadon Haselwood. Oklahoma's marquee matchups are against Texas (Oct. 9) and Iowa State (Nov. 20). The Aggies are going to be more run-oriented with Isaiah Spiller (1,036 yards, 9 touchdowns) in the backfield as a Doak Walker candidate. Texas A&M will also be disruptive on defense with first rounder DeMarvin Leal leading the way in front of linebackers Leon O'Neal and Andre White. Oklahoma is 19-12 against Texas A&M.
Iowa State is the main reason why we don't have Oklahoma projected to reach the playoff as the Cyclones have improved each year under Matt Campbell and will challenge for a Big 12 title again in 2021. Breece Hall, Brock Purdy, and Xavier Hutchinson give this team a balanced offense to go with an aggressive and unflappable defense, headed by All-Big 12 performers Mike Rose and Will McDonald (35 tackles, 10.5 sacks). Cincinnati and Iowa State are both projected to finish 11-1 in the regular season. The Bearcats bring back AAC Offensive Player of the Year Desmond Ridder and Michael Young, in addition to Myjai Sanders (31 tackles, 7 sacks) on the defensive line, and standouts in the secondary Justin Harris and Ja'Von Hicks. Cincinnati faces a couple of major tests at Indiana (Sept. 18) and Notre Dame (Oct. 2) before conference play begins.
The Peach Bowl will be the first New Year's Six game played on Dec. 30 in Atlanta. North Carolina is projected to go 10-2 as the ACC runner-up, compared to LSU finishing with 9-3. The Tar Heels lost a number of contributors from 2020 to the NFL Draft but Sam Howell (3,586 yards, 30 touchdowns) remains under center and will work with tailback British Brooks and Beau Corrales. Mack Brown should be able to get this program back to the ACC championship game for the first time since 2015. LSU is also looking to get back into contention after going 5-5 last year. Myles Brennan was expected to start at QB before breaking his left arm in early August per Saturday Down South. Max Johnson (1,069 yards, 8 touchdowns) will replace Brennan for the time being while Ed Orgeron's defense, led by Derek Stingley and Mike Jones, will be better than a season ago.
Photo Credit: Sporting News.
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