Examining the matchups of Alabama and Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon and Florida State in the Rose Bowl.
No. 1 Alabama
Coach, record: Nick Saban (86-16)
Semifinal matchup: No. 4 Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl
All-time record vs. Ohio State, last meeting: 3-0. Last meeting: 24-17 win on Jan. 2, 1995 (Citrus Bowl)
Best win: 25-20 vs. Mississippi State on Nov. 15
Worst performance: 23-17 loss at Mississippi on Oct. 4.
How they got here: A sluggish start to the season saw Alabama lose to Mississippi and struggle against unranked Arkansas to close the first half at 5-1. The Crimson Tide have since won seven in a row, including a victory against Missouri to claim the Southeastern Conference championship, to finish first in the final College Football Playoff rankings. With its offense now clicking under coordinator Lane Kiffin and the defense always dangerous when given extra time to prepare, the Crimson Tide may be the favorites to win a fourth national championship under Nick Saban. With an 8-3 record in conference championship games and bowl games since Saban's arrival in 2007, it's clear Alabama prepares for major competition as well as any program in the country.
Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) celebrates with right guard Jake Pisacrik (76) and right tackle Matt Pierson (62) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 Championship at Levi's Stadium. The Ducks won 51-13.(Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
No. 2 Oregon
Coach, record: Mark Helfrich (23-3)
Semifinal matchup: No. 3 Florida State in the Rose Bowl
All-time record vs. Florida State, last meeting: First meeting
Best win: 46-27 vs. Michigan State on Sept. 6
Worst performance: 31-24 loss vs. Arizona on Oct. 4
How they got here: With the exception of one hiccup, a seven-point loss to Arizona in October, no team in college football has looked as dominant. Led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, the heavy favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, Oregon's offense has been the most productive in school history. Though the defense has had its ups and downs, the Ducks successfully slowed down the high-powered offenses in the Pac-12 Conference. After avenging that earlier loss to Arizona in the Pac-12 title game, Oregon can tout wins against the Wildcats, Michigan State, UCLA, Stanford and Utah. Oregon can also tout another advantage unmatched in college football: Mariota.
Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) smiles during the game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium.(Photo: Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports)
No. 3 Florida State
Coach, record: Jimbo Fisher (58-10)
Semifinal matchup: No. 2 Oregon in the Rose Bowl
All-time record vs. Oregon, last meeting: First meeting
Best win: 37-35 vs. Georgia Tech on Dec. 6
Worst performance: 20-17 win vs. Boston College on Nov. 22
How they got here: It was never easy for Florida State, which struggled to notch wins against a slew of inferior opposition - North Carolina State, Miami (Fla.), Boston College and Florida, to name a few. Yet the Seminoles ended their season where most expected: unbeaten, atop the Atlantic Coast Conference and in one of two national semifinals. In a sense, that FSU had to scratch and claw to extend its 29-game winning streak should come in handy during the postseason; the Seminoles have the experience needed to pull out a close, tightly contested game in the fourth quarter. But there's every reason to think FSU will need to ramp up its performance to match wits with Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer congratulates offensive lineman Jacoby Boren (50) after a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-28.(Photo: Greg Bartram, USA TODAY Sports)
No. 4 Ohio State
Coach, record: Urban Meyer (36-3)
Semifinal matchup: No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl
All-time record vs. Alabama, last meeting: 0-3 Last meeting: 24-17 win on Jan. 2, 1995 (Citrus Bowl)
Best win: 49-37 at Michigan State on Nov. 8
Worst performance: 35-21 loss vs. Virginia Tech on Sept. 6
How they got here: In what may be the finest coaching job of Urban Meyer's career, Ohio State survived injuries to two starting quarterbacks - first Braxton Miller, then J.T. Barrett - to eke into the Playoff. Now that they're in the top four, the Buckeyes must continue to tailor the offense to fit Cardale Jones, the latest starter under center. If this season has taught us anything, however, it's that Ohio State's ability to score points on any opponent cannot be overlooked. The Buckeyes scored at least 31 points in each of their last 12 games after losing to Virginia Tech in September. With ample time to prepare for Alabama, the Buckeyes' offense will remain very dangerous.
Posted by Unknown on Sunday, December 7, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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