SEC+3: Playoff Predictions

Here are our predictions for the second College Football Playoff:


Orange Bowl
(4) Oklahoma vs. (1) Clemson

Godsey: Oklahoma comes into the playoff picture after a strong finish to the regular season. The Sooners had a rocky start and came close to folding a few times before finally losing to rival Texas. After that, the Sooners have proven to be straight money in the bank. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has emerged as one of the best in the country, and their points-per-game has more than doubled since he took the reigns. Oklahoma is second in both passing efficiency and in scoring offense, thanks in part to Mayfield's arm. This will match up well with the Clemson defense, which sports one of the best pass defenses in the country. We all know how good the Clemson offense preforms with Deshaun Watson at the helm, so all aspects of the game are going to match up nicely for what should be a very good game. I like Oklahoma to come out on top because of the experience they have. Oklahoma survived the insanity that comprised the last few games between the top four teams in the Big 12, and those teams are among some of the stiffest competition in the country. 

The Pick: Oklahoma 34 Clemson 31

Griff: Clemson comes into the playoff 13-0, which is the first time that the Tigers have ever achieved  13 wins in a single-season. This game is intriguing because Clemson mopped the floor with Oklahoma in last year's Russell Athletic Bowl, beating the Sooners by 34 points. The Tigers did this without the aid of one of this year's Heisman Finalists, Deshaun Watson. While this game won't be as one-sided as it was last year, the Tigers' defense will get the stops when needed and allow their high-powered offense to take care of business.

The Pick: Clemson 41 Oklahoma 27

Cotton Bowl
(3) Michigan State vs. (2) Alabama

Godsey: Alabama and Michigan State are similar on paper and both play defense extremely well. I think this game will come down to two things: Spartans' quarterback Connor Cook will have to be quick to pass,  be very accurate, all while being athletic enough to escape the pass rush when Alabama blitzes, and Alabama will blitz. Alabama will stop the run and force State to try to convert on third-and-long, and Cook will have to make plays all while staying healthy due to a shoulder injury. On the other side, Alabama running back Derrick Henry will do what he always does by getting better as the game goes on. Alabama quarterback Jake Coker is pretty good at running the offense as a game manager, and once Alabama establishes their ground game, the passing game will open up. Alabama wins this game and advances to play for yet another National Championship.

The Pick: Alabama 31 Michigan State 17

Griff: Alabama will come out and run the ball both early and often. Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry combines both his power and speed that helps Alabama pound the football and wear down opposing defenses. The Tide rush the ball as good as any team in the country with their stellar running back behind an intense and powerful offensive line. Michigan State will have to beat Alabama at their own game by establishing the run that will keep Henry off the field. I don't see this happening, and Alabama defeats the Spartans en route to another National Title.

The Pick: Alabama 38 Michigan State 20

National Championship Game

Godsey's Pick: Alabama 31 Oklahoma 28

Griff's Pick: Alabama 37 Clemson 27

We'd like to thank everybody for another great year of picks! Thanks for reading and all the feedback and support you've provided the blog in its third year of picking games. Happy New Year's to all of you and your families, and we're looking forward to a huge fourth year of the SEC+3! Be sure to follow Griff on Twitter @griffaldo.