Championship Week Scorecast and Predictions

Jeremy

USC @ Stanford - USC made news this week by promoting interim coach Clay Helton to head coach. Since taking over for Steve Sarkisian, Helton has led the Trojans to a 4-2 record with the first of those losses coming to Notre Dame the week after he took over and the other coming to Oregon late in the year.. Stanford, on the other hand, has fought off an early loss to Northwestern (10 win team by the way) and also loss to an Oregon team at full strength. I think both teams are capable of putting up points in this game, but I like Stanfords defense a little more here. David Shaw has done a remarkable job after many left this team for dead early in the year. Stanford 31-24

Alabama vs. Florida - Here's the question: How does Florida score? The offense was shut out against Florida State last week with their only 2 points coming on a safety. Here's the other question: Is Derrick Henry tired after 40+ carries last week and a year where he's been fed the ball like it's 1979? I think the answer to the first question is: they don't. I think the answer to the second question is: Maybe a little, but not enough to matter. Alabama won't score a ton of points against a good Gator defense and 17 is a lot but I think the Tide find enough to win. Alabama 24-6

North Carolina vs Clemson - Let's be honest, Clemson hasn't been really impressive down the stretch. But North Carolina lost to South Carolina. .I know that was way back in August, but it bears mentioning because North Carolina's schedule just hasn't been that hard. I might have taken the Heels had North Carolina State not put up points on them last week. I think DeShaun Watson makes enough plays for the Tigers to win by a TD. Clemson 30-23

Iowa vs Michigan State -  Say what you want about Iowa, but they just keep winning. I haven't watched a ton of the Hawkeyes this year but was impressed at their handling of Nebraska last week. Then again, Sparty also impressed me by rolling over a decent Penn State squad. I know this game is played indoors but it really feels like a classic Big 10, mule fighting over a turnip game. For that reason I'm going to take the Hawkeyes to cover but I think Michigan State punches it's playoff ticket in a close win. Michigan State 20-17

Brian

USC @ Stanford - USC and former interim head coach, Clay Helton, have done a nice job of turning things around this year. Despite losing to a surging Oregon several weeks ago, they took care of business against the Bruins last weekend. Stanford, who also lost to Oregon, won a thriller versus Notre Dame recently, and still has an outside shot at the playoffs. I haven't watched these teams enough to provide X's and O's, but I like Stanford in this game. Stanford 27-21

Alabama vs. Florida - Alabama will destroy Florida. No need for analysis here. Alabama 28-7

North Carolina vs Clemson - Clemson looked shaky against the Gamecocks, but it is a rivalry game, and Williams-Brice isn't the easiest place to play. And, let's not forget, UNC did lose to South Carolina in the opener. While North Carolina has put together a great season, I believe Clemson has more playmakers, notably in Deshaun Watson. The game should be close for 3 quarters, but Clemson will pull away enough in the 4th quarter. Clemson 35-24

Iowa vs Michigan State -  Iowa hasn't played the toughest schedule in the country, that's for sure. However, that doesn't mean they're a bad team. What I will bank on though is Mark D'Antonio because he has consistently kept Michigan State at the top the past several years, making many major bowl appearances. The Spartans are a lock in the college football playoff with a win. Their defense and overall fundamental play will secure a victory. Michigan State 24-20