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College Football Playoff 2016: Week 9 New Year’s Six Projections

By Zach Bigalke

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) attempts to tackle Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) attempts to tackle Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams (3) hands off the ball to running back Joe Willliams (28) as offensive lineman Salesi Uhatafe (74) blocks during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Troy Williams (3) hands off the ball to running back Joe Willliams (28) as offensive lineman Salesi Uhatafe (74) blocks during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Rose Bowl: Ohio State (Big Ten) v. Utah (Pac-12)

Ohio State will probably feel as though a trip to Pasadena is a letdown after expecting to play for the national title this year. But the Buckeyes will nevertheless earn a fifth straight New Year’s Six appearance on the strength of their body of work. J.T. Barrett might not be a Heisman candidate this season, but he has been backed up by a defense allowing just 15 points per game. Urban Meyer’s team also has a signature win over projected Big 12 winner Oklahoma bolstering its resume.

Their likely opponent in the Rose Bowl, Utah, last played in a New Year’s Six bowl eight years ago when they were still a member of the Mountain West. The Utes could square off against the very coach that led them to prominence four years before that as the first BCS Buster. Under Kyle Whittingham, Utah is on pace to win the Pac-12 South thanks both to a run-heavy offense led by Joe Williams as well as a defense that gives up just over three touchdowns per game.

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