10 Most watchable Bowl Game matchups
By Jordan Luth
2. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Dec. 31): No. 4 Washington vs. No. 1 Alabama
In the first CFP semifinal game, Washington will get their shot at the seemingly untouchable Crimson Tide. Washington’s only loss this year is to USC and they are riding high after winning the Pac-12 Championship. Meanwhile Alabama is doing its thing as they always do and come into this game undefeated and they look unbeatable.
Alabama is the only team to make the CFP every year that it has been in play. This is their third year in the Playoff and it’s the second time that they are the No. 1 ranked team. Alabama’s defense allows under 12 points to their opponents per game, which is ninth best in the country. Offensively they are so well rounded. The Alabama backfield features three backs that have run for over 500 yards this season. Then there is freshmen QB Jalen Hurts. Hurts has run for over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns while also throwing for over 2,000 yards. Hurts does have a minor turnover problem. He has thrown nine interceptions this year and this may be where Washington could swing momentum in the game.
Washington has a very explosive offense that is led by their QB Jake Browning. Browning threw for over 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns on the year. 31 of those touchdowns were to John Ross and Dante Pettis. The Huskies receivers should be a hand full for the Alabama secondary as they are both fast and physical. Washington also features a 1,300-yard rusher in Myles Gaskin. Washington has so many threats to attack the Bama defense with. This may be the most loaded offense that Alabama has faced this year, and Washington won’t go away easily.
Alabama is heavily favored and that’s justifiable. They are undefeated and haven’t lost a game since September of 2015. They are defending champs and are looking for a repeat.
Prediction: Alabama 31, Washington 17