10 Most watchable Bowl Game matchups
By Jordan Luth
4. Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State
Watching Jimbo Fisher and Jim Harbaugh getting heated on sidelines may be a bonus to this already great matchup. Both teams had their eyes set on the CFP when the year started. Both fell just a bit short.
Michigan was a win away from the Big Ten Championship game and were in position for a CFP spot. A loss to Ohio State changed that and they are now here in the Orange Bowl. The team as a whole has not changed since that Ohio State game. This defense is still one of the best in the country, especially at stopping the run. They are 10th in points allowed, allowing only 12.5 points a game. Of course they also have Heisman finalist Jabrill Peppers who will be all over the field looking to make plays and have a positive impact on defense, special teams and offense.
Dalvin Cook ran for over 1,600 yards for the second straight year. He may not have gotten as much attention as he has gotten in the past, but that is something that can’t be over looked. Odds are Cook is headed to the draft so this could be his last game for Florida State. Florida State will need their offense to be kicking on all cylinders for this game. Michigan’s defense is rock solid and theirs has been not so good at times this year. Keeping the ball away from Michigan and wearing down their defense could be strategy used to keep themselves in the game.
In a matchup of old school powerhouses, defense will turn into offense and the Michigan defense is better. Prediction: Michigan 35, Florida State 21