Early predictions for College Football Playoff and New Year’s Six bowls

Cotton Bowl (College Football Playoff semifinal)

It’s wild that just over a week ago, when Alabama was down to Auburn in the fourth quarter, it seemed like the College Football Playoff without Alabama was a realistic possibility.

Yet, we all know how Bryce Young pulled a rabbit out of his hat. Then, when everyone expected the Tide to get crushed by Georgia, Young clinched the Heisman with a masterful performance — one that led the Tide to yet another SEC title.

Awaiting Alabama in the semifinal is Cincinnati. The Bearcats did win at Notre Dame and Desmond Ridder is a solid quarterback. The Bearcats are built on defense but they don’t see many offenses like Alabama in the American Conference.

The Tide can spread you out and run it down your throat. They also have the kind of front seven you don’t see in the American.

There’s no shame in losing to Alabama and for the Bearcats, it feels like a formality.