Preview and predictions for 2021 College Football Playoff
Betting Preview
Michigan football is ranked No. 2 in its matchup but the Bulldogs, who were No. 1 most of the year, is the betting favorite to advance according to WynnBet, which has Georgia as a 7.5-point favorite and Alabama favored by 14.
The line has been steady with each matchup and while the Wolverines are nearly a touchdown underdog, that game feels more even than the Cotton Bowl.
Alabama isn’t perfect though. Yes, the Tide were outstanding against Georgia and we should expect Alabama to be at its best until proven otherwise, but this team does have warts. The offensive line is susceptible and the defense is too.
Desmond Ridder also is no slouch. He’s ranked in the top 10 nationally in passing yards and also has some dual-threat capabilities. Plus, Cincinnati has an elite defense. It has an outstanding cornerback duo in Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant and a running back in Jerome Ford that probably hasn’t been talked about enough leading up to this game.
Of every 2021 College Football Playoff team, it’s Alabama that has the worst scoring defense at 18th giving up 20.2 per game. But with Bryce Young and Jameson Williams, who needs defense?
In the Orange Bowl, it feels like a matchup of similar teams. Georgia throws the ball better but Michigan runs it better and each team is elite defensively, with Heisman Trophy candidates. Aidan Hutchinson finished second but Jordan Davis of Georgia nearly made the top five too.
Whichever one of those two guys plays better could give his team an advantage, although each defense has multiple guys with first-round potential in the NFL draft on all three levels.
One of those guys for Michigan is Daxton Hill and despite a concern that he could miss the game due to COVID-19, he has flown to Miami and is expected to play which could be huge in Michigan’s efforts for covering Brock Bowers, who feels like the ultimate X-factor for UGA.
Although the true X-factor in the Orange Bowl for both teams is at the quarterback position. Both teams have played multiple guys this season but Stetson Bennett and Cade McNamara are the starters, who will play better?
That could very well determine who advances to the national title game. As far as who the opponent could be, let’s move on to our prediction for the Cotton Bowl.