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College Football Playoff, 2022 New Year’s Six projections after Week 1

By Michael Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship Trophy is seen on the field prior to the 2022 CFP National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: The National Championship Trophy is seen on the field prior to the 2022 CFP National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; The touchdown pylon during the third quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; The touchdown pylon during the third quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Orange Bowl: Miami vs. Notre Dame

Who’s ready for a reboot of “Catholics vs. Convicts”? I’ve got the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes dueling it out at the Orange Bowl.

The Irish showed the country that they are a defensive force to be reckoned with, after going into Ohio State and holding that potent offense to just 21 points, and leading for much of the game. While the defense looked like a playoff contender under new coach Marcus Freeman, the offense left much to be desired. Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner didn’t play poorly but was never able to make the key plays with his arms or his legs. His ankle roll during the game may have affected his mobility, but the offense will need to get better.

The Irish schedule all along looked like a three-game series. At Ohio State, home against Clemson, and at USC. If Notre Dame wins two out of three, it’s likely getting into the playoff. Win one out of three and they’re in a New Year’s Six bowl which is where I have the Irish projected. This would once again put Notre Dame in position to get its first NY6/BCS bowl victory, potentially erasing its 0-8 record in such games.

Projected to meet the Irish in the Orange Bowl are the projected ACC champion Miami Hurricanes.

The ACC may end up as the wildest conference to watch this season. While I don’t believe there are any true title contenders (insert Cade Klubnik caveat), there are plenty of really good teams vying for the ACC crown.

Out of them all, I’m rolling with Mario Cristobal and The U. The trench whisperer head coach inherited a solid team with an NFL quarterback, and it showed in a 70-point showing in their Week 1 victory. The Hurricanes have to travel to Texas A&M and Clemson this season, possibly two of the best defensive lines in college football. While I expect them to lose those games, I believe the lessons will be learned and Miami will defeat Clemson in the ACC championship rematch.

Enjoy all the Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson highlights and nostalgia.

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