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

College Football Playoff

Peach Bowl: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 USC
Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Oklahoma

In my projected playoff, I have two heavy favorites in Alabama and Ohio State, squaring off against the two teams that made the biggest noise all offseason.

In the Peach Bowl, I have Lincoln Riley and the Trojans return to prominence in a big way, making the CFP in year one in LA. Behind the dynamic duo of Caleb Williams and Jordan Addison, I expect USC to power through the Pac-12 and win the conference championship at 12-1.

The Trojans’ reward? Nick Saban, Bryce Young, and Will Anderson Jr. Alabama is projected to dominate yet again, and take the top seed in the CFP.

On the other half of the bracket, I have Ohio State returning after missing out on the playoff last year. While the offense didn’t pop against Notre Dame, the defense looked improved and more physical. The Buckeyes may not ever need it, but in the event of a loss, they should still be in great shape considering they have one of the best non-conference wins in the country on their resume.

Facing off against the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl is third-seeded Oklahoma Sooners. It was only week one, but new head coach Brent Venables had the defense looking noticeably better while the offense didn’t miss a beat with Jeff Lebby and Dillon Gabriel running the show.

With a schedule that features nearly every big-time game at home or in a neutral setting, I like the Sooners to have a huge season and get back to the CFP.

CFP National Championship: No. 1 Alabama v. No. 2 Ohio State 

In the CFP National Championship, I have chalk. As good as Georgia looked this weekend, I think Alabama is better and Ohio State showed enough on defense that I’m a believer.

It’s Week 1 and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of changes, but this is how I’m projecting things will unfold this season after the first week of action