Predictions for New Year's Six Bowl games, College Football Playoff

Jan. 1 Rose Bowl: No. 1 Michigan (-1.5) vs. Alabama 5 PM EST, ESPN

Can Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football finally win a College Football Playoff game? Georgia dominated the Wolverines two years ago and last season, TCU pulled the upset thanks to a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns, as well as some terrible goal-line execution. To me, this game comes down to Jalen Milroe and J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy is the five-star quarterback and he needs to be Michigan's Deshaun Watson or Trevor Lawrence if they are going to win the national title. He won't be able to pass the ball eight times like Michigan football did against Penn State. If the Wolverines contain Jalen Milroe, they should win, but McCarthy needs to be special. I think he will be, but Milroe will be a little bit better and win the game with his legs.

Prediction: Alabama 23, Michigan 20

Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Washington vs. No 3 Texas (-4) 8:45 PM EST, ESPN

Washington is making its second appearance in the College Football Playoff, while this is the first time for Texas. Quinn Ewers and Michael Penix Jr. is another dynamic quarterback matchup. Washington's defense is underrated and the Huskies have proven they are better than the oddsmakers give them credit for multiple times (both wins over Oregon). I voted for Penix to win the Heisman because I think he was the most impactful player in college football this season. He proved it for the second time against Oregon and I just see him leading Washington past Texas in a performance that will have folks re-thinking their Heisman votes as Washington wins a wild one.

Prediction: Washington 38, Texas 33