When the reveal of the first-ever final 12-team bracket for the college football playoffs was revealed, I knew exactly what had to be done—I had to share my predictions with the world. Now, I’m not claiming to be a football genius, and I’m definitely not a fortune teller, but I have a tendency to be funnier than Pat McAfee, therefore I am highly qualified. We’ll see our fair share of ‘Put Arch In’ posts and maybe a brawl or two (you never know, the Oregon Duck is a very feisty little guy), but in the end, whoever claims the title of National Champion is going probably end up TikTok viral for some reason, so predictions seem necessary. So, without further ado, let’s get this show on the road. 

First Round

The first round will consist of four games between ranks 5-12, while the top four teams will receive a bye week. The matchups include Clemson vs. Texas, Tennessee vs. Ohio State, SMU vs. Penn State and a local matchup of Indiana vs. Notre Dame. 

12 Clemson vs. 5 Texas

Alyssa’s Winner: Texas

ESPN’s Winner: Texas

Clemson is mediocre and they’re only in the playoffs because of a miracle. I do think this game is going to be closer than people are expecting, and I am expecting the Tigers’ quarterback and Westlake alum Cade Klubnik to put on a show for his hometown, but at the end of the day, Texas’ defense is simply going to be too much for this offense. Texas’ success in the playoffs, however, does depend on if quarterback Quinn Ewers can handle the pressure. In the two games against Georgia, the only top 10 team they faced in the regular season, he was sacked for a combined total of 11 times and threw three interceptions. The O-Line is to blame for some of it, but Ewers needs to step out of the pocket and go on a few runs if he (and everyone else) wants to escape the backlash.

9 Tennessee vs. 8 Ohio State

Alyssa’s Winner: Ohio State

ESPN’s Winner: Ohio State

Ohio State is more embarrassed than a teenage girl when her mom posts an ugly picture on Instagram and tags her right now, and that’s saying a lot. The Buckeyes are picking up the pieces of not only a loss, but a brawl that tarnished a reputation or two. I think they can wash their hands of the past and easily get through the Vols with their defense that is ranked number one overall in scoring defense. 

11 SMU vs. 6 Penn State

Alyssa’s Winner: SMU 

ESPN’s Winner: PSU

I’m not going to lie, this was a tricky one for me. For one, I literally hadn’t watched SMU play a football game with my own two eyes before the Clemson game. But, also, Penn State is just…there? They’ve only played three ranked teams, one being Oregon, and they just didn’t prove that they were a special team to me. SMU, however, has had a Cinderella season and is ranked sixth in the NCAA for scoring offense. I am choosing the upset on this one, and I think it’s going to rock everyone’s world when it happens. 

10 Indiana vs. 7 Notre Dame

Alyssa’s Winner: Notre Dame 

ESPN’s Winner: Notre Dame

Out of all the first round games, this is the one that is the most interesting to me. Not only is it an in-state battle, but both teams have top ranked offenses and defenses. Also, I’d say neither team has had the toughest schedule in the world either when it comes to the regular season, however I am going to roll with the Irish in this matchup. Notre Dame’s secondary, to me, is the best in the NCAA (I think the two 99+ yard picks should say enough) and I think they are one of the strongest teams in the playoffs this year. 

Second Round

The second round ends the bye week for the top four teams, having four games to decide who will be the final four remaining. 

Alyssa’s Matchup: Texas vs. 4 Arizona State

Alyssa’s Winner: Texas

Arizona State played their hearts out to win the Big 12 Title, and it’s impressive to do it in their first year in the conference. Senior Running Back Cam Skattebo averages about six yards per carry, and Sam Leavitt has had one of the most impressive freshman seasons this year (while also managing to have the most chiseled jaw-line I have ever seen in my life…). However, Texas’s pash rush presents a challenge for them, and I’m not sure the Sun Devils can get past it. Although, the Longhorn’s offense is going to have to come through, again, in order to ultimately take a second trip to the semi-finals in a row.

Alyssa’s Matchup: Ohio State vs. Oregon

Alyssa’s Winner: Oregon

I really do think there is no stopping the Ducks right now. Despite Ohio State’s elite defense and wide receiver core, I’ve found that they tend to get shaken very easily. Oregon’s already cracked the Buckeyes once, and I expect them to do it again. Ohio is a rather fragile team when playing an opponent that has major weight to them (I give you: the Michigan game), and I think this game will be no different. 

Alyssa’s Matchup: SMU vs. Boise State

Alyssa’s Winner: Boise State

Guys, I’m not going to lie to you, the only thing I knew about Boise State three weeks ago was that they have the most obnoxiously blue football field ever. However, they’re a team with a Heisman finalist, a solid defense and a quarterback that only has three interceptions to his name this year. Boise is another school that anyone can sit here and argue with me about their strength of schedule in the regular season, but they only fell to Oregon by three points, and that has to be worth something. Between the bye-week and the ticking time bomb on SMU’s Cinderella season, I think the Broncos will be just fine in the game. 

Alyssa’s Matchup: Notre Dame vs. Georgia

Alyssa’s Winner: Notre Dame

I would give you my analysis on this, but I’m so sick of Georgia and Carson Beck. Like, come on, please go away already. They’re not even that good, the highest ranking they have is 12th in passing yards, and it’s because they’re basically allergic to running the ball. They aren’t a top caliber team by any means, they’re just lucky that Texas refuses to play Arch Manning. Give me Notre Dame by 80.

Third Round

Final four time, baby! Back to the “good ‘ole days” as the old men would say. 

Alyssa’s Matchup: Texas vs. Oregon

Alyssa’s Winner: Oregon

Tragedy will strike in Austin, parades will flood the streets in Eugene. At this rate, I highly doubt we will see Arch, and the Duck’s offense is just going to be a handful for the Longhorns to keep up with. Dillon Gabriel is a baby Mahomes, running the ball whenever he sees a chance, and I don’t think Ewers will be able to keep up with the offense. However, hear me when I say Texas’ defense can win them this game, they’re just going to have to be flawless and hopefully catch the Duck’s on an off night. However, I just don’t see that happening. 

Alyssa’s Matchup: Notre Dame vs. Boise State

Alyssa’s Winner: Notre Dame

THIS IS THE DRAMA I’VE BEEN WANTING FOR YEARS!!!! Four years ago, you were probably hating Nick Saban and wondering where the actual heck Joe Burrow came from, but you definitely weren’t wondering when you would ever see Notre Dame and those blue field potato freaks playing each other for a chance to go to the National Championship game. It’s a very real possibility now, and I fear I want this to happen so bad (no bias). Honestly though, I think Notre Dame is going to lay their foot on the gas pedal and never take it off throughout this entire postseason. Their secondary is outrageously good, their offense is clicking and surprisingly, their special teams are also really good, so I just don’t see the gears stopping anytime soon. Boise State should give themselves a pat on the back, but I don’t think they’re capable of being Natty Bound. 

Final Round

Who will be our tiktok viral champions? The Catholics or the Ducks? I actually don’t know, and it would be kind of funny if it was neither of them, but I can tell you my very logical prediction!

Alyssa’s Matchup: Oregon vs. Notre Dame

Alyssa’s Winner: Oregon

Don’t roll your eyes at me, I did pick the favorite to win it all. But, can you blame me? Oregon is a powerhouse this year, and even when you think they’re finally going to lose a game, it doesn’t happen. To me, that’s a sign of a darn good football team. I think head coach Dan Lanning has this team built for success, and they’re not going to let it slip from their fingers. Also, if you’re into all the sports are rigged conspiracies, I present to you the idea of the fat paycheck Nike and the NCAA would get from this. Either way, they’ve got it all this year, and I think they’re going to take it all. 

Sadly, this is my goodbye. Also, in my parting statement I must add please be nice to me if this bracket gets busted immediately, it’s not my fault! However, if Oregon does win the Natty, feel free to call me a genius.