CFB: College Football Playoff Aftermath

The New Year's Six bowl games have all been completed. There are four teams that have finished their season with major bowl victories, and there are two teams that will square off in the National Championship. In a short wrap-up, I will dive into all six games. Including some need-to-know statistics that show how dominate the winners in each matchup were.

Peach Bowl (Houston vs. Florida State)

For the second consecutive season, the Group of Five selection has won their bowl game. Last season Boise State conquered Arizona in the FIesta Bowl, and this year Florida State was beaten by Houston from the American Conference. The Cougars capped off a great season under first year head coach Tom Herman. The AAC champion finishes the season with a 13-1 record after their 38-24 win over the Seminoles. On the other hand, Florida State falls for just the third time this year. Look out for both of these teams next season. Houston will return starting quarterback Greg Ward Jr. and Florida State gets their superstar running back Dalvin Cook for another campaign.

Orange Bowl (Clemson vs. Oklahoma)

In the first College Football Playoff semifinal, Clemson overpowered the Oklahoma Sooners. After a tight first half in which Oklahoma took a 17-16 lead into the break, Clemson came out better than ever. They outscored the powerful Sooners 14-0 in the third quarter and then added a final touchdown in the fourth to win 37-17. Clemson has been the best team all year long, but were still underdogs according to most betting lines. The Tigers were able to prove a lot of people wrong, as they out rushed Oklahoma 312-67. Deshaun Watson will lead his undefeated team into the National Championship, hoping to become the first team ever to finish a season 15-0. While Oklahoma will likely start 2016 as Big 12 favorites.

Cotton Bowl (Alabama vs. Michigan State)

The Crimson Tide played their most dominant game of the season, and arguably the strongest performance of any team. They shut down the Spartans in every facet of the game. After grabbing a 10 point lead in the first half, the Tide did not let up at all come the final 30 minutes. This Alabama team has been known for their sturdy defense and overpowering running attack, but this game was a bit different. Per usual the Alabama defense brought it but the offense was able to produce points through the air. Quarterback Jacob Coker played his best game of the year, going 25/30 for 286 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target was freshman Calvin Ridley who burned the Spartan defense for 138 yards, including two big scores from 40+ yards out. Alabama will meet Clemson on January 11th in the second annual CFP title game, and Michigan State will attempt to reload as they lose a lot of players on both sides of the ball. The Spartans will face a crowded Big 10 East next season, with Ohio State and Michigan looking like the frontrunners.

Fiesta Bowl (Ohio State vs. Notre Dame)

Ohio State will look back on the 2015 season and know they could have had more. They were #1 for a majority of the year, before slipping to #3, and then falling out of the playoff race when they fell to Michigan State at home. After that loss, they beat their final two opponents 86-41 (both of who were ranked in the top 10). Ezekiel Elliot walked all over Notre Dame, totaling 179 total yards and four rushing touchdowns. The Fighting Irish played better in the second half but were not able to stop the Buckeye offense. Notre Dame falls to 10-3, losing their last two games. Ohio State snatches their 12th win and 50th in the last four seasons. Urban Meyer (50-4 in four seasons) will have his Ohio State team in the mix once again next season.

Rose Bowl (Stanford vs. Iowa)

In the "Grandaddy of Them All", Stanford took it to the Hawkeyes. Actually let me rephrase that. Christian McCaffrey took it to the Hawkeyes. The do everything back broke two Rose Bowl records. His 368 total yards were more than anyone in Rose Bowl history. Yet he was not done. The sophomore became the first player to rush and receive for over 100 yards in the Rose Bowl. He finished with 172 rush yards, 105 receiving yards, and 91 return yards. Christian McCaffrey made a loud statement, as his team dominated the runner-up from the Big 10. Stanford will likely finish in the top five, and will be looking forward to welcoming McCaffrey back next season. Iowa started 12-0 but finished the season with a 12-2 record. The Hawkeyes will likely be under the radar once again next year, but as usual will be a tough out in the Big 10.

Sugar Bowl (Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State)

The Rebels were led by two of the most unique players in the SEC. Quarterback Chad Kelly who has had an up and down career on and off the field, was finally able to put his talent on display this season. His most prolific receiver, Laquon Treadwell put on a show in what may be his final game at Ole Miss. The defense was able to shut down the high powered Cowboy offense as well. The Rebels looked like one of the best teams in the country which was much needed after getting embarrassed last year, 42-3 by TCU in the Peach Bowl. Oklahoma State falls to 10-3 as they return their starting quarterback Mason Rudolph next season but will have to deal with a good Big 12 in 2016. Ole Miss continues their rise under head coach Hugh Freeze. Since he took over before 2012, the Rebel record has increased each season (7-6, 8-5, 9-4, and now 10-3). He brings in a top three recruiting class and will have his star quarterback returning to lead the team to possibly more wins.

Quick Statistics:

I was 4-2 on my predictions for the NY6 bowl games.

SEC was 2-0 (Alabama and Ole Miss).

Big 12 was 0-2 (Oklahoma and Oklahoma State).

The winners outscored their opponents 250-105.

Average point differential was 24.16 (High 38, Low 14).

Photo Credit: AZCentral.com.