Dec 28, 20192 min read

CFB: Previewing the CFP semifinals

Fiesta Bowl: #2 Ohio State (13-0, 9-0) versus #3 Clemson (13-0, 8-0): Despite being the lower ranked team, the Tigers are favored by 2.5 points. Clemson is riding a nation-best 28-game win streak after winning the national title last year. Ohio State has been just as dominant this season, if not more, as they are averaging 46.5 points per game and allowing just 10.6 points. Clemson is averaging 48.7 points and allowing 12.5. With such an even battle, it'll likely come down to two things: Justin Fields' ability to stretch the field and Travis Etienne's big play capability. Fields has 2,953 yards on the season but Clemson will try to take away his running and make him go downfield. If Ohio State can do that, they will probably win. The Tigers' key will be getting Etienne at least three rushes of 30+ yards.

Staff picks:

Caleb Henderson: Clemson

Charles Post: Clemson

Chinedum Wejinya: Ohio State

Raven Martin: Ohio State

Tyler Taylor: Clemson

Player of the game:

1. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)

2. Chase Young (Ohio State)

3. Justin Fields (Ohio State)

4. Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

5. JK Dobbins (Ohio State)

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl: #1 LSU (13-0, 8-0) versus #4 Oklahoma (12-1, 8-1): The Tigers come into this game as 13.5-point favorites. When looking at the statistics, though, the Sooners aren't too far behind. LSU has the slightest of advantages in yards per game (554.3-554.2) and points per game (47.8-43.2). Even the defenses are pretty close, as the Sooners are much improved on that side of the ball but the Tigers are giving up 3.3 less points than Oklahoma. Jalen Hurts' ball security might end up being the difference in the game. He has seven interceptions and eight fumbles on the season and will have to take care of the ball in order to pull off the upset over LSU. Joe Burrow, the Heisman winner, comes into this game with 4,715 yards and 48 touchdowns. Hurts has 3,634 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Staff picks:

Caleb Henderson: LSU

Charles Post: LSU

Chinedum Wejinya: LSU

Raven Martin: Oklahoma

Tyler Taylor: LSU

Player of the game:

1. Joe Burrow (LSU)

2. Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma)

3. Ja'Marr Chase (LSU)

4. CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)

5. Grant Delpit (LSU)