CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl: No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama

Monday, Jan. 1, 5 p.m., Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA

The controversial game of bowl season. At this point, the drama should be over. Alabama is in, Florida State is out, and as much as many would not like to admit, this was the correct choice.

Why? Alabama is playing its best football at full strength while Florida State is missing its starting quarterback who is one of the best players in the nation. That’s just the way it is. Unfortunately, if Jordan Travis was healthy, Florida State would be in. But he is not and that means we could have a lopsided, bye-week type game, for Michigan if the Seminoles were put in. Instead, we get what could be the best game of the month.

Michigan walked into Rivalry Week unbeaten once again after a soft schedule, especially in the non conference, which has become a tradition for Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines took care of business against Ohio State and entered the playoff unbeaten. Now, they will look to win a playoff game after losing in the semifinal in each of the last two years.

Alabama enters on an 11-game win streak and off an SEC Championship Game victory over Georgia, who had previously won two National titles and 29 games in a row. The offense has come together with Jalen Milroe using his legs. The ground game will be fun to watch from both sides and there should be some explosive plays.

The most exciting part of this game is the coaching matchup. Who will outcoach who? Typically, Nick Saban is the one who has this advantage, and will likely once again, but Harbaugh can make it interesting.

CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas

Monday, Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m., Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA

What a year it was for both sides entering this game. Texas won the Big 12 and defeated Alabama early in the season while Washington finished unbeaten on its way to a Pac-12 title. After entering asana double-digit underdog to Oregon last week, the Huskies prevailed and enter the playoff at their peak.

Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense have been hitting their stride. Against Oklahoma State last week, the Longhorns could not be stopped on the way to 49 points and a runaway victory. As for Washington, it will have a Heisman Trophy finalist under center in Michael Penix Jr. and look to advance to the National Championship.

This has a chance to be a back-and-forth affair between two strong passing games but also two defenses that compete at a high level. It will be interesting to see which teams gain an advantage early on and can remain consistent for 60 minutes.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: No. 7 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Missouri

Friday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m., AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX

For one side, it was another disappointing year but for the other, it was as successful as the team has been in years.

Ohio State failed to accomplish its big three goals for the third year in a row. The Buckeyes fell to Michigan in the final week of the season, missed out on the Big Ten title game, and eventually was left out of the CFB Playoff. Kyle McCord has entered the transfer portal along with Marvin Harrison Jr., who is mulling over his options about entering the 2024 NFL Draft. It is unknown the level of motivation Ohio State will have to win this game.

For Missouri, there is great motivation. The Tigers finished the season ranked in the Top 10 and with a 10-2 record. They picked up big wins over the likes of Tennessee and fell in close battles to Georgia and LSU. This was a successful season for Missouri and a win over Ohio State would put the cherry on a great season.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 11 Ole Miss

Saturday, Dec. 30, Noon, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA

It was another typical season for James Franklin and Penn State. We all know what that means — being unable to take the next step and beat Michigan or Ohio State.

This year was viewed as a possibility. Drew Allar was a highly-touted recruit and the defense was expected to be one of the best in the nation. Allar played well but did not perform as the Nittany Lions would have hoped in big spots. Franklin failed to take the next step once again and it is yet another year without a playoff appearance. The good news for Penn State is that the field is expanding next year and it might have a chance to get in.

This is also good news for Ole Miss. The Rebels had a similar road as Penn State. Ole Miss ran through the SEC but fell to the top two teams — Alabama and Georgia. It is only right that these two teams meet in a bowl game.

Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 6 Georgia

Saturday, Dec. 30, 4 p.m., Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL

Outside of the CFB Playoff itself, this might be the game with the most eyeballs. Maybe not because of the matchup but because many believe Florida State was unlawfully left out of the four-team field. We will get answers in this game.

Let’s start with Georgia. The Bulldogs entered the SEC Championship Game on a 29-game win streak with two national titles under their belts. If the criteria is truly entering the four best teams into the playoff, Georgia would have been in. This is a flex game for the Bulldogs to prove that they are one of the best in the nation.

For Florida State, this is a chance to preach what UCF did in the past. After an undefeated season, UCF won its bowl game and proclaimed itself national champions. As asinine as that was, Florida State could do the same. All college football fans expect Georgia to run over the Seminoles and ut this argument to bed.

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 23 Liberty

Monday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m., State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ

Oregon was in a prime position to enter the playoff. It was sitting there with one loss and as a double-digit favorite against Washington, a team it had lost to earlier in the season. The Ducks fell short again and now find themselves in the Fiesta Bowl.

Bo Nix is a Heisman finalist after an incredible season leading a well-rounded Oregon offense. Liberty finished the season 13-0 with a Conference USA title. These two teams should enter looking to make a statement in different ways.