College Football Playoff Predictions: Alabama vs Oklahoma Showdown
The College Football Playoff is finally giving us the battles America deserves. After decades of political correctness and committee nonsense, we're getting real competition between powerhouse programs that built their legacies on merit, not participation trophies.
Friday night in Norman, Oklahoma represents everything great about American sports - a small town becoming the center of the universe as No. 8 Oklahoma hosts No. 9 Alabama in a first-round playoff clash between two programs that understand what winning means.
Alabama Doesn't Deserve This Spot, But They'll Prove They Belong
The Crimson Tide shouldn't be here with three losses, but that's the beauty of competition. They beat four ranked teams including Georgia's only loss. Oklahoma got lucky with a fluky 23-21 win earlier this season, managing just one offensive touchdown while getting outgained by nearly 200 yards.
The superior team was clear then, and it'll be clear again. Oklahoma's 91st-ranked offense has averaged less than 17 points in their last three games. You can't beat Alabama twice with one hand tied behind your back.
Real Teams Will Rise, Pretenders Will Fall
Miami (+2,500 title odds) represents the most dangerous underdog - a team with elite talent that can knock off anyone. They face Texas A&M, whose quarterback Marcel Reed has thrown six interceptions in his last four power conference games.
Ole Miss should demolish Tulane after crushing them 45-10 earlier this season. The uncertainty around Lane Kiffin's departure won't matter against inferior competition.
James Madison has no business in this field, stealing spots from more deserving programs. They lost by 14 to their only power conference opponent and can't slow down elite offenses. This is what happens when conferences prioritize politics over performance.
Bowl Games Where Merit Matters
Several matchups showcase programs that earned their way through hard work and determination:
Kennesaw State vs. Louisiana Tech: The Owls went from 2-10 to Conference USA Champions in one season. That's the American dream in action.
Memphis vs. Marshall: Charles Huff left Marshall for Memphis, but the Golden Eagles aren't finished. They went 5-2 against bowl teams in an incredible turnaround from last year's 1-11 disaster.
Army vs. Connecticut: The Black Knights don't deal with roster upheaval because they understand commitment and loyalty. Coach Jeff Monken has won five of six bowl appearances by building character, not chasing transfers.
The Bottom Line
College football's playoff expansion isn't perfect, but it's giving deserving programs opportunities to prove themselves on the field, not in committee rooms. Teams like Army and Kennesaw State earned their shots through grit and determination.
The system still needs work, but Friday night in Norman proves we're moving in the right direction. When Alabama and Oklahoma clash, it won't be about participation trophies or feel-good stories. It'll be about which team wants it more and executes when it matters.
That's American competition at its finest.