CFP Preview and Picks
The 2023 CFP starts in just a couple of hours, and I wanted to dive into each matchup and give you my picks and thoughts on each.
The 2023 College Football Playoffs feature two similar teams from last year’s edition: the Georgia Bulldogs and the Michigan Wolverines. The Bulldogs and the Wolverines are both 13–0 and have won their conference championships, respectively. These two teams also matched up in last year’s semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Georgia dominated Michigan last year, winning 34–11 and the National Championship. This year, they start on separate sides of the bracket, and the only possible way they would find each other is by meeting up in the Natty. One of the other two teams in this playoff is familiar with the CFP, but one is a new face. The Ohio State Buckeyes are back in the CFP and ready to get redemption for their National Title loss to Alabama in 2020. The TCU Horned Frogs make their first CFP appearance in school history and look to pull off a major upset against the Wolverines. With that being said, let’s preview our first matchup.
| 2023 Peach Bowl, 4. Ohio State Buckeyes (11–1) vs. 1. Georgia Bulldogs (13–0)
Atlanta is set to host a great semifinal game. These two historical programs are both hungry to win a national Title. Both teams have Quarterbacks who are also destined to enter the NFL draft, leaving their college programs behind. Let’s meet the teams:
| 4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Overall: 11–1; Conference: 8–1; Division: 5–1
Notable Wins: Notre Dame 21–10; Penn State 44–31
Notable Losses: Michigan 45–23
The Rundown: The Buckeyes came into this season fresh off a fantastic Rose Bowl victory over Utah and their first loss to Michigan since 2011. They had high hopes of winning the Big 10 East and taking home the B1G trophy in Indy. However, for the 2nd year in a row, they were blown away by Michigan, this time in Columbus. This was an actual reality check on this team and how well their chances would have been if they had won their division and conference. But, in a twist of events, including Utah taking down USC in the Pac-12 Championship, OSU snuck into the CFP for the 2nd time in 3 years.
| 1. Georgia Bulldogs
Overall: 13–0; Conference: 9–0; Division 6–0
Notable Wins: Oregon 49–3; Tennessee 27–13; LSU 50–30
Notable Losses: None
The Rundown: The reigning National Champs are on a tear this year and arguably better than last year’s title team. They quickly handled every opponent they faced this year that was dubbed a “tough” opponent. They wiped the floor with Oregon, took down the Vols, and won the SEC Championship game by 20 vs. LSU. This team is the favorite to win their semifinal game and have an excellent chance to repeat as champs. Kirby Smart’s job at Georgia will probably last a while and rival Saban’s record as GOAT CFB coach.
Keys to the game
Ohio State
- Strike first on offense
- Get MHJ involved early
Georgia
- Let the defense eat per usual
- Start hot on offense, like every other game this season
WCW’s pick: Ohio State can pull off a massive upset, but Georgia’s defense will be too much for the flaky offense to handle. My prediction is Ohio State 20–52 Georgia.
| 2023 Fiesta Bowl, 3. TCU Horned Frogs (12–1) vs. 2. Michigan Wolverines (13–0)
The 2nd semifinal game will be hosted in Arizona and feature the B1G Champion and the Big-12 Runner-Up. Michigan came up short in last year’s playoff and is ready for redemption. TCU earns its first appearance in the playoffs in school history. Let’s meet the teams!
| 3. TCU Horned Frogs
Overall: 12–1; Conference: 9–1
Notable Wins: Oklahoma State 43–40; Kansas State 38–28; Texas 17–10
Notable Losses: Kansas State 31–28
The Rundown: TCU was not expected to come into this season and contend for a spot in the CFP. However, first-year head coach Sonny Dikes and senior QB Max Duggan have led their squad into the semifinals. They breezed through their non-conference and conference schedule, finishing at 12–0 on the regular season. Their only loss was in the Big 12 Championship Game, which was very close. That game almost takes nothing away from their resume, as they still have beaten some big-time opponents and remained undefeated throughout the season.
| 2. Michigan Wolverines
Overall: 13–0; Conference: 10–0; Division: 6–0
Notable Wins: Penn State 41–17; Ohio State 45–23; Purdue 43–22
Notable Losses: None
The Rundown: Michigan’s ugly showing vs. UGA in the playoffs last season sparked a different energy in them. Again, they went undefeated this year and took home the B1G championship. They are hungry for revenge in the playoffs and have the talented team to complete that. Although star RB Blake Corrum is out with an injury, they still managed to win the two biggest games of the year without him. Time will tell if this team is playoff ready.
Keys to the Game
TCU
- Throw the Ball consistently
- Stop Michigans run game
Michigan
- Get the run game going early and strong
- Consistent QB and WR play
WCW’s Pick: This game will likely be much closer than the previous one. I see TCU pulling ahead late with their pass-heavy offense and pulling out the upset. My final prediction is TCU 24–21 Michigan.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. Be sure to look out for more articles in the near future!!
-WCW
