2016 College Football Playoff Semifinal Picks & Predictions: Washington Huskies vs Alabama Crimson Tide

2016 College Football Playoff Semifinal Picks & Predictions – Washington Huskies vs Alabama Crimson Tide: The 2016 College Football bowl season has been building to this, and the quest for a national title officially begins Saturday afternoon with the first of two College Football Playoff semifinals when the fourth-ranked Washington Huskies take on the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The Crimson Tide head into the matchup as 14-point favorites.

The Huskies have enjoyed a resurgent season under former Boise State head coach Chris Petersen, winning the Pac-12 title and grabbing a spot in the playoffs. Quarterback Jake Browning leads a big-play passing attack, tossing 42 scores. John Ross and Dante Pettis are his main targets, but running back Myles Gaskin is more than just a counterpunch for a balanced, powerful offense. Washington is no slouch on defense either, and the Huskies rank well at defending both the run and the pass.

Do the Crimson Tide even need an introduction? The defending champs enter the playoffs undefeated with a historically great defense and a rock solid offense. Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Tim Williams are just a few of the playmakers for the stacked defensive unit, and an excellent offensive line creates opportunities for dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts and a group of speedy receivers and backs to do damage.

The Huskies Win If:

If the Huskies are going to spring the upset, it is going to start on the defensive side of the ball. As good as Hurts has been this year, he is still a freshman. If Washington can slow Alabama’s ground game on early downs and force Hurts into obvious passing situations, it is going to make life tough on the first-year starter. On offense, the Huskies have to play a clean game and avoid turnovers and penalties. They also have to protect Browning and give him time to push the ball down the field. The Crimson Tide like to leave their corners in one-on-one situations, and the Huskies will have to take advantage for some big plays. If the Huskies can force Hurts to have to beat them as a passer and hit a few big plays on offense, they will have a chance.

The Crimson Tide Win If:

Alabama’s recipe for success hasn’t changed since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide are at their best when they are punishing opponents in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and that’s exactly what they need to do in this one. If Alabama establishes its ground attack early, it is going to keep Washington’s defense guessing and will open up big plays for Hurts both as a runner and a passer. Defensively, the Crimson Tide need to pressure Browning early and often, taking away the big passing plays that have been the X-factor for Washington’s offense. If Alabama is able to consistently sustain drives on offense and eliminates big plays for the Huskies’ offense, the Crimson Tide are going methodically wear down another opponent.

The Bottom Line:

As good as Alabama has looked throughout the year, it would be easy to assume the Crimson Tide will simply steamroll the Huskies as they move on step closer to another title. However, Washington’s defense could be the unsung hero in this matchup. Yes, it’s true that Browning hasn’t been at his best against top competition, but even in Washington’s lone loss of the year to USC, the defense came to play. In big games against LSU and Auburn, Hurts looked a little tight, and Saturday’s game will be his biggest stage to date. I expect a conservative approach on the part of Alabama’s offense, preferring to grind it out on the ground. I think the Crimson Tide defense will carry the day, but I also think the Huskies can stay within two touchdowns.

Prediction: Washington Huskies (+14) Cover the Spread

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