The second year of the College Football Playoffs features one familiar face from last season. The Alabama Crimson Tide return to the postseason following a loss last year to Ohio State. That marked a second-straight postseason loss for the Tide as they enter this year's playoffs with something to prove. Michigan State is operating under the same belief as they continue to be ruled the underdogs. Now these two teams will go head-to-head in the Cotton Bowl in Texas.
Many did not believe the Crimson Tide would be in this position this year. Following a tough home loss to Ole Miss early in the year, the Tide were ruled out as many believed the Alabama dynasty was coming to an end. However, the team rattled off wins in the rest of their games along with the SEC Championship. Now no one is counting the Tide out as they enter as favorites against the Michigan State Spartans.
All eyes will be on Derrick Henry in this matchup as the running back capped off his junior season with a Heisman trophy. In his most recent game he put up 44 carries for 189 yards in the SEC title game. It is no secret that the Tide's offense begins and ends with Henry. Getting the running back going early will be the key to the Tide getting the win. Having Jake Coker protect the football will be the other key. The quarterback has improved over the past few games making big plays to receivers like Calvin Ridley. The Tide play well when they get Coker's confidence up early in the game. Michigan State's defense will look to pressure him as much as possible to throw off the offense.
The Michigan State Spartans proved they can manage as underdogs. The team got big wins over Ohio State and Michigan while falling short against Nebraska. They won the Big Ten with a 16-13 win over Iowa that included a 22-play scoring drive to secure the win. Connor Cook will be playing his final game with the Spartans while he relies on LJ Scott, Gerald Holmes and Madre London in the three-headed rushing attack. They have combined for 1,614 yards and 22 touchdowns.
The Michigan State Spartans enter the College Football Playoffs as underdogs. That has been how they have played most of their season and yet still managed just one loss. The Spartans are in the playoffs for the first time as they look to upset the Alabama Crimson Tide who are seeking revenge against the Big Ten and last season's loss in the semifinals.