The first College Football Playoff is about to be underway and fans couldn’t be happier (unless you’re a Baylor fan).
Regardless of where your allegience lies, there are tons of great storylines surrounding these four games. I thought it would be cool to take a quick look at some of the best ones. Here’s a few questions:
How did it all get started?
Remember a few years ago in the Game of the Century of Alabama and LSU – Alabama lost. Then they somehow made their way back in and put on a clinic with SEC Western Division foe LSU in a 21-0 shutout in the Bayou Bengals’ backyard. The game left an aftertaste in everyone’s mouth. How can a team that lost during the season win the BCS against the same team? They wanted a playoff, which coincidentally would allow the same exact thing to happen, as it does in the NFL all the time . . . but what do I know.
So soon the talk began.
BCS Meets Tuesday on Postseason Format | NBC Sports
Did LSU – Alabama in 2011 Cause the College Football Playoff | USA Today
As soon as the playoff was decided, they had to get to work.
How did the logo come to pass?
(get it…pass…)
Before the selection committee, locations, or dates set, we had to get a logo.
College Football Playoff having logo vote | SBNation
Where did that trophy come from?
Oh that one’s easy.
Then they figured how it all would work out.
Overview | College Football Playoff
Committee members were selected and given iPads, binders, and leave of absences for health reasons (Archie). They decided on bowl locations, the New Year’s Six, and weekly ranking announcements.
The games were played and teams moved up and down. Then the final four were decided.
What about the players?
These aren’t just teams on the field. These are guys with stories. Here’s some of my favorites.
Mariota’s Landmark Heisman Moment | Fox Sports
Amari Cooper’s mother surprised by emotional story told live on Heisman Trophy broadcast | AL.com
Blake Sims: From Unlikely QB to Unquestioned Leader for Alabama | CBSSports
‘Bama Benchwarmer Has Chance at Another Ring | YahooSports
Ohio State’s Cardale Jones, once frusturated, now resuscited | Newsday
Of course I’ll feature my favorite Jameis Winston article
A Star Player Accused, and Flawed Rape Investigation | NY Times – A great read.
And some funny stories along the way…
While You Were Sleeping OSU Fan’s Violoated Bear Bryant & Saban Statue | ElevenWarriors.com
Lane Kiffin Spends Awards Speech Cracking Nick Saban Jokes | Fox Sports
The Unis?
Nike unveiled new uniforms for each of the four playoff teams. They even tossed in a few special effects on December 30th.
Four Nike-Sponsored Teams Battle For College Football Playoff Title | Nike
via OregonLive.com
But what about the important things…the memes?
There’s plenty of good ones out there. Here’s my favorites:
I hope everyone enjoys the games and remember, we all asked for a playoff.
Thinking Out Loud | gtylermills 