Written by Rohit Ghosh

Follow @rohitghosh on Twitter

College Football Playoffs: Part 2

Michigan State vs. Alabama

Following the Orange Bowl that officially kicks off the College Football Playoffs, No. 3 Michigan State (12-1) will face off against No. 2 Alabama (12-1) for a chance to play the winner of Oklahoma vs Clemson in the National Championship game. The Spartans will hope they can produce a repeat outcome of Crimson Tide's trip to last season's semifinals. Ohio State upset Alabama 42-35 last year as 7.5-point underdogs. This time around, Alabama is a 10-point favorite, with the total set at 46.

AccuScore’s computer simulates games 10,000 times to predict their outcome.

Players to Watch

Spartans QB Connor Cook is projected to finish with 203 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT and a passer rating of 108.8. Crimson Tide QB Jake Coker is projected to finish with 292 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT and a passer rating of 169.2. Cook averages more INTs than does Coker (0.9 to 0.6), but fewer TDs per sim (1.3 to 2.0).

RB LJ Scott - who averages 0.5 TDs per sim - is projected to finish with 56 yards on 13 carries for Michigan State. Alabama's No. 1 RB Derrick Henry is projected to have a monster game with 123 rushing yards on 23 carries. He averages 1.2 TDs per sim.

WR Aaron Burbridge is projected to finish with 59 yards on 5 receptions for Michigan State, averaging 0.3 TDs per sim. Alabama WR Calvin Ridley - who averages 0.7 TDs per sim - is projected to finish with 110 yards on 9 receptions.

Prediction
Alabama wins 70.8% of simulations and should advance to the national title game comfortably.

Analyst’s Picks
Members only: Log in at the top right to reveal the analyst's expert pick and analysis
Not a member? Join now using the coupon code 2016 and get an annual membership for only $199, which is $150 off! Join Now!

Quick Links

College FOotball Playoffs: Part 1 -Oklahoma vs Clemson
College Football Bowl Picks & Playoff Picks