After a season played amid a coronavirus pandemic that sidelined coaches and players, that led to altered or even improvised schedules (remember UCLA and Cal scheduling each other on short notice?), we have reached a somewhat predictable pair of semifinals: Alabama vs. Notre Dame in a Rose Bowl game relocated to Arlington, Texas, and Clemson vs. Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
Even though Pasadena misses out on the fun this year and we’ll begin 2021 without the tradition of watching the sun set over the San Gabriel Mountains as the Rose Bowl game enters the fourth quarter, Friday’s semifinals should still provide plenty worth watching.
Want another look at that high-octane Alabama offense fueled by Heisman Trophy candidates to see how it stacks up against those USC offenses led by Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush? Eager for a Buckeyes-Tigers rematch that hasn’t lacked for bulletin board material? Wondering whether Notre Dame can end a six-game losing streak in BCS/New Year’s Six bowl games that dates to the 2000 Fiesta Bowl? Whatever you crave, there is something for the hardcore college football junkies and the casual fans alike.
Here’s a guide to get you ready for Friday’s games:
ROSE BOWL
No. 1 seed ALABAMA (11-0) vs. No. 4 NOTRE DAME (10-1)
When: 1 p.m. PST (kickoff at 1:20)
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV/Radio: ESPN, 830 AM
Line: Alabama by 19½
• Alabama, Notre Dame ready for relocated Rose Bowl clash
• Scouting report: Key matchups/players, analysis and prediction
• Pasadena will allow Rose Bowl name to be used in Texas … just this once
• Rose Bowl move adds spice to California-Texas tug-of-war
• College football’s superpowers hoard talent, leaving Notre Dame, others behind
• Offense wins championships? Defenses face big challenges in CFP semis
• How college football players handled a season amid COVID-19
SUGAR BOWL
No. 2 CLEMSON (10-1) vs. No. 3 OHIO STATE (6-0)
When: 5 p.m. PST (kickoff at 5:20)
Where: Superdome, New Orleans
TV/Radio: ESPN, 830 AM
Line: Clemson by 7
• Clemson, Ohio State have unfinished business in the Big Easy
• Scouting report: Key matchups/players, analysis and prediction
• Offense wins championships? Defenses face big challenges in CFP semis
• College football’s superpowers hoard talent, leaving others behind
• Whicker: CFP is repetitive enough without pushing Ohio State over the goal line
• How college football players handled a season amid COVID-19
This post first appeared on ocregister.com
