Sweet 16 - First half of the bracket:
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19 LSU vs 11 Alabama
This. This is the matchup. THE best offense in recent memory vs THE best defense of recent memory. Joe Burrow threw for eleventy billion yards and 60 TD. Alabama held SIX opponents to under 100 yds passing. LSU had a 1,400 yard rusher and two 1,500+ yard receivers! Bama was first in passing defense and rushing defense. It allowed the fewest yards per play I can find. Add to that the Tide's efficient QB play and ball-control offense with 2 great RBs....and there's your recipe. All you need is perhaps the best defense ever and to move the chains on offense.
11 Alabama over 19 LSU
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03 USC vs 97 Nebraska
The Trojans could pass the ball all over you. They were a year away from the Bush/White monster-mash. And you could NOT run on them (sub-2 ypc allowed). Oops, the Huskers just want to run? Uh oh. Frost might hit some big passes, and Ahman Green was a great back, but this is not a good matchup. Nebraska may score in the 20s, but USC might double that.
03 USC over 97 Nebraska
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18 Clemson vs 74 Oklahoma
The Sooners were the best ever at what they did. But against their best opponents, they had close games. The Tigers blew out all of their ranked foes. They're so well-rounded. Great QB, RB, WR, run D, pass D. OU would be wise to play keep-away, but I don't think they could do it against Clemson's DL, couldn't keep those chains moving. They'll score, sure - a few breakaways. But this Tiger team is overwhelming, just ask Bama.
18 Clemson over 74 Oklahoma
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99 Florida St. vs 96 Florida
There's a lot I could say here, but I just want to share one stat that might surprise you:
Opponent's completion percentage: FSU defense: 71%......Florida defense: 45%
In a game that's going to have a lot of passing (as neither team let you run much), I think that might be an important stat. The Gators averaged 43 points vs the 6 opponents ranked in the top 16 they played. FSU averaged 38 vs the 5 teams they faced in the top 20. In a game of Twelving, I think I have to go with the Visor.
96 Florida over 99 FSU
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Half of the Elite Eight:
11 Alabama vs 03 USC
18 Clemson vs 96 Florida