DAWGS win it all...

Jan. 1

College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 2 Oklahoma

(5 p.m. ET on ESPN at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California)

Why to watch: It's a CFP semifinal at "The Granddaddy of Them All." It's SEC vs. Big 12, and OU's high-flying offense vs. UGA's menacing defense. And if that's not enough to watch, these college football blue bloods have never played each other before.

Who to watch: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy in lopsided fashion, after completing 71 percent of his passes and throwing for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. He is averaging 11.8 yards per passing attempt, which would shatter the FBS record he set last season.

Motivating factor for Georgia: The Bulldogs are one victory away from playing for their first national championship since 1980. They'd get to play for a national title in their backyard at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Motivating factor for Oklahoma: Former Sooners coach Bob Stoops loved beating SEC opponents, and his successor, first-year coach Lincoln Riley, has a chance to extend OU's four-game winning streak against SEC foes.

Prediction: Georgia 41, Oklahoma 35


Jan. 8

College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T: No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 3 Georgia

(8 p.m. ET on ESPN at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)

Why to watch: If it's Georgia versus Clemson (or Alabama) in the national championship game, you probably can't afford to attend the game. It might end up being the most expensive ticket in the sport's history.

Who to watch: Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith was a unanimous All-American selection after finishing the season with 113 tackles, 10½ tackles for loss, 5½ sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble in 13 games. He finished 10th in Heisman Trophy voting.

Motivating factor for Georgia: The Bulldogs haven't won a national championship since 1980 and they would be able to end their 37-year drought in front of a home crowd in Atlanta.

Motivating factor for Clemson: After ending a 35-year drought without a national title last season, the Tigers could become the first team to win back-to-back championships since Alabama in 2011-12.

Prediction: Georgia 24, Clemson 21