NCAA playoffs | How to Impress the Family at the Christmas Party

There is NFL football, then CFL and RSEQ. But there's also NCAA football. Even fans of this sport will tell you that the best football is played in American universities. The playoffs will begin Friday evening with a new format. More teams, more players and more fun. Here's everything you need to know so you don't find yourself left behind if the subject lands in one of your holiday discussions.

What is the new format?

Since 2014, four NCAA teams have been chosen by the selection steering committee to take part in the playoffs. So there were two semi-finals and the winners faced each other in the championship final. However, the American university network chose eight other teams, thus offering twelve programs the chance to battle for the national title.

Every week, the committee made up of 13 people revealed its top 25that is to say a ranking of the 25 best teams in the country. Thus, the table was designed based on the last ranking of the season.

So the four highest-ranked division champions got a bye straight to the second round. Then, teams 5 to 12 were inserted into the main draw so that the 5^e team faces the 12^ethen so that the 6^e face the 11^e and so on…

Which programs are part of the picture?

The four teams with a bye are Oregon (1^re overall and Big Ten division champion), Georgia (2^e in the standings and SEC division champion), Boise State (9^e in the standings and champion of the Mountain West division) and Arizona State (12^e in the standings and champion of the Big 12 division). This format ensures that higher-ranked teams, like third-ranked Texas, must play a first-round game. Some have identified this as a failure of the new system.

Also, as the system favors the division champions, Clemson, 16^e in the general classification, but champion of the ACC division, will be there. Conversely, the University of Alabama, 11^e in the standings and fourth in his division, had to give up his place.

Who are the favorite teams?

Undefeated this season with a 13-0 record, Oregon benefited from the prowess of its quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the quality of its offensive line. However, the Big Ten division lost weight this year and Oregon benefited from an advantageous schedule.

On the other hand, the strongest division was still the SEC. Second-ranked Georgia knows how to win big games. The team defeated the University of Texas twice and the University of Tennessee once. However, quarterback Carson Beck is capable of the best and the worst. Same thing for Quinn Ewers, in Texas. If the third-ranked Longhorns want to win, the defense will have to excel. She was the best against the pass with only 143.1 yards allowed per game.

Then in fourth place comes Penn State. A team that has flown a little under the radar despite an 11-2 record. She lost her two most important duels against Ohio State and Oregon. Penn State's success is based on a particularly effective defense against the run.

Who are the players to follow?

If you've never seen or heard of Ashton Jeanty play, take a moment over the next few days to admire this phenomenon of nature. The Boise State University running back is coming off a phenomenal season: 344 carries, 2,497 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns. Obviously, all of these data are highs across the NCAA.

Third-year Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik might also make you stay in front of your TV a little longer than expected. Klubnik is a metronome and he already knows how to make the right decisions. He threw 33 touchdown passes and only 5 interceptions in 13 games.

On defense, Abdul Carter is a name to remember. With his 10 sacks, 60 tackles and 2 forced fumbles, the 6'3'', 259 pound defensive end has been merciless this year. It should be selected in the top 10 in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Who can defend their title?

Person. Last year, Michigan defeated Washington by a score of 34-13 in the national final. However, this coronation marked the end of a cycle at Michigan. Jim Harbaugh, JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum and company all made it to the NFL. This season, despite bringing in a very good defensive unit, Michigan finished the season with a 5-4 record. Note, however, that by winning the championship, Georgia would triumph for the third time in four years.