VSiN’s school soccer author gives his Tidbits and Observations following the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinals.
- Cincinnati did not cowl the 13.5-point unfold in opposition to Alabama within the Cotton Bowl. I assumed the Bearcats’ first offensive drive was spectacular, they usually hung round by means of the primary half. However the distinction in athletes, particularly up entrance, was hanging. Cincinnati couldn't cease the run, and that did the Bearcats in. Nonetheless, I can’t assist however present some love. This was a brutal matchup. It doesn’t imply Cincinnati didn’t belong. The Bearcats had an excellent 2021, together with an excellent 2020, they usually had been deserving of a playoff spot. They only obtained labored by a greater staff. It occurs. Beating Alabama requires Alabama-type expertise. They only don’t have it proper now.
- As for Michigan, properly, Georgia occurred. I picked the Bulldogs to win the nationwide championship earlier than the season started, so I'm proud of this final result. However I assumed Michigan would put up a combat as a landing underdog, and it was clear early on that this recreation wouldn't go properly for Jim Harbaugh. Georgia’s offensive line managed the Wolverines’ go rush, and the Bulldogs’ protection was overwhelming. Michigan couldn’t do a lot of something, though let’s not let that take away from what Harbaugh and his group achieved this yr. Harbaugh nearly obtained fired, took a pay lower, and received large throughout a yr he needed to win large. The Wolverines will lose some key defensive stars, though the roster is ripe with younger expertise.
- The Rose Bowl was superb. I had Utah +6.5 and +4, though I by no means felt good about these bets. That was largely as a result of wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who completed with 15 catches and 347 yards receiving, by no means stopped getting open. Ohio State erased a giant deficit to kick a game-winning area purpose with solely seconds remaining. Whereas the Faculty Soccer Playoff video games had been duds, that was not the case right here. It’s price noting that the Pac-12 has not received a bowl recreation in 2020, 2021 and now 2022. That's not superb.
- I had Pittsburgh +3.5 in opposition to Michigan State within the Peach Bowl. I’ve had related dangerous beats, though I’m unsure I’ll shake this one for a while. The Panthers, all the way down to their third-string quarterback led by double digits within the fourth quarter. Then the sport obtained bizarre. Then Michigan State went forward. Then, with lower than 30 seconds remaining, Davis Beville threw a pick-six on a play that appeared to final 85 minutes. Ultimate rating: Michigan State 31, Pittsburgh 21.
- We attempt to handicap emotion in bowl video games. We fail at this in some situations, though it might develop into obvious shortly what groups need no enterprise enjoying. Enter Mississippi State, which was my worst wager of the bowl season. I performed the Bulldogs -10 within the Liberty Bowl in opposition to Texas Tech. They misplaced 34-7, and I knew that was a dropping wager inside about 90 seconds. The tackling was terrible. The hassle was dangerous. Mike Leach … woof.
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