We're through the preliminary round of our YCS fantasy playoff and are on to the Round of 8. TCU and Florida have already earned the right to meet the six conference champions of the BCS schools. So, who has what it takes to make it to the semifinals of our fantasy playoff?
The Rules (as a reminder):
The rules of the YCS fantasy playoff are simple.
1) Instead of a boring old 8 or 16 team tournament, the YCS Fantasy Playoff is a 10-team tournament, featuring the conference champions of the 6 current BCS conferences and 4 at-large selections.
2) In a concession to the BCS conferences for accepting such a playoff, each of the major conference champions earns a bye into the Round of 8, or our first round.
3) The 4 at-large selections play two preliminary round games to earn their way into the Round of 8. The two matchups in the preliminary round will be determined through a random draw.
4) The Round of 8 will be reseeded after the preliminary round according to the final regular season YCS standings.
5) The tournament is single elimination, with each game played at neutral bowl game sites.
The Teams
The 6 conference champions earning a bye into the Round of 8 are:
Big 12: Texas
SEC: Alabama
Big Ten: Ohio St.
ACC: Georgia Tech
Big East: Cincinnati
Pac 10: Oregon
*These 6 are now joined by preliminary round winners TCU and Florida
So, how do these four team match up in our preliminary round to see who moves on in the YCS Fantasy Playoff (Disclaimer: Results are based on the highest tech mental simulations of the YCS Committee)
The Round of 8
(1) Alabama vs. (8) Georgia Tech
-The #1 seed Alabama takes on the triple option of ACC Champ Georgia Tech in the first national quarterfinal. Could you imagine what type of game plan Nick Saban would draw up to defend Josh Nesbitt and Jon Dwyer? Of course, without a playoff, we'll never know. But, in this fantasy playoff the real star is Heisman winner Mark Ingram. Combined with the playmaking of WR Julio Jones, it's enough to get Alabama through.
Alabama 27 Georgia Tech 17
(4) Cincinnati vs. (5) Florida
'Bama gets the pleasure of meeting the winner of our 4/5 matchup between Cincinnati and Florida. Luckily, we'll actually get to see this playoff game play out on the field in the Sugar Bowl. However, if Cincinnati made a playoff, would HC Brian Kelly leave before it began to go to Notre Dame? Judging by some of Kelly's actions, it wouldn't be a clear decision. Kelly or no Kelly though, Cincinnati isn't really a match for Florida's speed and athleticism, especially Florida's defense. Not to mention, me thinks that Tim Tebow guy might be built for single elimination playoffs.
Florida 42 Cincinnati 27
(3) TCU vs. (6) Oregon
This would be the most intriguing Round of 8 matchup as the best of the mid-majors, TCU, goes up against Pac 10 Champions Oregon. Oregon has the type of high-flying offense that one might think could give TCU problems. However, we've always felt TCU could compete with the big boys since the beginning of the season. They'll look to prove to the country they deserve the chance to win the National Championship on the field, which the BCS won't allow. Add to that the inconsistency of Jeremiah Masoli, and TCU moves on to the semis in a close one.
TCU 31 Oregon 27
(2) Texas vs. (7) Ohio St.
A rematch of last year's Fiesta Bowl features Colt McCoy leading the Longhorns against Ohio St. and Terrelle Pryor. While it seems like both teams made great strides since then, this would be an even matchup. Sure, Ohio St. doesn't have the singular dominant force like Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, but their team defense is just as good. So, the question is can TP make enough plays to outscore Texas. The answer, sadly, is no. Pryor is closer to the all-around QB Ohio St. needs, but he's not there yet. And against an elite program, he'll make too many mistakes.
Texas 17 Ohio St. 13
National Semifinals
(1) Alabama vs. (5) Florida
(2) Texas vs. (3) TCU
So, we're now on to the National Semifinals in the YCS Fantasy Playoff. Let us know what you think about the fantasy playoff by leaving a comment below. Who'd win the battle of Texas and the SEC Title rematch? Also keep an eye out for the continuation of our Decade Series with our Top 10 Stories of the Decade. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter. Until next time, it's bye for now!
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