ESPN’s Mark Schlabach discusses which teams have an advantage in CFP

The College Football Playoff semifinals are quickly approaching, but which teams will have an advantage come kickoff time?

Mark Schlabach recently broke down both semifinal games in a segment with ESPN. He did point out that every head coach in this year’s semifinals have coached in the Playoff before in some capacity. With that being said, the experience of Alabama’s Nick Saban and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives those teams an advantage in coaching:

“Clearly, Alabama with Nick Saban and four national championships, Clemson with Dabo Swinney played in the last two national championship games…Clearly I think Alabama and Clemson with a huge advantage here,” said Schlabach.

He also addressed the  matchup between the Oklahoma offense and the Georgia defense. While it is true that the Bulldogs haven’t faced an offense like the Sooners, Schlabach also believes the Sooners haven’t faced a unit like the Bulldogs defense.

“I don’t think Georgia has played an offense as explosive as Oklahoma,” Schlabach said. “Clearly with Heisman winner Baker Mayfield, but I don’t think Oklahoma has played a defense like Georgia’s. Led by Roquan Smith, I think this is probably the fastest and most physical defense they’ve faced.”

Schlabach believes the ability to contain Mayfield will be a key for Smith and Georgia’s defense.

Both games should provide plenty of fireworks for fans. It is almost time to find out who will be the last team standing.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.