This New Year’s Eve marks the second annual College Football Playoffs. Last year’s College Football Playoff semifinals and championship were the three most watched programs in television history, and this year is likely to be the same way. The evening starts with number one Clemson playing number four Oklahoma at 4 p.m. and ends with number two Alabama playing number three Michigan State at 8:30 p.m.

Clemson is the unexpected number-one seed, and even though they are undefeated, they are still considered to be the underdog. The Tigers are eager to prove that the ACC can compete at football – and to prove that quarterback Deshaun Watson should have won the Heisman Trophy. “We’re the rednecks who moved into the nice neighborhood, but we belong,” said Dabo Swinney, Clemson head coach.

Alabama wants to prove something, too. After losing last year’s Sugar Bowl to Ohio State, who would then go on to win the National Championship, the Crimson Tide had a lot of momentum coming into the season and suffered its only loss to Ole Miss on Sept. 19. On Dec. 12, running back Derrick Henry won the Heisman Trophy and gave the Tide yet another boost of momentum.

Michigan State’s biggest win of the season came against Ohio State without its star quarterback Conner Cook. After kicking a field goal as time expired, the Spartans proved that they hold a place at the top of the rankings. Their biggest priority should be improving the run defense between now and New Year’s Eve so that they can contain Henry.

Alabama’s running back is not the only one who deserves attention. Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon make Oklahoma a viable threat when they keep the ball on the ground. Perine has not had the best season this year, but could lead the Sooners to at least one victory if he’s on the top of his game.

My prediction is that Clemson will beat Oklahoma and will meet Alabama on January 11 for the championship game. In this game I believe that the Tigers will prove that they deserve the number one seed. Clemson will get all it can handle in the Tide, but we all know Heisman winner Henry will be putting up a fight. Be sure to tune into ESPN on New Year’s Eve and watch all the excitement.