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Urban Meyer, Joel Klatt and Matt Leinart talk College Football Playoff, pick semifinal matchup winners

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

The College Football Playoff semifinal games are just about one week away now. On December 28, four teams will meet in two bowl games to determine who plays for a national title.

No. 1 LSU takes on No. 4 Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl and No. 2 Ohio State plays No. 3 Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl, with the two winners meeting in New Orleans on Jan. 13 for the national championship. With four outstanding teams in the field, it should be an entertaining day.

But before the two teams meet on the gridiron, the FOX college football crew talked about the two games. Urban Meyer, Joel Klatt and Matt Leinart discussed the two matchups and who they expect to win those games.

“I’m saying Ohio State vs. LSU in the national championship game,” Meyer said. “I think Ohio State has the most talented roster. This will be the fastest, most athletic team they’ve faced all year. I’ve watched film — actually watched film with some of the coaches — they’re very impressive.

“I think this will be a very good game. I’d pick Ohio State and I’m going LSU. I think LSU is just too much for Oklahoma, especially with the suspensions.”

Leinart had a different opinion on the title matchup.

“I’d agree with LSU and I’m actually gonna take Clemson,” Leinart said. “First of all, LSU, Joe Burrow, that offense, I just don’t think Oklahoma defensively can hold up. …Clemson, we’ve talked about this, they’re kind of a sleeping giant. They’ve got a quarterback who won a national championship. I’m taking experience in that game.

Klatt agreed with Meyer, taking Ohio State and LSU to meet in the championship game.

Below is the video and the complete thoughts of all three analysts on their semifinal picks.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB