Georgia and Alabama will meet for the college football national championship after winning their New Year’s Day semi-final games. Georgia defeated Oklahoma 54-48 in double overtime in the Rose Bowl. Alabama defeated defending national champion Clemson 24-6 in the Sugar Bowl. The two teams play in the national title game next Monday.
Central Florida defeated Auburn 34-27 Monday in the Peach Bowl, and have completed a perfect 13-0 season. Despite the win over a team that defeated both championship finalists Alabama and Georgia, Central Florida was never considered for the championship playoffs.
Notre Dame won its first New Year’s Day bowl since 1994 with a 21-17 win over LSU.
South Carolina defeated Michigan 26-19 Monday in the Outback Bowl. The loss by the Wolverines was the only loss in bowl games this season by a Big Ten team.
Penn State running back Sayquon Barkley declared for the NFL Draft Sunday. He will skip his senior season. Barkley helped the Nittany Lions to a 35-28 win over Washington Saturday in the Fiesta Bowl. He rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the bowl game. He also caught seven passes for 38 yards.