SECOND ROUND (Right Bracket)
Here are the 4 Second Round Games on the right side of the bracket of our computer simulated historical Champions Tournament. The order of games below is in order of the bracket. REMEMBER: These are simulations completed by the algorithms of "What-If Sports", NOT simply our opinions. We set up the bracket and are publishing the results with commentary.
1999 Florida State defeats 2002 Miami, 31-30
In this battle for Sunshine State glory, it was the Seminoles that kicked the game-winning field goal to knock off the rival Hurricanes- a kick they have missed time and time again. Ken Dorsey tossed 2 scores, while Willis McGahee added another, but it wasn't enough to outlast this Seminole attack. Led by Heisman QB Chris Weinke, Bobby Bowden's offense couldn't be stopped. THe only thing holding them back were self-inflicted turnovers, 3 fumbles on the day. Weinke threw for 378 yards, 180 of those to WR Peter Warrick who scored twice. Trailing 28-30 with 2 minutes left, Weinke brought the 'Noles down the field to set up a 35 yard FG try. FSU kickers have choked in the past- not Sebastian Janikowski however, as he sends 1999 Florida State into the Round of 8.
2011 Alabama defeats 1997 Nebraska, 31-16
In the battle of the '3 in 4' Dynasties, it was Nick Saban ousting Tom Osborne. To be fair, this wasn't Osborne's best team, the 1995 Huskers are widely considered as the greatest college football team of all-time. This 2011 Bama defense is one of the greatest ever; here, they allowed a ton of yardage but clamped down in the redzone. The yardage total was actually very similar (Nebraska 405 to Bama 403), but it was the Husker's inefficiency in the redzone that cost them. The score at one point in the 3rd quarter was 21-9, with Alabama converting all opportunites into Touchdowns while Nebraska settled for 3 Kris Brown Field Goals. Trent Richardson rushed for 157 yards and 3 TDs; Marquis Maze caught McCarron's only TD pass. Scott Frost was held to just 25 rush yards and Ahman Green added 125 yards. Out of 3 teams entered here, Alabama will only be sending one squad to the final 8...the 2011 Crimson Tide.
2005 Texas defeats 1996 Florida State, 30-20
The 1996 Seminoles outgained the 2005 Longhorns in total yardage, but it was RB Jamaal Charles' 2 TD runs in the 4th quarter that clinched the win for Texas. The Seminole defense held star QB Vince Young mostly in check (just 245 total yards), but couldn't stop Charles on the final two drive as FSU let their 20-16 lead with 7 minutes left slip away. FSU RB Warrick Dunn had over 100 yards rushing AND receiving, and QB Thad Busby threw for 351 yards...it just wasn't enough. 2005 Texas has that 'champion instinct' that simply can not be taught...because of this, they move on to the Round of 8.
1998 Tennessee defeats 2009 Texas, 31-27
Phillip Fulmer's National Champion Volunteers took out the 2009 Runner-Up Texas Longhorns here, but it was closer than expected. The tournament's overall #6 seed 1998 Tennessee earned their spot into the Final 8 thanks to another excellent game by #PickSixNation member QB Tee Martin. Martin was extremely efficient, finishing 17/21 passing for 255 yards and 3 TD. Martin outclassed Texas QB Colt McCoy, who folded in the 4th quarter (2 INTs). The Vols also relied on a steady run game highlighted by Travis Henry, Travis Stephens, and Jamal Lewis. WR Peerless Price caught the game winning score from Martin late in the 4th...and the band played Rocky Top all night long.
THE ELITE EIGHT ROUND WILL BE RELEASED FEBRUARY 7th
Tournament Schedule:
January 10th - Team Selection "Meet the Teams"
January 14th - Bracket Released
January 17th - Play-in games
January 21st - Opening Round pt. 1
January 24th - Opening Round pt. 2
January 28th - Second Round pt. 1
January 31st- Second Round pt. 2
February 7th - Elite Eight
February 14th - FINAL FOUR
February 21st - CHAMPIONSHIP
January 10th - Team Selection "Meet the Teams"
January 14th - Bracket Released
January 17th - Play-in games
January 21st - Opening Round pt. 1
January 24th - Opening Round pt. 2
January 28th - Second Round pt. 1
January 31st- Second Round pt. 2
February 7th - Elite Eight
February 14th - FINAL FOUR
February 21st - CHAMPIONSHIP
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