ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The constantly changing entity that is college football goes into overdrive next season.
Conferences will be officially realigned and the College Football Playoff will expand. Technically, Monday’s game featuring the Michigan Wolverines vs. the Washington Huskies is a Big Ten preview, of sorts.
But, before the sport resets, we as fans are getting a (much-needed) refreshing championship game on Monday.
Before this year, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, or Ohio State (sometimes two of those four) had been in every single championship game since the CFP started in the 2014 season.
This year?
Ohio State? Beat it, Buckeyes.
Alabama? Roll on, Tide.
Clemson? Catch you next time, Tigers.
Georgia? A different breed of “dawg” is in this year.
For the first time since its inception, this game will welcome two brand-new teams to the CFP Championship Game. Michigan and Washington have both had their moments over the years, but neither has been a true contender for decades.
The Wolverines haven’t won it all since 1997. For Washington, it’s been 32 years since they’ve claimed a national title. Now, they meet with perfect records and a championship trophy on the line.
Only one team can stand alone at the top of the sport on Monday night, but this game is already a win for college football and all of us who love it.
Hopefully, this is a prelude of what’s to come for the sport. Where predictability can be a thing of the past and chaos can potentially make a championship appearance.
Join us for a special pregame show Monday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. on Local 4.