The College Football Playoff is set to kick off with No. 1 Michigan facing No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl and No. 2 Washington squaring off against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl. The event marks the 10th season of the playoffs, which will expand to 12 teams next season. The games are overshadowed by discussions of changes within the sport, with criticisms from coaches and commentators pointing towards the need for a shift in the sport’s landscape. The semifinals are anticipated to be the best in the event's history, with traditional powerhouses Michigan, Alabama, Texas, and Washington vying for a spot in the national championship game. The Rose Bowl will feature a high-stakes duel between Michigan and Alabama, while the Sugar Bowl will witness a thrilling encounter between Texas and Washington, each led by coaches with different career paths.