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We're almost there. The long wait for the first-ever College Football Playoff is set to kick off on New Years Day, and it starts out with Florida State taking on Oregon. After that comes the nightcap, with Alabama against Ohio State.
While names like Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota jump off the page, let's not overlook the other guys who could take over the game when it matters most. Let's look at the six sleepers who could decide both the Rose and Sugar bowls, helping their teams reach the national championship.
SIX UNDERRATED GAME-CHANGERS OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State -- If you don't know about Ramsey yet, then you're just missing out. Ramsey publicly came out and stated that he wasn't sure why his team was the underdog or what the Seminoles should be scared of. The guy is a stud, but he doesn't get the attention he deserves. The sophomore safety has been a stat-stuffer all year, racking up 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, 13 passes defended and two interceptions. His speed and ability to make plays on the ball are two things that could change the game for the Florida State defense. Ramsey has been a starter in every game that he's played since joining the Seminoles and literally doesn't even know what a loss feels like wearing an FSU uniform.
Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama. While T.J. Yeldon gets all the love (and yes, he's an incredible running back), what about Henry? The sophomore running back for the Crimson Tide has been stellar this year, rushing for nearly 900 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had some ups and downs early on, but over the final three games of the season he averaged no less than 7.1 YPC in a single game while putting up 305 yards and five touchdowns. While all eyes are on Yeldon and quarterback Blake Sims, Henry could be the man who changes this game for the Tide offensively.
Joey Bosa, DL, Ohio State. If you are a big-time Ohio State fan or a lover of college football, you've probably heard Bosa's name. He is a player who is going to make an impact in every way possible, and the craziest part is that he's only a sophomore. His 2014 season wrapped up with 50 total tackles, 20 of those for loss and an impressive 13.5 sacks. Run or pass, Bosa is able to get into the backfield and make things happen for the Buckeyes. Ohio State may be a heavy underdog against Alabama, but if Bosa plays up to the level that we know he's capable of, he could be play a key role in a Buckeyes upset.
Troy Hill, CB, Oregon. Want to talk about a player who will have plenty of eyes locked in on him? That’s Hill. After losing All-American corner Ifo Ekpre-Olomu to a knee injury, the Ducks will turn to the senior to fill the void. While Hill got the ball thrown his way quite a bit this season due to the opposition trying to avoid Ekpre-Olomu, he still produced in an impressive way by tallying 17 passes defended. It's not going to be an easy job lining up against the talented Seminole wideouts, but Hill has more than enough talent to slow the 'Noles down.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State. Early on in the season, Cook had three games straight where he was barely utilized, getting just one carry, six carries and four carries. The game after that? 23 for 122 yards and one touchdown. Call that a coming out party for the freshman running back, and over his final four games of the season he was absolutely stellar. Against Miami, Boston College, Florida and Georgia Tech, Cook rushed 76 times for 489 yards, three touchdowns, and 6.4 yards per carry. The talented young running back has become the go-to option in this FSU run game, and he's ready to go head to head with Oregon's freshman back Royce Freeman.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State. Elliott is on his way to becoming a major household name in no small part due to his performance in the Big Ten championship. He rushed 22 times for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the 59-0 smackdown of Wisconsin. This is his first year being the go-to option for the Buckeyes, but he’s rushed for 1,402 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. No matter who played quarterback, Elliott was able to capitalize, especially when Urban Meyer began giving him more touches after the first three games on 2014. If he can make a few big plays against this talented Alabama defense, then he'll be one of the biggest keys to an Ohio State playoff victory.
