College Football Playoff: Magic 8 Ball says Dogs vs Tide

Turnover margin

We haven’t mentioned turnovers yet. In any game, a turnover margin  as small as one may double a team’s chances of victory. But, a look at the national rankings reveal turnover margin to be a poor predictor of which teams are playing in the 2017 College Football Playoff.

Alabama ranks number 10 nationally in turnover margin, averaging one per game better than its opponents. Georgia and Oklahoma rank tied for 33, both with a .4 turnover edge. Clemson ranks 46 with a .2 turnover per game edge over its opponents this season.

Magic 8 Ball, will turnovers matter in the College Football Playoff?

Magic 8 ball says: is this serious question?

So, boil it down in the crucible of the post-Christmas water cooler, and you have three defensive juggernauts – one with an edge in the kicking game, another with an edge in turnover margin –  and one offensive juggernaut vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff championship game.