College football playoff: Ohio State vs. Clemson, Alabama vs. Washington projected

There is still much to be decided next weekend when several key conference championship games will be held, but we now have a very good idea of which teams will play in the four-team college football playoff on New Year’s Eve.

Here are the likely matchups for college football’s “Final Four:”

1. Alabama vs. 4. Washington – Peach Bowl in Georgia Dome in Atlanta

2. Clemson vs. 3. Ohio State – Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

Ohio State (11-1) should sneak in due to its strength of schedule and wins against top 10 opponents. The one blemish on the Buckeyes’ record this season was a 24-21 loss at Penn State. The Nittany Lions (10-2) have two losses this season as they fell at Pitt and at Michigan in September.

No doubt, Ohio State fans will be rooting for Penn State to lose to Wisconsin in the Big 10 title game next Saturday. If Penn State wins, there is a chance the Nittany Lions leapfrog Ohio State in the minds of voters.