New Year's Six bowl projections: Which teams make the Playoff?

The college football season is just a few weeks away, and the guessing games are in full force. CBS Sports released a list of 21 storylines for 2021, which included a New Year’s Six bowl projection at the end.

Alabama bested Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship last season to claim its sixth title under Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide is a favorite to make the Playoff once more in 2021. Find out who is expected to join them below.

Cotton Bowl semifinal: Clemson vs. Oklahoma: The Sooners missed the CFP for the first time in Lincoln Riley’s four seasons last year. Many expect them to be back this season, as they possess one of the most prolific offenses in the country on paper. Clemson made the Playoff in each of the past six seasons, including the championship game four times, claiming two titles in that span.

Orange Bowl semifinal: Alabama vs. Georgia: Georgia broke in a new quarterback in 2020, finishing 8-2. The Bulldogs bring back JT Daniels as its starting signal-caller in 2021 and have a fearsome defense on the other side. Reigning national champion Alabama loses its starting quarterback, running back and top two receivers from a year ago. But they’re still coached by Nick Saban and many expect them back in the Playoff until they prove otherwise.

Sugar Bowl: Iowa State vs. Texas A&M: This potential matchup between two former Big 12 foes could be intriguing. The Aggies made their first New Year’s Six appearance under Jimbo Fisher in 2020, defeating North Carolina in the Orange Bowl. Meanwhile, Matt Campbell led Iowa State to its first Fiesta Bowl victory and could be in line for another major bowl game in 2021.

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State: The runner-up in 2020, Ohio State lost quarterback Justin Fields to the NFL this offseason. However, the Buckeyes return Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, the top receiving tandem in the country, to help new starting quarterback CJ Stroud. The Ducks are coming off of a 4-3 season and lost quarterback Tyler Shough to transfer, but return the nation’s top defender in linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Peach Bowl: Florida vs. Notre Dame: Neither Notre Dame nor Florida have the sheer talent it had in 2020. The Gators lose quarterback Kyle Trask and top receiver Kyle Pitts. Meanwhile, the Irish lost starting QB Ian Book but bring back 1,000-yard rusher Kyren Williams. Despite their respective losses, both should still be good enough to make a New Year’s Six bowl in these projections.

Fiesta Bowl: Cincinnati vs. North Carolina: The Bearcats finished the regular season 9-0 before a loss in the Peach Bowl last year. Desmond Ritter returns at quarterback with unfinished business. The Tar Heels have one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Sam Howell. They could be a dark horse team in the ACC this season.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images.