The College Football Playoff semifinals always bring tremendous excitement, at least until the ball is kicked.
In terms of competitiveness and drama, the semis have largely been duds. Of the 12 CFP semifinals played, only three have been decided by single digits and eight have been decided by 17 points or more. We've never seen two legitimately competitive semifinals in the same year.
Will the trend end Friday? Probably not.
It's possible No. 3 Ohio State challenges No. 2 Clemson, a team the Buckeyes largely outplayed in last year's semifinal before falling in the closing minutes. Fourth-seeded Notre Dame holds the best win in college football this season, over then-No. 1 Clemson on Nov. 7, and believes it has closed the gap with teams like top-ranked Alabama, which it faces in the relocated Rose Bowl.
But most observers, including coaches who have faced the top four teams, think Friday's semifinals will produce the national championship game pairing that has defined the CFP era.
"You'll see Alabama and Clemson," an SEC assistant said.
I spoke to coaches to help break down the two semifinal matchups and some of the keys to each game.