Appearing in a roundtable segment on ESPN's College Football Live Thursday, Notre Dame head coach and former Michigan coach Brady Hoke both like the Ohio State to top Oregon Monday night. Penn State coach James Franklin, however, hedged a bit before calling an Oregon victory.
Kelly on the National Championship, “Certainly we all know these are the two teams that have played the best and most consistent. I think in these big games, it's important to settle your group down. I think the best quarterback is certainly Marcus (Mariota). I think that the experience that Urban Meyer brings to the game, that tips the scales and I'm pulling that way in this game with an experienced head coach.”
Hoke was up next: “Well, you know, I think overall teams, I think the Buckeyes are a little stronger when you look at every position and how they play. I think defensively, the whole year, that front. So I'd probably say Ohio.”
Yes, that's a real quote.
Franklin, fresh off of coaching his team to a win in the Pinstripe Bowl thinks the Oregon quarterback will be the difference.
”I have a Big Ten bias, obviously. I think what [the Buckeyes] have been able to do this year – I think they're peaking at the right time. I have a hard time going against Marcus Mariota because I have so much respect for not just his game, but I think he's a great model for all of our players. So humble, so hard-working. I've been so impressed with him. So, Big Ten bias, but I have a hard time going against Marcus Mariota.”
In related news, Jim Harbaugh appeared on the Rich Eisen Show and said he's rooting for Ohio State.
