There was a lot of controversy surrounding the final College Football Playoff bracket, but the field is officially set, and soon, what promises to be a really interesting postseason will officially begin. The 12 schools that made the playoffs are an extremely diverse group of schools, which means that there are some intriguing matchups on the horizon. The country is going to become familiar with a long list of talented players who are destined to make a big name for themselves.

While there are the favorites in this group of teams, there are some teams that will have the chance to make a surprising run. In order for each team to win a National Championship, there are players who will make or break those title chances. Here are some of the top standouts to know whose team’s hopes hinder most on their performance, via myself and fellow A to Z Sports analyst Joe DeLeone.

Make or break performers

Alabama RB Jam Miller (DeLeone)

Alabama’s inability to run the ball has completely derailed what initially appeared to be a special season for the Crimson Tide. While they were finding ways to succeed through Ty Simpson’s brilliance despite not surpassing 100 yards rushing as a team, it finally caught up to them in November. If Jam Miller is healthy enough to play and have a performance like the one he did against Vanderbilt, this Alabama squad can get back on track.

While Miller has had a secondary role in his team’s offensive success, in games when they fed him the ball more often, they were more balanced offensively. Forcing Simpson to throw too frequently is turning this offense into a disjointed mess. His inconsistent health has also been a significant issue for Alabama in developing a run game. Sadly, it’s pretty clear that without Miller, they don’t have another running back to turn to provide a spark. His health at the current moment is unclear, but if he’s ready to go for the CFP, his presence and usage could provide an underrated impact.

Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy (Roberts)

You could include Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss on this list as well, but Lacy is the engine that really drives the offensive attack. In 12 games, Lacy has rushed for 1,279 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. At 5-11 and 210 pounds, Lacy is a swift runner who runs with outstanding contact balance. While he can create a ton of big plays, Lacy has a great talent to move the pile to convert short yardage opportunities, as well as on the goal line. If Lacy is able to keep the Ole Miss offense on schedule and keep them ahead of the sticks, this team can be dangerous. That offense is a really difficult unit to stop.

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (DeLeone)

It’s a no-brainer to say Fernando Mendoza after he produced multiple clutch moments this season. While this Indiana squad is well-rounded and exceptionally fundamentally sound, Mendoza has been the one to take this squad over the top. From his late drive against Penn State to the elite contested throws against a stellar Ohio State defense, Mendoza arguably is the best quarterback in the playoff field.

Mendoza will face multiple premier defenses with stellar pass rushes to reach a national championship. Texas Tech, Oregon, Alabama, and Oklahoma all have elite fronts that are capable of humbling any quarterback. Mendoza’s poise in the face of the most significant challenges he’s faced is proof that he can excel in such situations. If he continues to deliver in crunch time, he can win the Hoosiers a national championship.

Texas Tech QB Behren Morton (Roberts)

There are some better quarterbacks in the playoffs, but Morton has an argument as the most valuable of the group. When Morton plays, this is a very hard team to beat with the defense they have put together. He makes his living off of being a good decision maker and getting the football out on time. As long as Morton doesn’t turn the football over, this is a team that can run the football and play great defense. There will be a moment, however, when the 6-3, 220-pound pocket passer is going to need to make a big play in an important moment. His efforts could make or break a deep playoff run for the Red Raiders.

College Football

College Football Playoff committee exposes their own hypocrisy with the final rankings that will change the sport forever

The College Football Playoff committee proves their incompetnece once again in releasing their final rankings.

Tyler Forness