Florida State Vs Oregon In The Rose Bowl – Who To Root For

In this edition of ‘Who To Root For’, we look at the first semi-final game in the inaugural College Football Playoff featuring Florida State Vs Oregon in the Rose Bowl. This is the biggest game any Pac-12 will have played this season and it will be with the entire college football-loving nation watching. Though it remains to be seen who will be victorious in this meeting of these two powerhouses, it is never too early to decide who to root for.

UCLA Bruins

Florida State Football

They are the reigning national champions. They have Heisman winning quarterback Jameis Winston. They have gone undefeated this season with an impressive 13-0. Why would you not want this team to win?

Where to begin…

Aside from the fact that Winston has been a bit of a menace to college football, it always seems in fashion to root against the champion. Sure they have a fantastic offense and have resurrected Florida State brand, but at what cost?

Winston has made the Seminoles a target for dislike, mostly by himself. There was that sexual assault allegation from last season, the “crab legs” incident, #AskJameis and then there was that saucy little jaunt on top of a table in the student union. What is not to like?

Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles linebacker

(5) and quarterback Jameis Winston (5) celebrate after the game. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 37-35 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Football

From UCLA football fan’s perspective, why would you choose Oregon? They have repeatedly beaten on the Bruins in the last several years and are in a similar position as Florida State in regards to them being a superior power in the Pac-12 conference, thus a target for disdain. But the Rose Bowl Game is different.

Above all, Oregon is the Pac-12 representative in the first ever college football playoffs. Sure it might be a given to root against them in any other year, right now they’re going up against an opponent that is easy to hate.

Here are nine words you have to know: this year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. This guy is an athlete, plain and simple. The way that he and head coach Mark Helfrich have this team going you cannot help but get excited. Plus, it would be very good for a Pac-12 team to get into the first ever college football playoff national championship game. A win for Oregon is a win for the Pac-12 which is a win for UCLA.

Nov 29, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich and quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) talk before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

So, will you #BackThePac with Oregon or choose FSU to stay undefeated?