Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Houston Cougars vs. Florida State Seminoles

Date: Dec. 31, Noon ET on ESPN

Location: Atlanta | Georgia Dome

Houston Cougars

Best moment: Nov. 14 vs. Memphis. A Week 2 upset at ACC school Louisville might have announced to the nation that Houston, led by new coach Tom Herman, was for real this season, but the victory over the Tigers carried greater significance. Facing a one-loss division rival with league title implications at stake, Houston kept its perfect season alive thanks to a 20-point fourth-quarter comeback for a 35-34 win. Oh, and it was all done with a backup QB, Kyle Postma, who relieved an injured Greg Ward Jr. just before halftime. Honorable mention here to the regular-season finale over Navy to clinch the American Athletic Conference West Division.

Lowest moment: Nov. 21 at UConn. Houston’s perfect season died in East Hartford, Connecticut, as coach Bob Diaco’s Huskies held Houston to only 318 yards of total offense in a 20-17 UConn win. Postma could not keep up his magic from a week earlier, and when a banged-up Ward relieved him after Postma was injured on his final drive, he was picked off in the final minute. This was the lone damper in an otherwise charmed campaign for the Cougars.

Key player: QB Greg Ward Jr. Ward was second-team all-league, and he is a Manning Award finalist. He is in the top 15 of six categories, and he leads all FBS quarterbacks in both 20-yard runs (14) and 30-yard runs (eight). He has 33 total touchdowns, and he has completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 2,502 yards with only five interceptions.

Motivation level: High. Opportunities like this don't come often for the Cougars. But Herman and Houston have already shattered expectations in Year 1 by winning the league and going 12-1. And now comes a whole new test -- and stage -- for this program as it readies for a New Year's Six bowl, a marquee Power 5 opponent and a chance to cap a great season with a national statement for all to see.

-- Matt Fortuna

Florida State Seminoles

Best moment: Florida State punctuated its season with a win that humiliated rival Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The Seminoles held the Gators to two points in one of the most lopsided Florida State wins in the rivalry’s history. After the win it became clear the Seminoles are playing their best football of the season, which bodes well for an inexperienced team that needed to build cohesion and confidence before a potential title run in 2016.

Lowest moment: Undoubtedly it is the crushing loss to Georgia Tech that ended a regular-season and ACC winning streak that dated back to 2012. Tied with the Yellow Jackets, the undefeated Seminoles lined up for a long field goal, but Roberto Aguayo’s kick was blocked as time expired. Worse, the block didn’t just send the game to a fifth period. It was returned for a touchdown, essentially ending the Seminoles’ playoff chances. The loss still bothers FSU fans.

Key player: Dalvin Cook might just be the best player in the country, and if not for the two losses and injuries he could have been a true Heisman Trophy contender. The sophomore ranks fifth nationally with 1,658 rushing yards but is second in yards per game with 150.7. What makes those numbers even more impressive is he’s 25th in carries per game. Among Power 5 backs with at least 50 carries, Cook is first with a 7.86 yards per carry average. That average is boosted by Cook’s penchant for explosive plays. No FBS running back has more rushes of at least 20 (22), 30 (13), 50 (6), 70 (4) and 90 (1) yards.

Motivation level: High. The Seminoles’ motivation level was questioned after a loss to Clemson sealed their ACC fate and precluded them from a fourth straight conference championship game. However, they responded to that loss with a comeback win against NC State and a 3-0 finish to the season. With an opportunity to win 11 games and build even more momentum going into the offseason, the Seminoles’ motivation level should not be a concern.

-- Jared Shanker