For the most part, the first round of the College Football Playoff went as expected, besides Miami taking down Texas A&M. But some teams put on a show – like Alabama coming back from 17 points to beat Oklahoma. Basically, we have some stuff to recap, so let’s get started.
#9 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #8 Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners looked like they had control, going up 17-0 in the second quarter. But Alabama came back with a fury, scoring 27 straight points across the second and third quarters. Alabama’s big turnaround would yield them a 34-24 victory over Oklahoma, pushing them to the next round of the playoffs. QB Ty Simpson led the Crimson Tide with 232 passing yards and two touchdowns.
#12 James Madison Dukes vs. #5 Oregon Ducks
The Ducks put on an offensive showing, taking the Dukes down, 51-34. The game was really never close, as the Ducks were up by as much as 35 points in the third quarter. QB Dante Moore had a huge game for Oregon with 313 passing yards and five total touchdowns. Oregon’s defining win will move them to the next round of the playoffs.
#11 Tulane Green Wave vs. #6 Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss wiped out Tulane 41-10 in this CFB matchup. The Rebels dominated on the ground, scoring four rushing touchdowns. Their defense also racked up an interception and forced two fumbles, in addition to only allowing two scores. Victory number one for new Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding brings them to the next round of the playoffs.
#10 Miami Hurricanes vs. #7 Texas A&M Aggies
It was the closest of the playoff games, but for over one half, the score was 0-0. However, in the fourth quarter, the stakes were high – and it came down to the end. Texas A&M completed a seven-and-a-half-minute drive with a field goal to tie it. Then, minutes later, Miami scored the deciding touchdown that would win them the game, 10-3. It wasn’t like Texas A&M didn’t have chances; they did. The Canes’ defense just took control with seven sacks, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. Thanks to an elite defensive performance, Miami will go on to the next round of the playoffs after winning its first postseason game in nearly a decade.
Miami, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Oregon will join Ohio State, Georgia, Indiana, and Texas Tech as the last teams standing. The next round of the Playoffs will start on New Year’s Eve with: #10 Miami vs. #2 Ohio State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Then on New Year’s Day, we will see #5 Oregon vs. #4 Texas Tech (Capital One Orange Bowl), #9 Alabama vs. #1 Indiana (Rose Bowl), and #6 Ole Miss vs. #3 Georgia (Allstate Sugar Bowl).
