Key Highlights
- Miami secured a significant win against Texas A&M in the College Football Playoff first round.
- Alabama overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat Oklahoma and advance to the Rose Bowl against No. 1 Indiana.
- Oregon and Mississippi easily defeated their Group of Five opponents, advancing to the quarterfinals.
- The ACC saw Miami as its first team to beat Texas A&M in College Station this year.
College Football Playoff First Round: Winners and Losers
In the opening round of the 12-team College Football Playoff, several teams made significant strides while others faced setbacks. The first round saw some notable upsets and comebacks that will shape the upcoming quarterfinals.
The ACC’s Triumph: Miami vs. Texas A&M
Miami’s victory over Texas A&M in College Station was a crucial win for the ACC. The game, often considered a defensive battle, saw Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. racking up 172 yards on 17 carries and securing a 10-3 victory with a fifth-quarter touchdown drive. Despite facing tough conditions, Miami’s defense managed to limit Texas A&M to just 4.3 yards per play, delivering three key takeaways, including an interception in the end zone with 24 seconds left.
While Miami’s passing game struggled, the team made the most of its running game and solidified their position within the playoff landscape.
This win was particularly important for the ACC, which had a strong possibility of not having any teams in the tournament this year. Miami’s victory should boost confidence in the conference and set the stage for future matchups.
Alabama’s Comeback: A Turning Point Against Oklahoma
No. 9 Alabama made headlines with their comeback against No. 8 Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide overcame a 17-point deficit to secure a victory, setting them up for a Rose Bowl matchup against No. 1 Indiana. Under coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s performance was a testament to their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.
The game had all the drama of an upset: Oklahoma took a 17-0 lead early but struggled with turnovers, including punter Grayson Miller’s fumble and John Mateer’s interception.
These errors allowed Alabama to tie the game heading into halftime. The second half saw Alabama dominate, leading to their eventual victory.
DeBoer’s ability to manage such a significant comeback is crucial for his future in college football. While he may have faced pressure from fans, his success this season could open doors for him at other programs, particularly the Michigan opening if it becomes available.
Oregon and Mississippi: Smooth Advances
No. 2 Oregon and No. 6 Mississippi had no trouble advancing to the quarterfinals, defeating their Group of Five opponents by significant margins. Oregon faced Tulane but took control from the start, winning 51-34. Similarly, Mississippi defeated James Madison with ease, outscoring them 41-10 in the second half.
These wins underscore the strength and talent within the Power Four leagues.
The performances of these teams will now be put to the test against higher-ranked opponents in the quarterfinals. For Oregon, the key will be maintaining their momentum, while Mississippi must prepare for a tough match-up with No. 3 Georgia.
The Losers: Group of Five and Oklahoma
While several teams advanced successfully, the performance of the Group of Five was underwhelming. Tulane and Jacksonville State (James Madison) were outmatched against more talented opponents, losing by a combined score of 48-10.
Oklahoma, despite creating turnovers in the past, struggled this time. Their offense was unable to find its rhythm after taking an early lead and lacked the explosiveness to overcome Alabama’s comeback. This defeat marks a significant setback for coach Brent Venables and his program.
Texas A&M, despite outgaining Miami, struggled with turnovers and physicality on defense. Their inability to win key battles in the trenches and on third down resulted in a loss that was more disappointing than surprising given their previous success against Miami.
Quarterfinals Setup: Looking Ahead
The first round has set up a fascinating quarterfinals lineup, with Oklahoma State facing Ohio State, Oregon taking on Georgia, and Texas A&M meeting Tennessee.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts will be closely watching how the ACC’s success translates into future matchups. The wins for Alabama, Miami, Oregon, and Mississippi have set high expectations as they move on to the next round of competition.
The College Football Playoff continues to offer thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, making it a must-watch event for football enthusiasts across the country. Stay tuned as the quarterfinals bring even more excitement and drama to the college football season.