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Invoice Connelly
The second version of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals gave us two classics and two assertion wins. On Wednesday within the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Basic, No. 10 Miami rode an early 14-0 burst and a clutch late landing drive to a 24-14 upset of No. 2 Ohio State. The Hurricanes superior to the semis to face No. 6 Ole Miss, which received an unimaginable back-and-forth Allstate Sugar Bowl 39-34 over No. 3 Georgia on Thursday evening.
On the alternative aspect of the bracket, in Thursday’s first two video games, No. 5 Oregon, a 2.5-point favourite over No. 4 Texas Tech, countered a superb defensive efficiency with a good higher defensive efficiency in a 23-0 shutout within the Capital One Orange Bowl. Then, in Pasadena on the Rose Bowl Recreation Introduced by Prudential, No. 1 Indiana throttled No. 9 Alabama 38-3. We now have three first-time CFP semifinalists, and the one workforce that has been right here earlier than (Oregon) is searching for its first nationwide title. We live in wild instances on this school soccer universe.
Listed below are the important thing performs and takeaways for every recreation.
Leap to a recreation: Ole Miss-Georgia | Alabama-Indiana | Oregon-Texas Tech | Miami-Ohio State
What simply occurred?
Ole Miss scored 20 fourth-quarter factors, avenged its solely regular-season loss and superior to the CFP semifinals for the primary time. Trinidad Chambliss threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, two completely different Rebels gamers topped 120 receiving yards, the Rebels’ protection made an enormous late cease, and Lucas Carneiro completely crushed three massive area targets, together with the game-winning 47-yarder with six seconds left.
After a sluggish begin, Georgia used a 21-6 run to take a nine-point halftime lead. Operating backs Nate Frazier and Cash Jones mixed for 124 yards on 14 touches to tempo a bodily assault. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs scored solely three factors on their first 4 second-half possessions, and a few magical scrambles from Chambliss and a few touchdowns from Kewan Lacy allowed Ole Miss to take a 34-24 lead early within the fourth quarter. Georgia responded, because the Dawgs at all times do, shortly driving for a rating, getting the ball again (with assist from a dreadful face masks non-call) and driving once more. However Ole Miss stiffened and compelled a Peyton Woodring area aim with 56 seconds left, and a 40-yard bomb from Chambliss to De’Zhaun Stribling arrange Carneiro’s recreation winner.
Affect performs
It felt like this recreation had as many enormous win likelihood modifications as all the opposite quarterfinals mixed. The primary massive one got here late within the first half, when Lacy fumbled and Daylen Everette returned it 47 yards for a landing. That produced a 21% swing and gave Georgia a 21-12 halftime lead after Ole Miss botched a shot at a late area aim. The percentages continued to favor the Dawgs by the third quarter, with assist from a faux punt that helped to arrange a area aim and a 24-19 Georgia benefit.
The fourth quarter was a curler coaster. Ole Miss’ win likelihood at the beginning of the quarter was simply 24.2%, however it zipped previous 50% after Chambliss threw a beautiful 44-yard move to Harrison Wallace III and a Lacy TD gave the Rebels a 27-24 lead. Georgia went for it on fourth-and-2 at its personal 33, however Suntarine Perkins sacked Gunner Stockton and recovered a fumble. Chambliss discovered Wallace for an additional TD, and it was 34-24 Rebels. Win likelihood: 89.7%.
Eight minutes later, Ole Miss’ win likelihood was again all the way down to 31.8% when Georgia had a first-and-goal down 34-31, however the Rebels pressured a area aim, and the 40-yard bomb to Stribling was value 28.2% win likelihood — from 47.3% to 75.5%. So many wild swings. What a recreation.
See you subsequent fall, Dawgs
In a means, Georgia was forward of schedule. With a first-year beginning quarterback (Stockton), a sophomore star operating again (Frazier), a brand new offensive line and a protection present process huge turnover for the second straight season, the Dawgs virtually misplaced twice in September and did not present a ton of nationwide title upside. However the protection rounded into lovely kind late within the season, the Dawgs received their second straight SEC title, they usually hit the CFP trying like a contender. However their second recreation in opposition to Ole Miss was even wilder than their first (a 43-35 UGA win), and although they normally win brawls, they could not win this one.
It positive looks as if they’ll return so much in 2026, although, particularly on a protection that unearthed fairly just a few younger stars. The 2021-22 champs are going to be disenchanted with a second straight quarterfinal defeat, however they’ll be proper again within the combine a 12 months from now.
What’s subsequent
Both Ole Miss or Miami will play for the nationwide title. What a world we reside in. The Rebels and Hurricanes will meet within the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl subsequent Thursday. It is the primary semifinal for each groups. Miami received their final assembly, however because it occurred in 1950, I am guessing it will not have a lot bearing on this one.
At first look, this matchup is as fascinating as it’s uncommon. Miami’s defensive entrance has dominated of late, and will probably be attention-grabbing to see if the Rebels can get Lacy going, however Chambliss is likely to be the most effective dual-threat QB within the nation for the time being, and his escapability might come in useful in opposition to Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. In the meantime, Miami’s energy operating may discover success, but when the Rebels stiffen effectively in key moments once more, they may power area targets and discover the sting. Both means, the decrease half of the bracket goes to provide a workforce enjoying for its first title in both 24 years (Miami) or 63 years (Ole Miss).
What simply occurred?
The No. 1 workforce performed just like the No. 1 workforce. With Ohio State’s upset loss, Indiana grew to become a major nationwide title favourite, and the Hoosiers weren’t about to let a three-loss underdog get of their means. After an preliminary three-and-out, the Hoosiers scored on six of their subsequent seven possessions, they usually did not permit the Crimson Tide to attain till late within the third quarter, after they’d knocked Bama quarterback Ty Simpson out of the sport. Ultimately, IU’s first Rose Bowl journey in 58 years ended like most Indiana video games this season: with backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza enjoying.
Affect performs
This recreation did not have many influence performs; it was simply complete domination, and it began fairly early. Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza was sacked on two of IU’s first three performs, however the Hoosiers established their effectivity recreation — a lot of energy operating, a lot of fast passing — in an almost nine-minute area aim drive. The Hoosiers’ protection then stuffed a fourth-and-1 try, Mendoza accomplished a 21-yard landing move to Charlie Becker, and IU was off and operating. Mendoza hit Omar Cooper Jr. for an additional rating proper earlier than halftime, then discovered Elijah Sarratt on the finish of one other lengthy drive within the third quarter. And after Bama’s lone area aim, Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby broke into the open for landing runs.
I wrote within the quarterfinal preview that Bama might put itself in place for an upset if the Tide slowed the Hoosiers’ run recreation, if Simpson had a while within the pocket and in the event that they took benefit of fourth-down alternatives. Black and Hemby mixed for 188 dashing yards, Simpson needed to verify down continuously due to stress and good protection (his 12 completions gained simply 67 yards), and the Tide went 0-for-2 on fourth downs. Therefore the blowout.
See you subsequent fall, Tide
I additionally wrote within the preview that Alabama performed like a scrappy underdog, profitable on the margins and gutting out shut video games. It took a 4-1 report in one-score video games — and, sure, a pleasant CFP committee that selected to not drop the Tide within the rankings after their blowout loss within the SEC championship recreation — to get them to the quarterfinals, however it wasn’t the primary time a Kalen DeBoer workforce knew the right way to intestine out powerful wins. He is fairly good at recreation administration.
A workforce with Bama’s blue-chip expertise, nonetheless, should not need to depend on scrappy play and recreation administration (even when it is good to know you’ll be able to). The Tide by no means established a floor recreation this season — Alabama backs had simply eight carries for 15 yards Thursday — and Simpson appeared to put on down late within the season after having to hold the brunt of the manufacturing. The protection was superb however not elite, and in opposition to top-four groups within the SEC title recreation (Georgia) and Rose Bowl (IU), the Tide misplaced by a mixed rating of 66-10. Bama has maintained a excessive stage since DeBoer took over for Nick Saban two seasons in the past, however the Tide nonetheless underachieved a bit. It will likely be fascinating to see what DeBoer does to shut the hole between manufacturing and expectation.
What’s subsequent
Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers have aced nearly each check they have been given this season, and now they face a brand new check: a rematch. They will play Oregon within the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9; the Hoosiers received 30-20 in Eugene on Oct. 11; Oregon’s Brandon Finney Jr. scored on a 35-yard pick-six to tie the rating for the Geese early within the fourth quarter, however a Mendoza-to-Sarratt landing put IU forward with 6:23 left, and after an instantaneous interception, IU sealed the win with a brief area aim.
The Hoosiers outgained the Geese by 59 yards (and 0.6 yards per play) and managed the second half, however with two playoff wins by a mixed 40 factors, Oregon is in fantastic kind. Each groups play quick, bodily ball, and although Indiana can be deservedly favored, it ought to be a hell of a contest.
What simply occurred?
Oregon kicked a area aim within the first quarter, and the sport was over. Principally. Tech’s protection performed heroic ball, however the Geese dominated the Crimson Raiders’ offense so totally that nothing else mattered. Oregon allowed simply 215 complete yards, with 4 turnovers and three turnovers on downs; its offense’s solely touchdowns got here on drives of 6 and 28 yards, and it nonetheless hasn’t finished a lot injury in opposition to elite defenses in 2025. However the Geese’ personal elite protection carried the day.
Affect performs
With the Crimson Raiders’ offense so ineffective, they wanted some critical turnover luck to have an opportunity. As an alternative, Oregon recovered all 5 of the sport’s fumbles — three of its personal and each of Tech’s — and that eliminated all hope. Regardless of permitting simply 88 yards within the first half, the Geese led solely 6-0 when Matayo Uiagalelei modified the sport with a strip sack of Behren Morton. He grabbed the ball himself and took it to the Tech 6, establishing the primary of two quick Jordon Davison touchdowns.
0:35
Oregon forces a fumble to arrange a Jordon Davison TD
Oregon extends their lead after a pressured fumble results in a 6-yard landing run from Jordon Davison.
Oregon’s win likelihood jumped from 70.2% to 85.9% in these two performs, and though Tech responded with two strong, sustained drives, the primary ended when the Crimson Raiders’ line received blown up on a fourth-and-1 run by J’Koby Williams, and the second ended when Morton threw a poor move into double protection and it was simply picked by Brandon Finney Jr. Finney picked off two passes and recovered a fumble. The freshman nook was sensible.
See you subsequent fall, Crimson Raiders
This is a sampling of the notes I took when Tech had the ball:
One other Tech 3&O (three-and-out), and Morton’s sacked for 17-yard loss by Tuioti. Yikes. (Yards: Oregon 100, Tech -2.)
The whole lot I hoped for from the UO O vs TT D matchup, however Tech’s O hasn’t proven up.
Terrible choose from Morton to Brandon Finney. Woof. Oregon begins on the TT 33.
HUGE 50-yard cutback run by Williams however 3&O from there. Stone Harrington hooks a 54-yarder broad left.
Morton makes a few third down completions to dig out of gap, however Cameron Dickey fumbles. Jeez. Oregon ball on the TT 29.
3&O for Tech, after all.
One other 3&O to begin Q3: run stuff, move batted down, quick move, punt returned by Malik Benson into Tech territory. Guh.
Run stuff, dropped display (iffy move), sack-and-strip for Uiagalelei. Good lord.
Once I requested if we might belief the Tech offense in the quarterfinal preview, I did not count on such a convincing reply. Each offense and particular groups imploded, leaving coach Joey McGuire with a fairly clear glimpse of the state of his program. Loading up on sensible switch defenders led to a Huge 12 title and a primary playoff bid, and so many stars made performs in Miami: Edge rusher David Bailey had two TFLs (one sack) and two move breakups, sort out Lee Hunter had two TFLs, linebacker Ben Roberts had one other interception to go along with the pair he snagged within the Huge 12 championship recreation (he was in on 16 tackles, and Jacob Rodriguez was in on 11). Tech held Oregon to simply 3.8 yards per play. The protection did its job. However the offensive line could not transfer Oregon’s defensive entrance, and Morton — who entered with the bottom Complete QBR of any quarterfinal quarterback — was not up for the second. For Tech to each return to this stage and carry out higher the following time round, these costly deficiencies should be addressed.
Nonetheless, this was an unimaginable breakthrough season for the Crimson Raiders, and for all of the tales about the money they spent, they most actually received their cash’s value. The Huge 12 has regarded nice in bowl season, and Tech was by far its finest workforce, even when just one unit confirmed up in Miami.
What’s subsequent
Oregon now will get a revenge alternative: A Peach Bowl rematch in opposition to Indiana. The Geese’ offense will face burden of proof within the matchup — they averaged simply 4.2 yards per play in opposition to IU the primary time round 3.8 in opposition to Tech — however the protection will probably be up for the problem.
What simply occurred?
Miami mixed regular and environment friendly offense with a 72-yard Keionte Scott pick-six to race to a 14-0 lead, and when Ohio State rallied to get to inside 17-14 within the second half, the Hurricanes responded with an ideal five-minute, 70-yard landing drive to ice the sport.
Miami’s protection dominated early. Star ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor mixed for 3 sacks within the first half, and Ohio State punted on 4 of its first 5 drives. After Julian Sayin hit Jeremiah Smith for a 59-yard bomb within the second quarter, Scott pounced on a telegraphed display move and took it the opposite means for a rating.
The second half was a battle of toughness. Ohio State established a strong run recreation and received just a few extra massive catches from Smith — he completed with seven catches for 157 yards and a landing — and crawled again to inside 17-14. However Miami dusted off burly North Dakota State switch CharMar Brown; in his first six touches of the CFP, he gained 31 yards. After the Hurricanes pulled off third-and-4 and third-and-3 conversions, Brown scored from 5 yards with 55 seconds left. Jakobe Thomas‘ interception sealed the upset.
Affect performs
Miami managed the early going, however a Mark Fletcher Jr. fumble prevented the Canes from taking a fast lead. He made up for it with a 9-yard landing catch off of a faked Carson Beck sneak, and Scott’s pick-six shifted the percentages within the Hurricanes’ favor.
0:35
Miami stuns Buckeyes with a 72-yard pick-six
Miami’s Keionte Scott intercepts Julian Sayin and takes it 72 yards to the home for the Hurricanes.
After chopping Miami’s result in 17-14, Smith caught an enormous, 16-yard move on third-and-15 because the clock ticked underneath eight minutes. However a holding penalty — the primary accepted penalty of the sport — pressured the Buckeyes backward. After a 53-yard punt was nullified by an unlawful formation penalty, a shorter punt arrange Miami on the 30. The Hurricanes principally iced the sport with a beautiful, 13-yard display move to CJ Daniels on third downs (he moved the chains thrice on third downs), however Brown’s landing formally sealed it.
See you subsequent fall, Buckeyes
Ohio State’s season was virtually completely crafted for an additional nationwide title run. The Buckeyes survived a rock combat in opposition to Texas in Week 1, then received their subsequent 11 video games by a mean of 39-8. And although they misplaced to Indiana within the Huge Ten championship recreation, they had been nonetheless arrange superbly for a title run. As an alternative, they didn’t offset a rising pattern. Within the first 5 quarterfinal video games of the 12-team playoff period, the groups that had a first-round bye have fallen behind by scores of 14-0 (Boise State vs. Penn State), 34-0 (Oregon vs. Ohio State), 17-3 (Arizona State vs. Texas), 20-3 (Georgia vs. Notre Dame) and now 14-0 (Ohio State vs. Miami). The primary-round bye, mixed with a impartial website bowl, have not but proved to be any kind of reward. Miami took the combat to the rusty Buckeyes early and was rewarded for it.
Ohio State heads into 2026 in completely strong form, after all. Sayin will return after throwing for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025 (he had 287 and one TD on Wednesday evening), and the foremost stars within the ability corps — Smith and operating again Bo Jackson (11 carries for 55 yards) — ought to be again as effectively. The Buckeyes are constructed to compete yearly in a 12-team playoff period.
Nonetheless, a missed alternative is a missed alternative. After trying like the most effective workforce within the nation for 12 video games, the Buckeyes completed 2025 with back-to-back losses, and as Miami made this recreation a check of physicality and toughness, Ohio State could not reply appropriately.
What’s subsequent
After changing into the primary double-digit seed to win a playoff recreation, Miami has now grow to be the primary to succeed in a semifinal as effectively. It was very a lot doubtful whether or not Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes would make the CFP in any respect, however they’ve made the a lot of the alternative. They will play Ole Miss within the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
This was, fairly merely, the most important Miami win since 2002. With a great deal of former Hurricanes greats on the sideline — from Michael Irvin, to Ray Lewis, to former coach Jimmie Johnson — school soccer’s historical past was very a lot current in Arlington. And the Hurricanes managed to beat each latest ghosts and Ohio State’s expertise to outlive and advance.
