The College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals delivered a series of thrilling matchups, culminating in significant upsets and dominant performances. Notably, the Miami Hurricanes stunned the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes with a decisive 24-14 victory in the Cotton Bowl. This win marks Miami’s first advancement to the CFP semifinals, showcasing their resilience and strategic execution.
The Hurricanes’ success was propelled by a remarkable 72-yard interception return for a touchdown by Keionte Scott and a strong performance from quarterback Carson Beck, who managed the game effectively without errors. Miami’s defense proved formidable, effectively neutralizing Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin and ending Ohio State’s hopes for a repeat championship.
In another quarterfinal matchup, the Oregon Ducks dominated the Texas Tech Red Raiders, securing a 23-0 shutout at the Orange Bowl. Oregon’s defense put on a stellar display, recording four sacks and two interceptions while limiting Texas Tech to just nine first downs. Quarterback Dante Moore demonstrated efficiency, while Jordan Davison contributed significantly with two touchdowns, leading the Ducks to the semifinals and handing Texas Tech one of the rare shutout losses in playoff history.
The Indiana Hoosiers made a statement against the Alabama Crimson Tide, winning decisively with a score of 38-3. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes, guiding Indiana to an impressive 24-0 lead early in the game. The Hoosiers outgained Alabama 407 yards to 193, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive discipline in holding Alabama scoreless until a late third-quarter field goal.
In a closely contested game, the Ole Miss Rebels edged out the Georgia Bulldogs 39-34. Ole Miss continued its postseason momentum, proving that the team remains competitive despite the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin. This thrilling victory further cements Ole Miss’s reputation as a formidable contender in the playoff landscape.
Upcoming Semifinals Schedule
The CFP semifinals are set to feature exciting matchups, with the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on the horizon.
On Thursday, January 8, the sixth-seeded Ole Miss will face the tenth-seeded Miami Hurricanes at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30 ET. This game promises to be a battle for a coveted spot in the national championship.
Following that, on Friday, January 9, the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers will take on the fifth-seeded Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This matchup will also begin at 19:30 ET and is expected to draw significant attention as both teams aim for championship glory.
As the playoff intensifies, fans eagerly await to see which teams will advance to compete for the national title. The action continues, and the stakes could not be higher in the quest for college football supremacy.
