College Football Playoff: Alabama Rallies, Miami Shocks, Ole Miss Rolls, Oregon Explodes as Quarterfinals Take Shape
The opening weekend of the expanded College Football Playoff didn’t just deliver - it roared to life. Four teams punched their ticket to the quarterfinals in wildly different, but equally compelling, fashion.
From Alabama’s grit to Miami’s defensive stand, from Ole Miss’ offensive efficiency to Oregon’s fireworks, this round had a little bit of everything. And if this is just the beginning, buckle up - the road to the national title is about to get even more intense.
Alabama Shows Its Championship DNA
Down 17 points to Oklahoma, Alabama looked dead in the water. But this is Alabama - and the Crimson Tide don’t fold, they reload.
Ty Simpson stepped up in a big way, tossing two touchdown passes and leading a comeback that reminded everyone why this program is never out of the fight. The 34-24 win wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement.
This team may not be the top seed, but it’s still built for the big stage.
What stood out wasn’t just the scoreboard flip - it was the composure. Alabama’s defense tightened when it mattered, and the offense found its rhythm late.
That’s the kind of resilience you need in December. And with a quarterfinal date against No.
1 Indiana looming, the Tide will need every ounce of that toughness.
Miami’s Defense Delivers the Weekend’s Shock
If Alabama’s win was about firepower, Miami’s was about grit. The Hurricanes pulled off the weekend’s biggest upset, taking down Texas A&M 10-3 in a game that felt like it was played in a phone booth. It was old-school, smash-mouth football, and Miami embraced it.
The defining moment came with just 24 seconds left, when Bryce Fitzgerald picked off a would-be game-tying pass in the end zone. That play didn’t just seal the win - it defined the Hurricanes’ identity. This is a team that doesn’t mind getting dirty in the trenches, and they just proved they can win ugly when it counts.
Now they’re on to face No. 2 Ohio State in the quarterfinals.
That’s a clash of styles if there ever was one - Miami’s suffocating defense against the Buckeyes’ high-octane offense. Something’s got to give.
Ole Miss Hits Its Stride at the Right Time
Ole Miss didn’t just win - they dominated. The Rebels blew past Tulane 41-10 behind a masterclass from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who racked up over 300 total yards and accounted for three touchdowns. It was the kind of performance that makes you wonder: is this team peaking at just the right time?
Chambliss was in complete control, and the Rebels’ offense hummed from start to finish. But don’t overlook the defense - holding a capable Tulane team to just 10 points is no small feat. This was a complete performance, and it sends a clear message heading into the next round.
That next test? No.
3 Georgia. The Bulldogs had a first-round bye and come in rested and ready.
But Ole Miss is hot, and this matchup has all the makings of a heavyweight slugfest.
Oregon Lights Up the Scoreboard
Oregon closed out the weekend with an offensive explosion, dropping 51 points on James Madison in a game that was effectively over by halftime. Dante Moore was electric, throwing for 313 yards and four touchdowns, and the Ducks looked every bit like a team that could run the table.
This offense is fast, creative, and ruthless. They came out swinging, built a huge early lead, and never looked back.
It wasn’t just about the numbers - it was the tempo, the confidence, the execution. Oregon didn’t just win; they overwhelmed.
Next up is No. 4 Texas Tech - and with both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard, that quarterfinal could turn into a track meet.
The Quarterfinals Are Set - And They’re Loaded
Here’s what we’ve got on deck:
- **Alabama vs. No.
1 Indiana** - Can the Tide’s comeback magic carry over against a well-rounded Hoosiers squad?
- **Miami vs.
No. 2 Ohio State** - Defense vs. offense in a classic clash of philosophies.
- **Ole Miss vs. No.
3 Georgia** - Two SEC powers collide with everything on the line.
- **Oregon vs.
No. 4 Texas Tech** - Expect fireworks from the opening snap.
Four games. Eight teams. No margin for error.
What’s Next?
The first round of the College Football Playoff delivered everything fans could’ve hoped for - drama, dominance, and a few surprises. Alabama reminded us why you never count them out.
Miami proved defense still wins in December. Ole Miss showed they’re more than just a nice story.
And Oregon? They might be the most dangerous team left in the bracket.
Now the stakes go up. The path to Miami - and a shot at the national championship - runs through a gauntlet of elite teams, battle-tested coaches, and players ready for their moment.
One round down. The real fun is just getting started.