The opening round of the College Football Playoff delivered exactly what fans hoped for: high-stakes drama, big-time performances, and a few unforgettable soundbites that only this kind of stage can produce. With the nation watching, players and coaches didn’t just leave it all on the field-they brought the energy to the postgame mics too. Let’s break down the most memorable quotes from a weekend that had it all, from epic comebacks to sideline chaos.
“They tried to write us off, though we ain’t write back!” - Alabama QB Ty Simpson
That’s how you punctuate a comeback.
Alabama made playoff history Friday night, becoming the first team to win a road playoff game since the expanded format began. But it didn’t start pretty. The Crimson Tide fell into a 17-0 hole against Oklahoma, and for a moment, it looked like the Sooners were ready to run away with it.
Enter Ty Simpson.
The Alabama quarterback led a furious rally, guiding the Tide to 27 unanswered points and flipping the script entirely. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Alabama was in control, up 27-17. Oklahoma didn’t fold, but Alabama closed it out with a 34-24 win that sent a clear message to the rest of the bracket: don’t count us out.
After the game, Simpson delivered a perfect mic-drop moment, channeling Geno Smith’s famous 2022 quote: “They tried to write us off, though we ain’t write back!” A nod to resilience, swagger, and maybe a little chip on the shoulder-exactly what you want from your quarterback when the lights are brightest.
“I couldn’t find enough wipees to clean myself.” - Miami head coach Mario Cristobal
You’re not going to find that one in a coaching manual.
Miami’s gritty win over Texas A&M wasn’t pretty, but it was wildly entertaining. The two teams combined for four missed field goals and four turnovers, including a game-sealing interception in the end zone by the Hurricanes with under 30 seconds to go. It was the kind of chaotic finish that leaves everyone on the edge of their seat-and apparently, left Cristobal in need of a few extra cleaning supplies.
In the postgame celebration, Hurricanes legend Michael Irvin-never one to shy away from the spotlight-planted a kiss on Cristobal during a live interview. The coach took it in stride, calling Irvin “awesome,” but couldn’t help joking about the less-than-sterile nature of the moment. It was a raw, hilarious glimpse into the emotion of a big-time win, and a reminder that in college football, joy comes in all forms-sanitary or not.
“PG is not going to change when you change a label in front of his name.” - Ole Miss QBs coach Joe Judge
Pete Golding might be new to the head coaching chair, but according to Joe Judge, he’s still the same guy who’s been grinding behind the scenes.
Golding, who took over at Ole Miss after Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU, couldn’t have scripted a better debut. The Rebels cruised to a 41-10 win over Tulane, racking up nearly 500 yards of offense and looking sharp in all three phases. It was the kind of performance that settles nerves and sets a tone-and Judge made it clear that Golding’s success wasn’t about a title change, but about consistency in leadership.
“He’s the same PG,” Judge said postgame. “He’s not going to change just because his job title did.” That kind of steady hand will be crucial as Ole Miss navigates the rest of the postseason with a new voice at the top.
Dan Lanning wins, but he’s not celebrating
Oregon’s 51-34 win over James Madison might look comfortable on paper, but head coach Dan Lanning wasn’t cracking many smiles afterward-and for good reason.
The Ducks came out flying, building a 34-6 halftime lead and looking every bit like a team built for a deep playoff run. But the second half told a different story. Oregon’s defense gave up 28 points after the break, and while the offense added 17 of its own, the door was left open just enough to make Lanning uneasy.
Yes, the Ducks advanced. Yes, they were never truly in danger.
But Lanning’s frustration speaks to the standard he’s set in Eugene. This is a team with championship aspirations, and sloppy second halves won’t cut it when the competition gets tougher.
His postgame demeanor wasn’t about the scoreboard-it was about the message: play a full 60, or risk letting it slip away.
Final Thoughts
The College Football Playoff is where legends are made-and where quotes become part of the lore. Whether it’s a quarterback channeling Geno Smith, a coach joking about sideline hygiene, or another reminding his team that the job isn’t done, these moments offer a window into the emotion, pressure, and personality that make this sport so special.
Round one delivered. And if this weekend was any indication, we’re in for a wild ride the rest of the way.