The first weekend of the College Football Playoff is in the books, and as expected, it delivered a little bit of everything-some drama, a couple of blowouts, and a few performances that reminded us why this sport is so easy to love. Let’s take a closer look at the weekend’s biggest storylines, standout moments, and what’s ahead in the quarterfinal matchups.
Alabama Gets Its Payback-and Then Some
Final: Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24
For Alabama, this one wasn’t just about advancing-it was personal. After back-to-back losses to Oklahoma in recent seasons, the Crimson Tide finally flipped the script.
It didn’t start pretty. Alabama spotted Oklahoma a 17-0 lead, and for a moment, it looked like history might repeat itself.
But then came the response-powerful, methodical, and unmistakably Alabama.
The Tide rattled off 34 of the next 41 points, locking in a 34-24 win and punching their ticket to the Rose Bowl, where they’ll face an undefeated Indiana squad. It was the kind of gritty, come-from-behind win that defines programs with championship DNA. And for a team that’s been searching for consistency all year, this was a statement.
Kalen DeBoer Delivers When It Counts
No one envies the job Kalen DeBoer walked into-replacing Nick Saban is about as tall an order as you’ll find in college football. And after a rollercoaster season that included a lopsided loss to Georgia in the SEC title game, the pressure was on.
But DeBoer’s team responded in a big way. Beating Oklahoma in the playoffs isn’t just a resume booster-it’s a validation moment.
It shows that this Alabama team, under new leadership, still knows how to rise when the lights are brightest. DeBoer needed this one, and he got it.
Cristobal’s Signature Win in Miami
Final: Miami 10, Texas A&M 3
Mario Cristobal has been building something in Miami, and Saturday night felt like a turning point. The Hurricanes didn’t light up the scoreboard, but they didn’t need to. They leaned on a suffocating defense and a workhorse running back to grind out a 10-3 win over Texas A&M.
This was Cristobal’s blueprint on full display-tough, physical football built around controlling the line of scrimmage. And it worked.
Mark Fletcher Puts the Team on His Back
If you’re looking for the weekend’s top individual performance, look no further than Miami running back Mark Fletcher. He was the engine behind the Hurricanes’ offense, piling up 172 yards on just 17 carries. That’s over 10 yards a pop.
But it wasn’t just the volume-it was the timing. With the game tied and time winding down, Fletcher ripped off a 56-yard run that set up the game-winning touchdown. Big-time players make big-time plays, and Fletcher delivered exactly when Miami needed it.
Pete Golding Starts Strong at Ole Miss
Final: Ole Miss def. Tulane
Replacing Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss was always going to come with scrutiny, but Pete Golding just earned himself a solid dose of goodwill. In his first playoff game as head coach, Golding guided Ole Miss to a win over Tulane, giving him a 1-0 playoff record right out of the gate.
It may be early, but this was a strong first impression. Golding’s team looked prepared, focused, and ready for the moment.
Lane Kiffin Wins… Without Coaching
Sometimes, the college football world throws you a curveball. Lane Kiffin, now at LSU, picked up a $250,000 playoff bonus this weekend-despite not coaching in a game. Thanks to the way his contract was structured, Kiffin still cashed in on Ole Miss’s postseason success.
Hey, it's not the most conventional way to win, but a win’s a win-at least in the bank account.
A Word to the Fans: Let’s Keep Some Perspective
Yes, there were blowouts. Yes, teams like James Madison and Tulane didn’t exactly light it up.
But that’s part of the deal with an expanded playoff. Not every game is going to be a classic, and that’s okay.
Both James Madison and Tulane earned their spots. They didn’t sneak in-they played their way in.
And while their performances may not have moved the needle, their presence still matters. It’s all part of what makes this playoff format interesting and unpredictable.
Quarterfinal Matchups: Ranking the Showdowns
- **Texas Tech vs.
Oregon**
This one has all the ingredients for a classic.
Two elite defenses, two well-coached teams, and a style clash that should make for compelling football. Expect a tight, physical game that could come down to the final possession.
- **Indiana vs.
Alabama**
Indiana has been perfect this season-13-0 and playing with confidence.
But now they face an Alabama team that looks like it’s found its groove. The Tide are battle-tested, and if they bring the same energy they had against Oklahoma, this could be a heavyweight fight.
- **Georgia vs.
Ole Miss**
These two met earlier in the year in a shootout, with Georgia pulling out a 43-35 win.
Now we get the rematch. Georgia is riding a nine-game win streak, and while they’re the favorite, beating a team twice in one season is never easy.
Ole Miss has the firepower to make this interesting.
- **Ohio State vs.
Miami**
On paper, Ohio State has the edge-especially after watching Miami’s offense struggle against Texas A&M.
But if quarterback Carson Beck can find his rhythm, Miami has a shot to pull the upset. The defense is good enough to keep it close; the question is whether the offense can do its part.
Final Thought
The first weekend of the College Football Playoff gave us a little bit of everything-redemption, breakout performances, and a few unexpected twists. And with the quarterfinals on deck, the stakes only get higher from here.
Buckle up. This ride is just getting started.