CFP Semifinals: Miami Wins a Late Nail Biter and the Hoosiers Dismantle the Ducks
CFP Semifinals: Miami Wins a Late Nail Biter and the Hoosiers Dismantle the Ducks
Fiesta Bowl: #10 Miami 31 - #6 Ole Miss 27
The Ole Miss Rebels were looking for their first ever trip to the National Championship Game, but the Hurricanes broke their hearts late in the fourth quarter. The way this game started made it look like it was going to be a rough night for the Rebels. Their red hot offense was shut down early by Miami and could not get much going until a 73 yard touchdown run by Kewan Lacy. That play was huge at the time, but Lacy was injured on the run and was not close to the same player afterward. Heading into halftime, the score was 17-13 and it was 17-16 at the end of the third quarter. Despite the slow third quarter, the fourth quarter gave us one of the best finishes of the entire playoff. Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro made a field goal with seven minutes left to take a 19-17 lead, but Beck and the Hurricanes responded with a quick touchdown on a screen pass to freshman Malachi Toney. Rebel quarterback Trinidad Chambliss got the ball back with five minutes left and led an incredible drive, ending it with a touchdown and a successful two point conversion. Miami then had the ball with 3:13 remaining and Carson Beck led a perfect drive for the Hurricanes. With 18 seconds left, Beck ran the ball into the end zone to give Miami the lead. Ole Miss had one final chance, but a desperation heave into the end zone was broken up, officially ending the game. Miami will now head to the National Championship Game, but will have their hands full with the best team in the country.
Peach Bowl: #5 Oregon 22 - #1 Indiana 56
With Indiana never having played in a game like this, their fans completely took over Atlanta, and so did their team. On the very first play of the game, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore threw an interception directly to Indiana defensive back D’Angelo Ponds, and it was downhill from there. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza continued to play at a high level, finishing 17 of 20 for 177 yards and five touchdowns. It was the second playoff game in a row where Mendoza threw more touchdowns than incompletions. The Hoosiers were also dominant on the ground, rushing for 185 yards while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. They scored two rushing touchdowns, both by Kaelon Black. Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt also had a big night, catching 75 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The biggest factor in the game, however, was the Hoosier defense. Despite only playing 13 different defenders, Indiana made life miserable for Dante Moore. Oregon turned the ball over three times, all in the first half, and all resulted in Indiana touchdowns. This game was clearly over at halftime with the Hoosiers up 35-7, and they were able to comfortably finish the job in the second half. Indiana will now head to Miami to face the Hurricanes and will look to cap off the most historic seasons any school has ever had.
CFP National Championship Score Prediction
Miami 17 - Indiana 31
College Basketball: #18 Dawgs 75 - Gamecocks 70
The Dawgs men’s basketball team has had one of the best starts to a season in program history, and they picked up a huge road win in Columbia. The Dawgs were down 12 late in the first half and down 8 late in the second half, but their defense locked down South Carolina late to secure the win. Forward Kanon Catchings led the team with 20 points and added 7 rebounds. The former BYU Cougar had his best performance since arriving in Athens. Sophomore Somto Cyril from Nigeria was dominant once again, finishing a perfect 8 for 8 from the field. With Georgia’s unique style of play, using 11 to 12 players each game, this team looks built to last into March. The Dawgs made the tournament last season and will look to do it again in back to back years, which would be the first time the program has accomplished that since the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
Dawgbone Jr (aka Bennett Wiggins)