The Dawgbone

CFP First Round: Comeback Win For The Tide, Miami Beats A&M In A Late Thriller, Ducks and Rebels Dominate

#9 Alabama 34 - #8 Oklahoma 24

The first round playoff matchup between these two historic programs lived up to the hype, with major momentum swings on both sides. Oklahoma came out hot, scoring the first 17 points and looked to be in full control of the game. The Sooners offense looked much improved from late in the regular season and the defense was all over Ty Simpson. In the middle of the second quarter, the Crimson Tide scored a touchdown on fourth down and that completely changed the game. Oklahoma then fumbled the ball after the punter dropped the snap, and Alabama capitalized with a field goal to cut the lead to seven. Shortly after, John Mateer threw one of the worst interceptions in playoff history, as he threw it directly to Alabama’s Zabien Brown, who took it back for a touchdown. By halftime, Alabama had found its rhythm and began to control the line of scrimmage. In the second half, the Tide took over behind a solid passing game from Simpson and a defense that consistently pressured Mateer. Alabama took a 27-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma cut it to three with an immediate touchdown to Deion Burks. Just as it looked like the Sooners had regained momentum, the Tide answered with a touchdown of their own that ended up being the dagger. Kalen DeBoer gets the biggest win of his tenure in Tuscaloosa and will move on to the quarterfinals in Pasadena. For Oklahoma, they now hold two of the biggest chokes in CFP history and remain winless in CFP games.

#10 Miami 10 - #7 Texas A&M 3

The early matchup on Saturday in College Station was a defensive battle throughout, with costly mistakes from both teams. Both quarterbacks, who had strong seasons, struggled to get anything going. Carson Beck did very little all game, but he was able to take care of the football. Marcel Reed, on the other hand, threw two interceptions that ultimately cost the Aggies the game. Another major factor was the run game for each team. Texas A&M got their starting running back Le’Veon Moss back from injury, but they still could not establish the run. Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. had a huge day, rushing for 172 yards on just 17 carries, which was a career high. The wind was blowing and swirling all game long, making field goal kicking difficult for both teams. The Aggies went one for two after Reuben Bain Jr. blocked a kick, while the Hurricanes went one for four. The score was tied 3-3 with two minutes left, and Miami had the ball inside the A&M 20 yard line, needing just a first down to set up a short game winning field goal. On third down, Beck pitched it to Malachi Toney, who broke free for a touchdown. That gave the Aggies one last chance with under two minutes to go and no timeouts. Marcel Reed and the offense moved quickly down the field and had first and goal at the five yard line. Everything was set up for a potential game tying drive until Reed threw an interception in the end zone, sealing the win for the Hurricanes. Miami gets their biggest win in a long time, but will get rolled by Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

#11 Tulane 10 - #6 Ole Miss 41

The main storyline heading into this game was the departure of Lane Kiffin, but that ended up being no problem at all for the Rebels. In a rematch from the regular season, it was once again a beatdown by Ole Miss. Without Kiffin, the offense was a question mark coming into the game, but they looked just as efficient. Trinidad Chambliss continued to show why he is the best quarterback in the SEC, finishing 23 for 29 with 282 passing yards and a touchdown. The Rebels were also strong on the ground, led by Kewan Lacy, who rushed for 87 yards and a score. Tulane was able to move the ball at times, but consistently hurt themselves with turnovers and failed fourth down conversions. Green Wave quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who had an incredible season, struggled badly on Saturday. He fumbled twice and threw an interception deep in Ole Miss territory. Tulane needed a miracle coming into the game, and the mistakes made it impossible. Ole Miss continues its historic season and will head to Louisiana to take on Georgia in a rematch. The way the Rebels are playing, this will be an extremely tough test for the Dawgs.

#12 James Madison 34 - #5 Oregon 51

The final game of the weekend took place in Eugene, and the Oregon Ducks dominated from the opening kickoff. Oregon scored touchdowns on their first five drives of the game. Ducks quarterback Dante Moore continues to shine in his first year as a starter and this may be his last season in college considering how well he is playing. He threw for 313 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday night. The Ducks run game was also very effective, as Jordan Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. both rushed for over 75 yards, helping Oregon total 201 rushing yards as a team. Wide receiver Malik Benson continues to thrive in Eugene, finishing with 119 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Benson is now at his fourth college and has finally found the perfect fit. The game was essentially over by halftime, but James Madison showed fight in the second half. The Dukes outscored the Ducks 28-17 after the break. JMU running back Wayne Knight rushed for 110 yards on 17 carries, and quarterback Alonza Barnett III threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Even though JMU showed fight and Tulane had solid moments, group of five teams should not be in the College Football Playoff. Oregon will move on to face Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, which will be the best offense the Red Raiders have faced all season.

Sugar Bowl Preview: Rebels vs. Dawgs

Ole Miss and Georgia will face each other for the second time this season, with much more at stake as the winner advances to the semifinals in Arizona. The first matchup in Athens turned into an offensive shootout. Georgia did not punt once all game, while Ole Miss did not punt until the fourth quarter. I expect the game in New Orleans to look very similar. Georgia’s defense has improved since the regular season meeting, but Ole Miss still has the best offense in the country. The Rebels defense has also looked better, but giving up over 400 yards to Tulane is a concern for Pete Golding and his unit. This will also be an elite quarterback matchup. Trinidad Chambliss has had an unbelievable season in his first year of FBS football, while Gunner Stockton has proven he can step up in big moments, including the first game against Ole Miss. Just like last time, this game will come down to which team can get the opposing offense off the field. It will be a big day for the Bulldogs defensive backs against the elite Ole Miss receiving corps, and a big day for the Rebels front seven against Georgia’s rushing attack. Expect another tight game that comes down to the fourth quarter.

CFP Quarterfinals Predictions

Cotton Bowl: Miami 6 - Ohio State 24
Orange Bowl: Oregon 28 - Texas Tech 23
Rose Bowl: Alabama 24 - Indiana 27
Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss 31 - Dawgs 34