College Football Blitz recaps the most important developments from the College Football Playoff q...

College Football Blitz recaps the most important developments from the College Football Playoff quarterfinal games and examines their significance moving forward.<h3>Miami the bully on the CFP block</h3>While most college football fans over the age of 35 associate "The U" with the best collection of skill-position talent we've ever seen, peak-era Miami dominated the trenches like no other en route to punishing the rest of the sport. It took Mario Cristobal a few years to build up the lines in south Florida, but that is once again the case with Miami."We talked about it. Our guys talked a lot about being a physical, violent bunch," Cristobal said on the ESPN broadcast after Miami's 24-14 upset win over Ohio State on Wednesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It took Miami's defense exactly three plays to show 'violence' was going to be a theme for the night, with Akheem Mesidor sacking Julian Sayin on the Buckeyes' third play of the game. The Hurricanes would eventually bring the Ohio State quarterback down five times on the night.Only five teams allowed fewer sacks this season than the Buckeyes - and two of those programs (Army and Navy) actively avoid throwing the ball. However, there aren't many Mesidors or Rueben Bains on the Ohio State schedule, and that duo owned the trenches throughout.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RUEBEN BAIN JR. MADE THE TACKLE WHILE BEING BLOCKED 😳 <a href="https://t.co/wlP4Tojdvm">pic.twitter.com/wlP4Tojdvm</a>— ACC Network (@accnetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/accnetwork/status/2006532313903980573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Now sometimes the bully gets punched in the mouth, and the Buckeyes did exactly that early in the second half. After being held scoreless in the opening frame for the first time since 2016, two touchdowns brought Ohio State within three.However, the bully stood tallest and flexed its muscle the strongest it had all night in the biggest moment.Full of momentum and holding the ball down three in the fourth, most would have bet the Ohio State machine to keep churning and put up more points. The opposite occurred. A sack, a forced holding penalty, and another tackle for loss forced Ohio State to punt the ball back to Miami with just under 6 minutes to play.The finishing punch was perhaps the most impressive - a 10-play, 70-yard drive that featured eight running plays and 52 yards on the ground. The payoff: a touchdown in the final minute to make the final margin 10 points.<h3>Day's rust hurts Buckeyes</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815903/cropped_GettyImages-2254208344.jpg?ts=1767244791" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815903/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254208344.jpg?ts=1767244791 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815903/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254208344.jpg?ts=1767244791 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815903/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254208344.jpg?ts=1767244791 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815903/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254208344.jpg?ts=1767244791 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815903/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254208344.jpg?ts=1767244791 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Middle-aged men across the country returned home during the Christmas holidays, fired up the old Xbox in their parents basement to play CFB and immediately realized they are no longer the brilliant playcaller they used to be.Ryan Day experienced that phenomenon in the opening half of the Cotton Bowl Wednesday against Miami, only his struggles unfolded in front of millions of viewers instead of just your tipsy Uncle Paul and his two teenage sons.Day announced earlier in the week that he would take over play-calling duties from Brian Hartline, with the offensive coordinator also juggling the job responsibilities of South Florida head coach after his hire earlier this month. He's no stranger to calling plays in Columbus, doing so in his first five years as head coach for the Buckeyes. However, he relinquished those duties to Chip Kelly last season and promptly won the national title. We'll let you decide if that is merely a coincidence or a direct result of the decision.The offense certainly looked like it was led by a man who hadn't called plays since 2023 with the Hurricanes doing whatever they wanted to the Buckeyes' line and making life hell for Sayin.Miami's vaunted pass-rush lived in the backfield early, with the result an eye-popping drive chart for the mighty Ohio State offense. Five drives that went just 87 yards on 18 plays and resulted in four punts. The only drive not ending in a punt somehow went even worse, with a lengthy pick-6 on a telegraphed wide-receiver screen resulting in the biggest Buckeyes' deficit since 2022.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
CANES 70-YRD PICK 6🤯 📺ESPN <a href="https://t.co/xhZZE9v2no">pic.twitter.com/xhZZE9v2no</a>— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/2006538556865724894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Day and the offense would figure things out as the game grew older, notably going to 12 personnel with two tight ends on the field for much of the second half. That resulted in Sayin getting plenty of protection and leading two lengthy touchdown drives. That made the final stat line a respectable 332 total yards of offense at a 5.6-yard clip. However, you cannot give a team with a dominant pass-rush a 14-point head start - regardless of if you have Jeremiah Smith or not.

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CFB Blitz: Miami bullies Ohio State in QF win

It didn't officially come on Dec. 25, but Michigan fans got a late Christmas present in the form ...

It didn't officially come on Dec. 25, but Michigan fans got a late Christmas present in the form of a future Hall-of-Fame coach.The Wolverines hired Utah legend Kyle Whittingham as the program's new head coach on Friday, with the school <a href="https://mgoblue.com/news/2025/12/26/kyle-whittingham-named-michigans-j-ira-and-nicki-harris-family-head-football-coach">announcing</a> the addition of the 66-year-old on a five-year contract.Whittingham's hire makes it 31 FBS jobs changing hands in a coaching carousel that opened in September and took more spins than a "Wheel of Fortune" marathon.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Even though Michigan's move came under extremely challenging circumstances at a very awkward time, the Wolverines somehow leave the cycle with perhaps the best hire of the list.Who Whittingham brings with him to fill out his staff will be crucial, of course. But make no mistake, the veteran coach is a major upgrade from whatever setup Sherrone Moore was running before his shocking ouster at the start of December for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.Whittingham's resume represents an incredible run with one of the steadiest programs in history. Since taking over at Utah for Urban Meyer in 2005, the hard-nosed coach went a sparkling 177-88 with eight different 10-win seasons - including the current campaign.As impressive as the facts and statistics are, Whittingham's best attribute for Michigan might be who he is, not what he is. He's a damn good football coach, but it's been a long time since a program just needed an adult in the room to come in and clean up a mess. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in college football who fits that description better than Whittingham.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815389/cropped_GettyImages-2244904407.jpg?ts=1766811387" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815389/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244904407.jpg?ts=1766811387 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815389/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244904407.jpg?ts=1766811387 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815389/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244904407.jpg?ts=1766811387 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815389/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244904407.jpg?ts=1766811387 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815389/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244904407.jpg?ts=1766811387 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos / ISI Photos / Getty</figcaption></figure>Netflix's documentary crew could take up permanent residence in Ann Arbor with the amount of material the Wolverines' football program has provided in recent years. Jim Harbaugh's teams reached a mountain top many didn't think was possible, but the lasting image of his tenure is as much scandal as champion for any non-Michigan supporter.After Harbaugh bolted for the NFL, Moore's appointment didn't exactly calm the waters. It was just four months ago that the NCAA finally handed down suspensions and show-cause penalties in the wake of the sign-stealing scandal.The on-field performance certainly dipped after Harbaugh's departure, and recent reports from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6909584/2025/12/22/sherrone-moore-michigan-firing-women/">The Athletic</a> and the <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/23/michigan-football-sherrone-moore-arrest/87889500007/?gca-cat=p&amp;gnt-cfr=1">Detroit Free Press</a> suggest Moore wasn't even equipped to run a Madden team on franchise mode, let alone one of college football's behemoths.Whittingham immediately changes that, bringing a sterling reputation to Ann Arbor. His lengthy career has been virtually free of scandal, and his Utes are fresh off a 10-win season in which their only losses came against two teams inside the top 15 of the CFP. Perhaps the most "damning" thing in his Utah tenure was his inability to provide a clear timeline on when he planned to retire.OK, the grown-up is now in the room. So what does his addition mean on the field?His program has long been built on elite defense, toughness, and an often devastating rushing attack. Sound familiar, Michigan fans?Whittingham's teams have annually garnered national respect for how hard they compete on defense each and every game. Morgan Scalley taking over as Utah head coach means Whittingham will have a new voice at the defensive coordinator position with the Wolverines, but his extensive background on that side of the ball should calm any concerns.It's the offensive side of things where the Whittingham hire should excite fans the most, especially if Jason Beck is joining him.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815391/cropped_GettyImages-2233182470.jpg?ts=1766812214" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815391/w220xh124_GettyImages-2233182470.jpg?ts=1766812214 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815391/w320xh180_GettyImages-2233182470.jpg?ts=1766812214 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815391/w640xh360_GettyImages-2233182470.jpg?ts=1766812214 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815391/w768xh432_GettyImages-2233182470.jpg?ts=1766812214 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815391/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2233182470.jpg?ts=1766812214 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ric Tapia / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><a href="https://x.com/mzenitz/status/2004605438499934520?s=20">Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports</a> reported Friday that Whittingham will attempt to bring the Utah offensive coordinator with him to Michigan. That should be priority No. 1 - a hire that would have students singing "<a href="https://x.com/TheAidenWagner/status/1744579185782272254?s=20">Mr. Brightside</a>" in the streets. Beck's first season with the Utes was a masterclass. He immediately fixed an ailing offense, with Utah leading the country in yards per rush and finishing 5th nationally in scoring under his guidance.Beck accomplished this with Devon Dampier at quarterback, a fine player at New Mexico who shined after making the jump to the power conference level. However, Beck getting someone with the talent level of Bryce Underwood at the controls would be like putting Lewis Hamilton at your local go-kart track.Underwood can expect to get real close with Whittingham in the coming days, as the new coach will surely work to retain as many key players as possible. One has to think that a Beck hire would keep most of the offense in tact.Some may raise questions about Whittingham's age - he's the third-oldest coach at the FBS level. However, he certainly comes across as a very youthful 66, and, for reference, he's only two years older than the head coach of the nation's top team, Curt Cignetti.The most apt question to be asking surrounds Whittingham's recruiting chops. He returned solid, if unspectacular, classes to Utah annually. But with the resources and prestige Michigan offers, it would be expected that the Wolverines will remain a top destination.Since Moore was fired on Dec. 8, Michigan fans have heard an almost endless list of candidates trotted out as possible options. Kalen DeBoer, Jedd Fisch, Kenny Dillingham, Jesse Minter, John Harbaugh, Jeff Brohm, and a host of others were all mentioned at one time or another. Some were part of more serious discussions, while others were simply floated in passing.In the end, the Wolverines opted for the adult in the room to get everything back in order. Don't be shocked if Whittingham quickly leads the Wolverines back into playoff contention - scandal free.

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Whittingham gives Michigan the adult it needs

The vibes in Norman couldn't have been higher.   It was 17-0 and the Oklahoma crowd was absolutel...

The vibes in Norman couldn't have been higher. It was 17-0 and the Oklahoma crowd was absolutely buzzing.The defense was doing its regular thing and making life hell for Ty Simpson behind an overmatched Alabama offensive line. Even the previously anemic offense had driven the field three different times with ease. The difference in total yardage was a comical 181-12.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Sooner party had fully started, and it looked as though it was going to be an all-time night for the storied program as it finally got a win in the College Football Playoff.And then it all ended, abruptly, before the game even hit halftime. Alabama served a cold reminder that momentum is one helluva drug - especially in the high-stakes game that is the CFP.It started with the 4th-down king once again issuing a royal decree: this ain't over. Kalen DeBoer has shown throughout his entire FBS coaching career that he is without peer when it comes to gambles in big spots, and he rolled the dice yet again in Norman. Fail and this was almost certainly over. Succeed and the Tide were right back in the contest.Take it away, Lotzeir Brooks.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BAMA CRASHING IN FOR 6️⃣ 📺ABC/ESPN <a href="https://t.co/O7heXrTV7G">pic.twitter.com/O7heXrTV7G</a>— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/2002202141193351385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Like unclogging a toilet - and make no mistake, that's an apt comparison for how Alabama had looked up until this point - Brooks' touchdown removed the Oklahoma impediment and got the Tide flowing again.Five plays later, the visitors didn't just have the ball back, but were already deep in opponent territory. We'd like to credit some outstanding play by Alabama for that situation, but the Sooners' punter literally just dropped the ball in a <a href="https://x.com/CFBKings/status/2002202761618767971?s=20">moment that still doesn't make sense</a>.Alabama would get a field goal out of that miscue to cut the lead to seven, and the Tide were officially rolling.The punter blunder was bad, but the upcoming series would be what turned things for good. The culprit? A play so inexplicable you could see the energy sucked out of the building even while watching on television.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
50-YARD PICK SIX 🚨 📺ABC/ESPN <a href="https://t.co/PxizpL4J8D">pic.twitter.com/PxizpL4J8D</a>— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/2002207434283364629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>A 50-yard pick-6 - with not one Oklahoma receiver in the frame - officially erased the 17-point lead and made it a new ballgame by halftime.Technically the game was even at the break, but even the most ardent Sooner out there would admit the home team was on the ropes. Unfortunately, Oklahoma had been down that road before, blowing a 17-point lead to Georgia in a 2018 CFP loss.That second half picked up where the first ended, with an early Alabama touchdown giving it a lead it would never relinquish. The final 10-point margin ensured another blown 17-point lead for the Sooners and dropped the program's record to 0-5 in the history of the playoff. According to <a href="https://x.com/CodyNagel247/status/2002239426529755219?s=20">Cody Nagel of 247 Sports</a>, teams in the playoff are now 28-2 all-time when holding a lead of at least 17 points in a game, with both losses by Oklahoma.In the end, the game was decided over a 40-minute span. The first 19 a resounding victory for the Sooners to take the 17-0 lead. However, they may have staggered the Tide, but they didn't knock them out. Alabama's 21 minutes of fury saw the visitors outscore the hosts 27-0 and dominate 194-59 in total offense.Oklahoma spent all season winning in spite of its offense, but couldn't pull one more rabbit out of the hat once the Tide had flipped the script. That ended up costing the Sooners in the end, and will bring about plenty of offseason questions as to whether John Mateer is the quarterback to get that fixed in Norman.Alabama's reward for the victory is a date with No. 1 Indiana - a matchup that will mark the first ever clash between the schools.

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Alabama reminds us momentum is a helluva drug

College Football Blitz recaps the most important developments from Saturday's tripleheader of Col...

College Football Blitz recaps the most important developments from Saturday's tripleheader of College Football Playoff games and examines their significance moving forward.<h3>Locals deliver for Miami</h3>If you want to win at Miami, you better own the South Florida region in high school recruiting, as it's been one of the main catalysts behind the success of "The U" across generations of college football. Mario Cristobal has done just that since taking over his alma mater, and the fruits of that labor showed in a big way during the program's first CFP win.The Hurricanes' narrow 10-3 victory over Texas A&amp;M was certainly a team effort, but three local kids stood out as central figures who delivered in the clutch.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The first comes as no surprise: Wide receiver Malachi Toney has been Miami's most dangerous offensive player since stepping on campus as a product of the famed American Heritage School. For a brief moment, though, Toney was on the other side of glory following a crucial fumble that gave the Aggies the ball near midfield in a 3-3 game. However, Texas A&amp;M's offense quickly stalled - something we saw plenty of - and soon after, the 18-year-old redeemed himself with the go-ahead touchdown.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
THE FRESHMAN IN THE CLUTCH 🔥 Malachi Toney gives Miami the lead 👀 <a href="https://t.co/iHiRTBKQZA">pic.twitter.com/iHiRTBKQZA</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2002475799257948404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Toney largely had running back Mark Fletcher Jr. to thank for that chance at redemption. Toney's fellow American Heritage alumnus - three years his senior - ran all over the Aggies for a career-best 172 rushing yards. Fletcher's own clutch moment - a 56-yard scamper from the Hurricanes' 14-yard line - set up Toney for his eventual game-winning touchdown.At long last, the offense had generated enough points to win. Then, one final stop by Miami's defense sent the Canes to the Cotton Bowl for a date with Ohio State. Freshman defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald - who went to Christopher Columbus High School, the same as Cristobal - did the honors, picking off Marcel Reed for the second time, this one a game-sealing interception in the end zone.Add in three sacks and four tackles for loss from the outrageous Rueben Bain Jr. and it's clear that the 305's impact was massive in the victory over the Aggies.<h3>Reed limits Texas A&amp;M</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814765/cropped_GettyImages-2252887336.jpg?ts=1766280310" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814765/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252887336.jpg?ts=1766280310 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814765/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252887336.jpg?ts=1766280310 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814765/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252887336.jpg?ts=1766280310 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814765/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252887336.jpg?ts=1766280310 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814765/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252887336.jpg?ts=1766280310 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>As if losing on a potential game-tying touchdown being intercepted isn't reason enough to cause Texas A&amp;M fans distress, when you scale back the Aggies' season a few weeks, even greater offensive concerns are revealed.Chief among them is the play of Reed when the level of competition ramps up. He can light up a scoreboard at the best of times - just ask Notre Dame - but his play down the stretch simply wasn't good enough. The regular-season finale against Texas and CFP opener versus Miami represented the most talented defensive units the Aggies faced, and the returns were incredibly underwhelming.Reed completed 45 of 71 passes for a total of 417 yards in those contests with zero touchdowns against four interceptions. That 5.8-yard average per throw would rank well outside the top 100 in the nation. Those struggles doomed the team's offense in its most critical moments, with the Aggies scoring seven total points across their last six quarters of football.The book on Reed is to keep him in the pocket and force him to take shots down the field. So much of the success in A&amp;M's passing game comes from KC Concepcion and Mario Craver working magic after the catch. Outside of a 59-yard completion to Craver, the Aggies' longest passing play Saturday was just 19 yards.Getting Reed more comfortable against top-level competition has to be Texas A&amp;M's No. 1 priority this offseason. The Aggies won't take the next step until he does - or they bring in someone else.<h3>Train still runs without Lane</h3>It took exactly three plays for Ole Miss to show that Lane Kiffin's absence wasn't going to be a crippling loss in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The Pete Golding era in Oxford began with a three-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in Kewan Lacy plunging into the end zone to give the Rebels a lead they would never relinquish against Tulane.How Ole Miss would look without Kiffin was the question on everyone's minds heading into the playoff. The emphatic answer: the exact same.The 41-10 blowout looked virtually identical to the Rebels' 45-10 win over the Green Wave in September. The American champion simply wasn't on the same level athletically. Those against Group of 5 representation in the CFP will certainly use this result as a talking point, and it's tough to argue after what we saw on the field.It's unclear whether Kiffin was watching his former team in action, but he did post some extremely specific stats online during the contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LSUfootball</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/QNMIFsPLse">pic.twitter.com/QNMIFsPLse</a>— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2002510006910919040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Kiffin should be pleased with the Rebels' victory, considering LSU is paying him any contract bonuses that he would have received at Ole Miss. That means Saturday's win made him $250K richer.Ole Miss booked another rematch with the win: a meeting with Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.<h3>Cinderella hibernates until March</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814789/cropped_GettyImages-2252903174.jpg?ts=1766292120" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814789/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252903174.jpg?ts=1766292120 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814789/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252903174.jpg?ts=1766292120 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814789/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252903174.jpg?ts=1766292120 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814789/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252903174.jpg?ts=1766292120 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814789/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252903174.jpg?ts=1766292120 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tom Hauck / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>There's nothing more entertaining in college sports than a small program trying to make a Cinderella run and take down some of the blockbuster names in the sport. At least, in March that is.Saturday served an emphatic reminder that football ain't basketball and Cinderella doesn't make an appearance until Christmas is long gone.Thanks to the ineptitude of the ACC and it's outrageously silly tiebreaker setup, this year's College Football Playoff saw two different Group of 5 programs make the field. Some thought that meant two different chances for David to slay Goliath and shock the world. However, in reality, it simply handed Ole Miss and Oregon de facto byes to the quarterfinals.The combined score by halftime in the final two games of the day was 51-9. At least Oregon made James Madison's death quick with five straight touchdown drives to open the contest at an absurd 16.6 yards per play.Yes, upsets in March Madness are a core part of the sport, and one of the main things that drives attention to the tournament. However, the talent and size discrepancy between basketball programs is significantly different than what we see on the football field. If you combine the 11-man offensive and defensive units Saturday, it's not a huge stretch to suggest Oregon had the best 22 players in the final game of the day.We aren't saying football will never produce a stunning result. Anybody who has watched long enough remembers Appalachian State over Michigan, Boise State over Oklahoma, or just last year when national runner-up Notre Dame lost at home to Northern Illinois. However, not one of those games came during a playoff for the national title. With extra time to prepare, any opponent is going to get the full attention of a giant like Oregon. Add the transfer portal stripping the majority of top players from the Group of 5 level, and it's borderline impossible to ever see one of these underdogs winning in the pressure cooker of the playoff.Anti-trust regulations forced the inclusion of the Group of 5 in the playoff, so they will likely remain with a spot moving forward. However, the committee needs to ensure that's where it ends, regardless of what shenanigans the ACC pulls.

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CFB Blitz: Takeaways from Saturday's 1st-round games

Miami's 10-3 victory over Texas A&M in Saturday's College Football Playoff contest was certainly ...

Miami's 10-3 victory over Texas A&amp;M in Saturday's College Football Playoff contest was certainly the main event, but the Hurricanes also scored a win on the undercard thanks to Rueben Bain Jr.Through no fault of his own, the star defensive end found himself in the news leading into the game thanks to Aggies' star OT Trey Zuhn III.Zuhn entered the tilt holding PFF's top grade for a pass-blocking offensive lineman in the nation. That clearly had him brimming with confidence when asked what kind of challenge Bain could present the home team.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I don't think he will be a threat that we need to worry about too much," Zuhn told <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/fIfdJbKjVcI?si=0sEhOC1_MgtDggLx">CBS Sports</a>. "We have great players, a great offensive line, so we'll be able to handle him."Bain made sure Zuhn's prediction would prove false, absolutely dominating the Aggies from the opening drive. The projected first-round pick finished with an outrageous line of three sacks, four tackles for loss and a blocked field goal in the win."Some guys were in the media saying some things, God bless them," Bain said afterwards, according to <a href="https://x.com/S_Font_Sports/status/2002490733165711516?s=20">Sebastian Font of Canes Insight</a>. "Don't write checks you can't cash."The Hurricanes are now off to face Ohio State in the quarterfinals, with Bain once again squaring off with a top-ranked offensive line. It's probably a safe bet the Buckeyes won't be doing much talking in the media prior to kickoff.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 29, 2025: Rueben Bain Jr. #4 of the Miami Hurricanes looks on during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Miami's Bain on A&M chatter: 'Don't write checks you can't cash'

Ole Miss star Kewan Lacy left Saturday's first-round CFP matchup versus Tulane late in the third ...

Ole Miss star Kewan Lacy left Saturday's first-round CFP matchup versus Tulane late in the third quarter with a shoulder injury.Lacy initially suffered the injury in the second quarter, heading to the medical tent on the final drive of the half. The running back would return after halftime, with the TNT broadcast relaying that he had been offered a shoulder harness but declined to use one.Lacy played almost the entirety of the third quarter before heading to the sideline in pain in the final minute.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The breakout rusher made his usual impact early against the Green Wave, scoring a touchdown on the third play of the game. He departed with 87 yards rushing in the game and the Rebels leading 27-3. Head coach Pete Golding confirmed to <a href="https://x.com/clowfb/status/2002538586722484427?s=20">On3's Chris Low</a> that it was a bruised shoulder for Lacy and that he would be further evaluated.The hosts would see out the victory without Lacy, eventually winning 41-10 to setup a quarterfinal rematch against Georgia.

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - DECEMBER 20: Kewan Lacy #5 of the Ole Miss Rebels is tackled by Kevin Adams III #7 of the Tulane Green Wave during the first half of the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi.

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Ole Miss star Lacy exits with shoulder injury

Saturday features a College Football Playoff tripleheader following Friday's kickoff between Okla...

Saturday features a College Football Playoff tripleheader following Friday's kickoff between Oklahoma and Alabama.The first round will take on the feel of the NCAA Tournament's opening weekend as two Cinderellas get a chance to make history with a seismic upset.Add in an early blockbuster pitting two huge programs against each other and we're in for a nice little day that will decide who advances to the quarterfinals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here are three storylines to watch when Texas A&amp;M faces Miami, Ole Miss battles Tulane, and Oregon meets James Madison.<h3>Coaches playing musical chairs</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814515/cropped_GettyImages-2241832031.jpg?ts=1766113867" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814515/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241832031.jpg?ts=1766113867 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814515/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241832031.jpg?ts=1766113867 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814515/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241832031.jpg?ts=1766113867 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814515/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241832031.jpg?ts=1766113867 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814515/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241832031.jpg?ts=1766113867 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>How broken is the college football calendar? More than half the programs in the 12-team field have a head coach, coordinator, or senior position coach who's already holding a new job at a different school. That broken enough for you?Let's run down the list.Miami will try to slow down an explosive Texas A&amp;M offense called by incoming Kansas State head coach Collin Klein. He's not the only Aggies coordinator doing double duty either, as new Kentucky defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is sticking around in that same role with Texas A&amp;M through the playoff.The only way you're unfamiliar with what the hell happened to Ole Miss' coaching situation is if you spent the last month on a deserted island. And if that's the case, congratulations on missing one of the most absurd coaching chases of all time. Lane Kiffin is long gone to LSU, so it's Pete Golding making his head coaching debut with the Rebels. While Kiffin took multiple staff members to Baton Rouge with him, he loaned a few back to Ole Miss - notably, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. - for the postseason. On the other sideline stands Jon Sumrall, whom you may know from his rousing introductory press conference at Florida a couple weeks ago.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’ve got 2 Phones, 2 Jobs &amp; 2 hours of sleep<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoGators?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoGators</a>🐊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RollWave?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RollWave</a> <a href="https://t.co/sAJMkThNng">pic.twitter.com/sAJMkThNng</a>— Jon Sumrall (@CoachJonSumrall) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJonSumrall/status/1998526086783885718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The final matchup of the opening round sees UCLA's new head coach, Bob Chesney, leading massive underdog James Madison into Oregon to face a defense called by Tosh Lupoi, the soon-to-be head man at Cal, and an offense led by freshly named Kentucky frontman Will Stein.<h3>Cinderella gets a shot ... twice</h3>We <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3175759" href="https://thescore.com/news/3175759">reminded</a> everyone in our postgame analysis last year that Cinderella doesn't play football after Penn State comfortably handled Boise State in the CFP quarterfinal. Well, it's probably safe to assume that point will be driven home emphatically in two of the three games Saturday, with not one but two Group of 5 schools in action as heavy road underdogs.Now, we aren't going full Joel Klatt and joining the Fox Sports analyst in <a href="http://x.com/NextRoundLive/status/2000635976146997757?s=20">declaring</a>, "We're not looking for a Cinderella." We just don't think it's possible for either Tulane or James Madison to have the type of run we see almost annually in March.We already witnessed the carnage that ensued when the Green Wave visited Oxford earlier this season. The Rebels scored on eight of 10 drives (not including last-second kneel-downs), outgained their opponent by an absurd 266 yards, and could have led 35-3 at halftime with better production in the red zone. Kiffin might be gone, but Kewan Lacy and Trinidad Chambliss didn't get on the plane to Baton Rouge with him. Not yet, anyway.James Madison is an impressive 11-1 on the season, but we'll let you guess which one of those games was the team's only matchup against a power-conference opponent. The Dukes' defensive line absolutely dominated the competition this year and actually performed extremely well in the team's lone loss to Louisville. However, Oregon is fifth in the country in yards per rush and will present a smashmouth attack that James Madison hasn't seen before.At the end of the day, ask yourself this: Do you honestly think Dan Lanning is going to be the first coach of a power-conference program to lose to a Group of 5 opponent in the 12-team CFP?<h3>The Spiderman Meme Bowl</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814363/cropped_GettyImages-2247348060.jpg?ts=1766016593" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814363/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247348060.jpg?ts=1766016593 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814363/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247348060.jpg?ts=1766016593 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814363/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247348060.jpg?ts=1766016593 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814363/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247348060.jpg?ts=1766016593 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814363/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247348060.jpg?ts=1766016593 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Saturday's first contest between Texas A&amp;M and Miami is undoubtedly the banger on the slate. Both teams might as well ditch their uniforms and rock red-and-blue tights because this matchup is as close to the <a href="https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExdHh2OHBpeG16YTFjendxb2ZqY21oM281bzk4YjVrdTR0dm5objZ3NiZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/l36kU80xPf0ojG0Erg/giphy.gif">Spiderman meme</a> as you'll find in college football. For the uninitiated: These two are essentially the same team.<ul>
<li>Explosive quarterbacks who are also prone to a turnover - or three ✅</li>
<li>Elite pass rush anchored by one of the best defensive linemen in the country ✅</li>
<li>Extremely talented skill group that can break a game in one play ✅</li>
<li>Beat Notre Dame in the season's opening month ✅</li>
<li>Resume lacking any other noteworthy wins ✅</li>
</ul>The similarities continue in how each team goes about its business on offense, with "balance" being the key word. Texas A&amp;M runs the ball 54% of the time, while Miami falls just underneath that mark at 53%. Both groups have three players with at least 350 rushing yards and three wide receivers with more than 350 receiving yards on the year. And quarterbacks Marcel Reed and Carson Beck have the same 25-to-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio.The operating procedure on defense is simple for both squads: Get the opponent in third-and-long and eat with a dominant defensive line. Nobody is better at stopping teams on third down than the Aggies, who lead the nation with a comically low conversion rate of just 22% allowed. The Hurricanes aren't far behind, ranking 10th in the country in the same stat.The offensive path to victory Saturday likely revolves around two things: avoiding turnovers and converting third downs. Whoever comes out on top in those categories should advance in the playoff.

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CFP Saturday storylines: Coaching chaos, Cinderella's shot

The NFL fined Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua $25,000 for his comments about officiatin...

The NFL fined Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua $25,000 for his comments about officiating, a source told <a href="https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/2002101522302448007?s=20">NFL Network's Mike Garafolo</a> on Friday.Nacua criticized NFL officials earlier this week while appearing on a livestream with streamers N3on and Adin Ross."The refs are the worst," Nacua <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3ZqfbH-l4Q&amp;t=358s">said</a>. "These guys are lawyers. They want to be on TV too. You don't think he's texting his friends in the group chat like, 'Yo, you guys just saw me on Sunday Night Football. That wasn't P.I. (pass interference), but I called it.'"<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nacua also publicly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3431172" href="https://thescore.com/news/3431172">apologized</a> before Thursday's game for performing a gesture that was "antisemitic in nature" on the livestream. The NFL subsequently issued a statement condemning antisemitism that didn't name him specifically.The Rams receiver continued to slam referees after Thursday night's overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Nacua, who had a career-high 225 receiving yards on 12 catches, posted and subsequently deleted a tweet that appeared to address the officiating in the game minutes after the contest ended.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Puka Nacua deleted this tweet he sent immediately after the game: <a href="https://t.co/gDaWcWIUNZ">https://t.co/gDaWcWIUNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/hWtGwXn18W">pic.twitter.com/hWtGwXn18W</a>— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) <a href="https://twitter.com/NateAtkins_/status/2001883719335051674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The receiver explained the deleted post to reporters in the locker room."It was just a lack of awareness," Nacua told a group of media members, including <a href="https://x.com/ArashMarkazi/status/2001895470877278361?s=20">Arash Markazi of the Sporting Tribune</a>. "Just frustration."While it's unclear if Nacua was upset about a specific call, there were a number of controversial rulings - including an <a href="https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/2001833207583641878?s=20">offensive penalty</a> against the Rams on the 1-yard line that took a touchdown off the board.However, the call that garnered the majority of the attention involved a review that ended up supplying the points to send the contest to overtime.The Seahawks' 16-point fourth-quarter comeback looked to be two points short after a conversion attempt appeared to be an incomplete pass. The teams were lining up for the ensuing kickoff when the officiating crew announced a review. That review eventually determined the pass went backward, making it a live ball that was recovered in the end zone by the Seahawks.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"Is this the craziest 2-point conversion EVER?" The <a href="https://twitter.com/Seahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Seahawks</a> tie it up in a WILD way 😳 LARvsSEA on Prime Video Also streaming on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/KwNtEIWVQ7">pic.twitter.com/KwNtEIWVQ7</a>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/2001865512473760127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>That made the try successful and tied the game. Nacua scored in overtime to give the Rams the lead, but the Seahawks drove the length of the field for a matching touchdown before winning on another two-point conversion.Head coach Sean McVay admitted he'd never experienced a similar play."I've never quite seen anything like what happened on the 2-point conversion where you are lined up to kick off, then they say it's a fumble because they had a clear and obvious recovery," McVay told reporters afterward. "Very interesting, didn't get a clear explanation of everything that went on just because of some of the timing of it. ... I've never seen anything - or never been a part of anything - like that, and I've grown up around this game."McVay was also asked about Nacua's deleted post, but did not want to offer an opinion since he had yet to see it for himself. However, the veteran coach did voice his support for the receiver.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams gets set during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Report: Rams' Nacua fined $25K for comments on officiating

Alabama fans let out a sigh of relief on Selection Sunday when Rece Davis announced the Crimson T...

Alabama fans let out a sigh of relief on Selection Sunday when Rece Davis announced the Crimson Tide had backed into the field despite getting pantsed by Georgia in the SEC title game.However, that relief was likely short-lived after fans looked at the bracket and saw a trip to Oklahoma in the cards.It's only been two matchups in the last two seasons, but perhaps no coach in the country has figured out Kalen DeBoer and his offense to the extent that Brent Venables has. If Venables' defense is throwing a turnover party, expect Alabama to RSVP first. The Sooners nabbed six takeaways in those two games against the Tide, including three in Tuscaloosa last month that essentially gave Oklahoma an improbable win.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Alabama dominated the stats in that affair, more than doubling the visitors with 426 yards of offense to 212 for Oklahoma. That Sooners total represents the fourth-fewest yards by an FBS team in a win against a top-five team since 2000.Thanks to Isaiah Sategna III's electric punt-return skills, an 87-yard interception return, and two forced fumbles, Oklahoma needed just 76 yards of total offense to put 20 of its 23 points on the board versus the Tide. How's that for efficiency?<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814395/cropped_GettyImages-2246344716.jpg?ts=1766035849" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814395/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246344716.jpg?ts=1766035849 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814395/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246344716.jpg?ts=1766035849 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814395/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246344716.jpg?ts=1766035849 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814395/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246344716.jpg?ts=1766035849 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814395/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246344716.jpg?ts=1766035849 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Butch Dill / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>In 2025, that type of victory might as well be called the Oklahoma Way.The passing attack has cratered since high-priced transfer John Mateer returned from injury for the Texas game. Mateer opened his Oklahoma career with four straight games of at least 270 yards passing. He's only topped 225 once since. The Sooners' 90th-ranked offense - by far the worst in the playoff - has attracted plenty of scorn throughout the year. One Group of 5 team's assistant gave a particularly colorful description to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6894571/2025/12/17/college-football-playoff-confidential-indiana-ohio-state-georgia/">Bruce Feldman of The Athletic</a>: "The defense is awesome, but I don't think their offense can piss a drop."The Sooners developed an allergy to moving the ball in the final month of the season. The offense scored just seven touchdowns in 47 offensive possessions over the month of November, with only two coming on drives of at least five plays.Oklahoma's game script has been essentially the same in its last two contests: struggle to move the ball, then throw up the bat signal and hope Sategna can save you. It's a testament to the wideout's outrageous speed that he's done just that, with touchdowns of 87 and 58 yards in that span.Despite the offensive struggles, Venables said the build-up to Friday's game has been encouraging."This is kind of how the last week and a half has gone. The offense is just taking these big steps that get me fired up and excited," the third-year coach said on his radio show, according to <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/oklahoma-offense-college-football-playoff-alabama/">Brad Crawford of CBS Sports</a>.The thing is, it might not even matter. <figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814394/cropped_GettyImages-2246888213.jpg?ts=1766035459" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814394/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246888213.jpg?ts=1766035459 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814394/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246888213.jpg?ts=1766035459 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814394/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246888213.jpg?ts=1766035459 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814394/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246888213.jpg?ts=1766035459 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814394/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246888213.jpg?ts=1766035459 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>For as bad as the Sooners' offense has been, Alabama's given off a similar stench over the past month.The Tide essentially gave up on running the ball early in the season and enter this matchup sporting the nation's 117th-ranked rushing attack. A team can overcome that with a Heisman-level quarterback - something Ty Simpson was for the first half of the season.However, that hasn't been the case down the stretch. Simpson's electric start with 21 touchdowns against just one interception might as well have happened last year. He's thrown five touchdowns to four interceptions in the last four games and posted a quarterback rating of 19.9 in the SEC title game - comically low considering his season average was 76.95.The last two performances were particularly concerning: Alabama's offense failed to average 4 yards per play against Auburn or Georgia. In addition to the dismal quarterback rating versus the Bulldogs, the Tide rushed for a total of minus-3 yards on Kirby Smart's defense. Yes, that's the right number.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alabama has negative-3 rushing yards. Do you know the last time Alabama had negative rushing yards in a game? Never. Like, never ever (according to Bama's game notes).— Matt Baker (@MattBakerCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattBakerCFB/status/1997460288732606921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>To recap, that's an offensive line that can't run block or pass protect playing on the road in a hostile environment against the nation's top defensive line. Oh, and did we mention that R Mason Thomas - Oklahoma's best defender - is set for action after missing the Sooners' last meeting with Alabama?A rock fight appears to be on deck in Norman on Friday, as neither offense seems likely to sustain much success given how the past month has gone. The difference might be that Oklahoma is supremely comfortable with that type of game, while Alabama will do anything in its power to avoid such a spectacle.Should the Sooners pull off the victory and oust the Tide, they would become the first team to beat Alabama twice in the same season in more than 132 years.If you thought the DeBoer-to-Michigan rumors were loud earlier this week, tune in to see what happens if Alabama fails to make the CFP quarterfinals for the second straight season.

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No offense in Norman: Expect a rock fight in Alabama-Oklahoma

Indiana continued placing itself at the center of the college football universe Saturday, with qu...

Indiana continued placing itself at the center of the college football universe Saturday, with quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171730" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171730">Fernando Mendoza</a> winning the Heisman Trophy as the top player in the country.Mendoza is the first player in Indiana's history to take home college football's top honor. He beat out Vanderbilt passer Diego Pavia, Ohio State signal-caller Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th> 1st-place votes</th>
<th> Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Fernando Mendoza</td>
<td> 643</td>
<td> 2362</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diego Pavia</td>
<td> 189</td>
<td> 1435</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremiyah Love</td>
<td> 46</td>
<td> 719</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Julian Sayin</td>
<td> 8</td>
<td> 432</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The Cal transfer immediately made an impact in his first season with the Hoosiers, throwing for 14 touchdowns in his first four games at his new program. He would finish with 33 on the season to lead the country, throwing for 2,980 yards and completing over 71% of his passes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, Mendoza's candidacy was built on much more than stats - as the redshirt-junior passer rose to the occasion in the biggest moments on Indiana's magical run. He delivered in the clutch time and again all season, especially when the pressure was highest. Mendoza shone in comeback wins over Iowa, Penn State and Ohio State - with his game-winning touchdown pass against the Nittany Lions arguably the play of the year.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
OMAR COOPER UNREAL CATCH FOR THE TD 😱🤯 WHAT A GAME. WHAT A CATCH. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianaFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianaFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/PhHzKjuVB9">pic.twitter.com/PhHzKjuVB9</a>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1987256102262874620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Mendoza had the good fortune of joining the juggernaut Curt Cignetti had built in just one year at Indiana, however, he was clearly the upgrade at quarterback needed to get the Hoosiers on the same level as the elite programs in the country.The Heisman is the latest honor in his breakout season, as Mendoza already claimed the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback and the Maxwell Award as the country's best player, and was named the Associated Press' Player of the Year."I want every kid out there who feels overlooked, underestimated to know I was you," Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/SCNext/status/2000012469314441220?s=20">said</a> after receiving the Heisman Trophy. "I was that kid, too. I was in your shoes. The truth is you don't need the most stars, hype or rankings. You just need discipline, heart, and people who believe in you. And you need to believe in your own abilities. I hope this moment shows you that chasing your dreams are worth it, no matter how big or impossible they seem."Runner-up Pavia, who was the first Heisman finalist in Vanderbilt history, completed 71.2% of his passes this season for 3192 yards and 27 touchdowns to eight interceptions. He also added nine scores on the ground, giving him a total of 36 touchdowns. More importantly, the Commodores won 10 games with Pavia under center this season, the most in the school's history.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy before the 2025 Heisman Trophy Presentation at Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City.

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Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy will be awarded Saturday, but there's plenty of other hardware to hand out in ...

The Heisman Trophy will be awarded Saturday, but there's plenty of other hardware to hand out in the meantime. Here are the winners from the 2025 College Football Awards show:<h3>Davey O'Brien Award (best quarterback)</h3>Winner: Fernando Mendoza, IndianaMendoza becomes the first Indiana player to ever win the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback. The Cal transfer was an instant star in his first season with the Hoosiers, breaking the school record with 33 touchdown passes and leading the team to a Big Ten title. Mendoza provided plenty of dramatic moments this year - including some NFL-level throws in comeback wins over Penn State and Ohio State.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Other finalists: Marcel Reed (Texas A&amp;M), Julian Sayin (Ohio State)<h3>Biletnikoff Award (best receiver)</h3>Winner: Makai Lemon, USCLemon cashed in on an incredible season to become just the second USC player to win the award. The Trojans star was fourth in the nation in receiving yards and tied for sixth in touchdown grabs. He posted four games with at least 150 receiving yards - tied for most at the FBS level. Other finalists: Skyler Bell (UConn), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)<h3>Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player)</h3>Winner: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/cropped_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813698/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250990075.jpg?ts=1765588085 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> John E. Moore III / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>It would take a fantastic individual season for someone to claim this award over Caleb Downs, and that's exactly what Rodriguez did in 2025. The Texas Tech star linebacker recorded 117 tackles (11 for loss), four interceptions, and one sack in 13 games en route to finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.Other finalists: Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Cashius Howell (Texas A&amp;M)<h3>Doak Walker Award (best running back)</h3>Winner: Jeremiyah Love, Notre DameNo surprise here. Love once again was a beast for Notre Dame and became the first Fighting Irish player to win this award. The star tailback rushed for 1,372 yards (6.9 per carry) and 18 touchdowns in 2025 to go along with 280 receiving yards and three TD catches. Other finalists: Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss)<h3>Outland Trophy (best interior lineman)</h3>Winner: Spencer Fano, UtahFano came into the season with plenty of NFL buzz surrounding him and delivered all year for Utah. Fano allowed zero sacks in 382 pass-blocking snaps on the season, according to <a href="https://x.com/PFF_College/status/1999635803694334377?s=20">PFF</a>. The 6-foot-6, 302-pound junior is one of the more athletic interior linemen in the country and should be one of the top picks in April's NFL draft.Other finalists: Logan Jones (Iowa), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)<h3>Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back)</h3>Winner: Caleb Downs, Ohio StateDowns became the third Ohio State player to be named college football's best defensive back - and no one should be surprised by it. A cornerstone of the Buckeyes' stout defensive unit, Downs was all over the field in 2025, finishing the campaign with 60 tackles (five for loss), two pass breakups, two interceptions, and one sack.Other finalists: Mansoor Delane (LSU), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame)<h3>Coach of the Year</h3>Winner: Curt Cignetti, IndianaThey might as well rename this award for Cignetti after the Indiana coach took home the honors for the second year in a row. That being said, it's tough to argue with the decision, as he helped deliver Indiana's first Big Ten title in 58 years with a win over Ohio State in the conference championship game. That victory snapped a 37-game losing streak for the Hoosiers versus the Buckeyes and secured the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff.<h3>Ray Guy Award (best punter)</h3>Winner: Brett Thorson, GeorgiaThorson joined Drew Butler (2009) as the only Georgia punters to win the Ray Guy Award. The Australian averaged 45.2 yards per punt this season to be named the nation's most outstanding punter in his second straight year as a finalist.Other finalists: Evan Crenshaw (Troy), Palmer Williams (Baylor)<h3>Lou Groza Award (best kicker)</h3>Winner: Tate Sandell, Oklahoma<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/cropped_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248967574.jpg?ts=1765589622 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brian Bahr / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Short shorts, long kicks. Sandell is the first Sooner ever to win the Lou Groza Award as the nation's best kicker after converting 23 of 24 field-goal attempts in 2025. Additionally, he didn't miss any of his 32 extra-point attempts.Other finalists: Aidan Birr (Georgia Tech), Kansei Matsuzawa (Hawaii)<h3>Maxwell Award (best player)</h3>Winner: Fernando Mendoza, IndianaMendoza added another major award to his outstanding 2025 season by winning the Maxwell Award after also being named the nation's top quarterback Friday. The Heisman Trophy finalist completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns, the highest mark at the FBS level in 2025.Other finalists: Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), Julian Sayin (Ohio State)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 6: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers holds the MVP trophy after the 2025 Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 6, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Winners from the 2025 College Football Awards

James Madison has secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, 10-2 Notre Dame is opting to sk...

James Madison has secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, 10-2 Notre Dame is opting to skip a bowl game, Utah is accepting money from a private equity firm, and Indiana stands as the best team in the country.Yes, college football is in a weird place in 2025.All those things register on different levels of outrageous and unbelievable, but possibly the most stunning thing from the sport this year should happen Saturday night in New York.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>If the Heisman Trophy voters did their homework and made the right call, then Diego Pavia - the former zero-star recruit who began his career in junior college at New Mexico Military Institute - will walk across the stage and become the latest winner of the vaunted award.A once unknown, 5-foot-11 prospect who journeyed from JUCO to New Mexico State and ultimately Vanderbilt is now being honored as the best player in college football. The story is so improbable, even Hollywood would reject the pitch as too far-fetched for a movie.Yet there Pavia will be Saturday night, sharing the stage with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State's Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love as the Heisman's handed out.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809200/cropped_GettyImages-2245204885.jpg?ts=1762661559" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809200/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245204885.jpg?ts=1762661559 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809200/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245204885.jpg?ts=1762661559 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809200/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245204885.jpg?ts=1762661559 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809200/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245204885.jpg?ts=1762661559 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809200/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245204885.jpg?ts=1762661559 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>While a Buckeye quarterback and a Fighting Irish running back in contention certainly isn't a surprise, a Hoosier at the ceremony is a stunner considering the program's underwhelming history. But Mendoza joined a team that went 11-1 last season, and although he's been excellent this year, the highly touted NFL prospect was primarily asked to drive a sports car slightly faster than the previous driver.Pavia's challenge essentially fell on the opposite end of that spectrum, as we now must remind everyone he's doing this for Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt! The Commodores have been playing football for 122 years, but we might as well divide the eras in Nashville into two categories: before Pavia and after Pavia.Prior to his arrival, Vanderbilt football largely meant losing - and lots of it. The campaign before Pavia appeared on campus, the Commodores posted a 2-10 record and failed to win an SEC game. In Year 2 A.P., they flipped that mark and achieved the first 10-win season in the program's history. Talk about immediate impact.Pavia's move to Vanderbilt didn't exactly make a big splash nationally, with <a href="https://247sports.com/season/2022-football/recruitrankings/?InstitutionGroup=JuniorCollege&amp;Position=QB">247 Sports</a> ranking him as the third-best JUCO transfer quarterback, just behind Gino Campiatti. If you're unfamiliar with his work, Campiatti ended up at UMass ... as a tight end.A colossal upset over Alabama, capped by one of the most <a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/shorts/Uq7nsrXO8bg?si=1kkqusbmgFs8BZPQ">viral moments of the season</a>, catapulted Pavia into stardom.OK, enough about the origin story - why should Pavia win the Heisman this season?<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806156/cropped_GettyImages-2241863033.jpg?ts=1760820793" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806156/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241863033.jpg?ts=1760820793 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806156/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241863033.jpg?ts=1760820793 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806156/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241863033.jpg?ts=1760820793 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806156/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241863033.jpg?ts=1760820793 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806156/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241863033.jpg?ts=1760820793 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The race is essentially down to two players, with Mendoza favored ahead of Pavia. The Indiana passer leading the Hoosiers to an incredible Big Ten title win over Ohio State certainly makes him a worthy winner, but, as we covered above, he benefited from stepping into the perfect situation.Mendoza piled up 3,220 total yards of offense with 39 touchdowns on the season, sitting out a number of fourth quarters as Indiana held insurmountable leads. However, Pavia surpassed those numbers by a significant margin, recording 4,018 total yards and 36 touchdowns. But it was during the closing stretch when Pavia really pulled away, delivering clutch performances and doing all he could to drag Vanderbilt to the playoffs.Indiana allowed 11 points per game in its last four contests, showcasing why its defense ranks second in the nation. Vanderbilt surrendered 28.25 points per game during the same stretch, forcing Pavia to go nuclear to keep the Commodores involved. And that's exactly what he did.Pavia put up over 1,850 total yards of offense with 16 touchdowns across the season's final four games, topping the 400-yard mark in each. He became the <a href="https://x.com/colecubelic/status/1995616310190043142?s=20">first player in SEC history</a> to accomplish that feat. In a powerhouse conference that sends more players to the NFL than any other, the only man ever to do it is former zero-star recruit Diego Pavia.Mendoza has produced Heisman moments in wins over Oregon, Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State, but Pavia's sustained brilliance on every single drive over the past month should be what gives him the Heisman.

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Our vote is in: Give Pavia the Heisman

Wait, you thought the college football coaching carousel was done?  Just when the seemingly never...

Wait, you thought the college football coaching carousel was done?Just when the seemingly never-ending merry-go-round had finally slowed down, a whale - not another horse - joined the ride: the head coaching position at the University of Michigan.The school announced a stunning move Wednesday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3424204" href="https://thescore.com/news/3424204">firing Sherrone Moore for cause</a> after a university investigation revealed that the Wolverines head coach engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Although the university had been conducting the investigation for multiple weeks, Moore met with media Monday to discuss the team's newly signed recruiting class and its upcoming bowl game against Texas. That suggests the school only recently decided to make the change.According to <a href="https://x.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1998884326541570191?s=20">On3's Brett McMurphy</a>, Moore's firing now means 23.5% of power conference programs will have a new coach next season - a staggering number that shows just how crazy this coaching cycle has been.Many of the top candidates have already taken new jobs, but this is Michigan, one of the jobs in the sport. The Wolverines have a recent national title, a highly touted quarterback in Bryce Underwood, and an NIL fund flush with resources. They should have no problem finding a top-level coach to take over in Ann Arbor.With that said, let's take a look at some of the names who will likely be under consideration.<h3>Kalen DeBoer</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779383/cropped_GettyImages-2191971957.jpg?ts=1744070088" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779383/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191971957.jpg?ts=1744070088 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779383/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191971957.jpg?ts=1744070088 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779383/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191971957.jpg?ts=1744070088 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779383/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191971957.jpg?ts=1744070088 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/779383/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191971957.jpg?ts=1744070088 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>This option may be shocking, but if Alabama falls to Oklahoma in its opening-round College Football Playoff game, DeBoer could be headed north. The second-year Alabama coach always seemed like a bit of an awkward fit to replace Nick Saban (honestly, who wouldn't be?), and his tenure in Tuscaloosa has already endured some rocky moments.Prior to joining the Crimson Tide, DeBoer spent the entirety of his career in the Midwest and on the West Coast. He could easily decide that he wants to exit the cauldron of SEC football for more familiar territory. While some are underwhelmed by his 19-7 mark in two seasons with Alabama, he's an outrageous 123-19 in his career as a head coach.<h3>Jesse Minter</h3>It's highly unlikely Michigan dips back into the Jim Harbaugh waters to hire someone from his staff, but the Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator is the unquestioned choice if it does. Minter was brilliant during his time as the Wolverines' defensive coordinator from 2022-23, which included being named a Broyles Award finalist for the nation's top assistant in 2023. While he would be a popular pick among the Michigan faithful, there are a number of challenges around his candidacy.First, Minter is likely to be in the running for upcoming NFL head coaching vacancies given his success alongside Harbaugh in the pros. He also received a one-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA for recruiting violations while at Michigan previously.<h3>Kenny Dillingham</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797596/cropped_GettyImages-2192348075.jpg?ts=1755258887" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797596/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192348075.jpg?ts=1755258887 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797596/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192348075.jpg?ts=1755258887 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797596/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192348075.jpg?ts=1755258887 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797596/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192348075.jpg?ts=1755258887 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797596/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192348075.jpg?ts=1755258887 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bruce Yeung / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Dillingham has drawn rave reviews in three seasons at Arizona State, with the 35-year-old showing that he's among the best in the country at handling today's player-movement landscape. Arizona State is Dillingham's alma mater, so it will take a lot to get him to leave Tempe, but the prestige of Michigan could be enough to get it done.Before taking over the Sun Devils, Dillingham coached under Mike Norvell, Gus Malzahn, and Dan Lanning. He'd be a welcome addition for the development of Underwood given his history with quarterbacks, such as Bo Nix and Jordan Travis.<h3>Jedd Fisch</h3>Anybody expecting Washington's Fisch to be on Michigan's short list will likely cite his previous stint on staff in Ann Arbor. That's certainly relevant, but the man has been with 15 different organizations since 1998, so he's far from a Wolverines lifer. Fisch has done excellent work with multiple quarterbacks throughout his career but carries a 31-33 all-time record as a college head coach. That could be a tough sell at a job this big.<h3>Jeff Brohm</h3>Michigan should absolutely call Jeff Brohm just to find out exactly how much he loves Louisville. He was born in Louisville, went to high school in Louisville, played quarterback at Louisville, coached Arena League football in Louisville, and is currently the head coach at Louisville. So yeah, it will be tough to pry him away from his Kentucky home. He also recently pulled his name from consideration at other jobs and told his bosses that he's committed to the Cardinals, according to <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1996302007414440437?s=20">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.However, none of those jobs were Michigan, and for the Wolverines, it's worth an inquiry to gauge Brohm's interest in returning to the Big Ten. Landing him will be a challenge, but there's no question he would be a home-run hire. If the man can take Purdue to the Big Ten championship game, there's no telling what he could accomplish with the mighty backing of Michigan.<h3>Brian Kelly</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807226/cropped_GettyImages-2243307606.jpg?ts=1761449500" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807226/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243307606.jpg?ts=1761449500 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807226/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243307606.jpg?ts=1761449500 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807226/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243307606.jpg?ts=1761449500 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807226/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243307606.jpg?ts=1761449500 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807226/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243307606.jpg?ts=1761449500 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tyler Kaufman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Okay, hear me out. Kelly isn't exactly the hottest name on the market, considering how he flamed out at LSU, but his overall track record is exceptional - especially in the Midwest. Prior to heading south, he amassed an overall mark of 263-95-2 at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame.Kelly's history with Underwood could also come into play here, as the veteran head coach had secured his commitment to LSU for a lengthy period before Michigan's NIL collective fired the money cannon and convinced him to stay close to home.<h3>Jake Dickert</h3>Dickert might not have the name cache of DeBoer, Kelly, or the like, but the Wake Forest head coach is a rising star in the industry. Dickert spent most of his career throughout the Midwest before taking over at Washington State. In his final season with the Cougars, he posted an impressive 8-4 mark that garnered national attention. Dickert then moved across the country to lead Wake Forest, which he immediately guided to an eight-win campaign, matching the team's combined win total over the previous two years.

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With Moore out, who's next up at Michigan?

With the 2025 college football regular season officially over, it's time for postseason action.  ...

With the 2025 college football regular season officially over, it's time for postseason action.The slate of bowl games starts Dec. 13 with the LA Bowl, includes the College Football Playoff quarterfinals set for Dec. 19-20, and concludes with the national championship in Miami on Jan. 19. Here's the full list of matchups for bowl season.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Bowl</th>
<th>Matchup</th>
<th>Location</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 13</td>
<td>LA Bowl</td>
<td>Washington vs. Boise State</td>
<td>Inglewood (SoFi Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 16</td>
<td>Salute to Veterans Bowl</td>
<td>Troy vs. Jacksonville State</td>
<td>Montgomery (Cramton Bowl)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 17</td>
<td>Cure Bowl</td>
<td>Old Dominion vs. South Florida</td>
<td>Orlando (Camping World Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 17</td>
<td>68 Ventures Bowl</td>
<td>Louisiana vs. Delaware</td>
<td>Mobile (Hancock Whitney Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 18</td>
<td>Xbox Bowl</td>
<td>Missouri State vs. Arkansas State</td>
<td>Frisco (Ford Center)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 19</td>
<td>Myrtle Beach Bowl</td>
<td>Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan</td>
<td>Conway (Brooks Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 19</td>
<td>Gasparilla Bowl</td>
<td>NC State vs. Memphis</td>
<td>Tampa (Raymond James Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 22</td>
<td>Idaho Potato Bowl</td>
<td>Utah State vs. Washington State</td>
<td>Boise (Albertsons Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 23</td>
<td>Boca Raton Bowl</td>
<td>Louisville vs. Toledo</td>
<td>Boca Raton (Flagler Credit Union Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 23</td>
<td>New Orleans Bowl</td>
<td>Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss</td>
<td>New Orleans (Caesars Superdome)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 23</td>
<td>Frisco Bowl</td>
<td>UNLV vs. Ohio</td>
<td>Frisco (Ford Center)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 24</td>
<td>Hawaii Bowl</td>
<td>Cal vs. Hawaii</td>
<td>Honolulu (Ching Athletics Complex)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 26</td>
<td>GameAbove Sports Bowl</td>
<td>Northwestern vs. Central Michigan</td>
<td>Detroit (Ford Field)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 26</td>
<td>Rate Bowl</td>
<td>Minnesota vs. New Mexico</td>
<td>Phoenix (Chase Field)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 26</td>
<td>First Responder Bowl</td>
<td>UTSA vs. FIU</td>
<td>Dallas (Ford Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Military Bowl</td>
<td>Pitt vs. East Carolina</td>
<td>Annapolis (Memorial Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Pinstripe Bowl</td>
<td>Penn State vs. Clemson</td>
<td>Bronx (Yankee Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Fenway Bowl</td>
<td>Army vs. UConn</td>
<td>Boston (Fenway Park)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Pop-Tarts Bowl</td>
<td>Georgia Tech vs. BYU</td>
<td>Orlando (Camping World Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Arizona Bowl</td>
<td>Fresno State vs. Miami (Ohio)</td>
<td>Tucson (Arizona Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>New Mexico Bowl</td>
<td>San Diego State vs. North Texas</td>
<td>Albuquerque (University Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Gator Bowl</td>
<td>Virginia vs. Missouri</td>
<td>Jacksonville (EverBank Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Texas Bowl</td>
<td>LSU vs. Houston</td>
<td>Houston (NRG Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 29</td>
<td>Birmingham Bowl</td>
<td>Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State </td>
<td>Birmingham (Protective Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 30</td>
<td>Independence Bowl</td>
<td>Louisiana Tech vs. Coastal Carolina</td>
<td>Shreveport (Independence Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 30</td>
<td>Music City Bowl</td>
<td>Illinois vs. Tennessee</td>
<td>Nashville (Nissan Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 30</td>
<td>Alamo Bowl</td>
<td>TCU vs. USC</td>
<td>San Antonio (Alamodome)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>ReliaQuest Bowl</td>
<td>Iowa vs. Vanderbilt</td>
<td>Tampa (Raymond James Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Sun Bowl</td>
<td>Duke vs. Arizona State</td>
<td>El Paso (Sun Bowl Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Las Vegas Bowl</td>
<td>Nebraska vs. Utah</td>
<td>Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Citrus Bowl</td>
<td>Michigan vs. Texas</td>
<td>Orlando (Camping World Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Cotton Bowl (CFP quarterfinal)</td>
<td>Ohio State vs. Miami/Texas A&amp;M</td>
<td>Arlington (AT&amp;T Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 1</td>
<td>Orange Bowl (CFP quarterfinal)</td>
<td>Texas Tech vs. James Madison/Oregon</td>
<td>Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 1</td>
<td>Rose Bowl (CFP quarterfinal)</td>
<td>Indiana vs. Alabama/Oklahoma</td>
<td>Pasadena (Rose Bowl)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 1</td>
<td>Sugar Bowl (CFP quarterfinal)</td>
<td>Georgia vs. Tulane/Ole Miss</td>
<td>New Orleans (Caesars Superdome)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 2</td>
<td>Armed Forces Bowl</td>
<td>Rice vs. Texas State</td>
<td>Fort Worth (Amon G. Carter Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 2</td>
<td>Liberty Bowl</td>
<td>Navy vs. Cincinnati</td>
<td>Memphis (Liberty Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 2</td>
<td>Duke's Mayo Bowl</td>
<td>Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State</td>
<td>Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 2</td>
<td>Holiday Bowl</td>
<td>SMU vs. Arizona</td>
<td>San Diego (Snapdragon Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 8</td>
<td>Fiesta Bowl (CFP semifinal)</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Glendale (State Farm Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 9</td>
<td>Peach Bowl (CFP semifinal)</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 19</td>
<td>CFP National Championship</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 22: The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl George L. Stuart, Sr. Memorial trophy on display during the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days at Mandalay Bay Convention Center on July 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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CFB Bowl Tracker: See where your team is headed for postseason play

Notre Dame's 2025 season is officially finished, as the Fighting Irish announced Sunday that they...

Notre Dame's 2025 season is officially finished, as the Fighting Irish announced Sunday that they withdrew from consideration for a bowl game.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/TyzavvzpC1">pic.twitter.com/TyzavvzpC1</a>— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/1997770150125175225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The decision comes just hours after Notre Dame missed out on the College Football Playoff. The committee moved Miami into the 12-team field at the expense of the Fighting Irish.Notre Dame was then invited to play BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1997772176997413147?s=20">On3's Brett McMurphy</a>. While that matchup would've been arguably the top non-CFP bowl game, the team declined.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 10-2 Irish became the third program choosing to forgo bowl season after Kansas State and Iowa State announced their intentions earlier Sunday.Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua heavily criticized the committee and its selection process following the CFP reveal."There is no explanation that could possibly be given to explain the outcome," Bevacqua told <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/notre-dame-despondent-after-being-left-out-of-college-football-playoff--overwhelming-shock-and-sadness-192622885.html">Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports</a>. "As I said to (head coach Marcus Freeman), one thing is for sure: Any rankings or show prior to this last one is an absolute joke and a waste of time. Why put these young student-athletes through these false emotions just to pull the rug out from underneath them having not played a game in two weeks and then a group of people in a room shatter their dreams without explanation?"Notre Dame entered conference championship weekend firmly in the CFP bracket, but BYU's loss in the Big 12 title game proved enough for the committee to drop the Cougars and move Miami alongside the Irish in the rankings.CFP chair Hunter Yurachek <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3421408" href="https://thescore.com/news/3421408">told</a> ESPN on Sunday that the Big 12 result led the committee to put Miami ahead of Notre Dame based on the Hurricanes' head-to-head victory over the Irish in Week 1.If Notre Dame fans - and administrators - can take any solace in the news, it's that they won't be left out in similar situations in the future. Bevacqua told Dellenger that a memorandum of understanding signed by CFP officials last spring guarantees the Irish a spot in the field if they're in the top 12 of the final rankings, beginning in 2026. If that agreement was in place this season, Miami - the final at-large team - would've been pushed out of the bracket in favor of No. 11 Notre Dame.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 09: Head Coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish watches from the sidelines during the Penn State Nittany Lions versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.

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Notre Dame declines bowl bid after missing CFP

The College Football Playoff field is officially set, but you can expect the arguments over who d...

The College Football Playoff field is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3421118" href="https://thescore.com/news/3421118">officially set</a>, but you can expect the arguments over who deserved to be in, and which team got the worst draw, to continue for the next couple of weeks.The committee didn't change a significant amount from the final rankings of the season, with Miami's inclusion over Notre Dame the move that garnered the most headlines.Read on for our call on that decision, plus other top takeaways from the bracket release.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Committee got it right with Miami ... finally</h3>When you strip everything else away, the committee could have just made its decision about Miami over Notre Dame by listening to Herm Edwards.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W42iiCcFbxE?si=u_0quazZLzsPq6rj" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>"You play to win the game, you don't play to just play it. That's the great thing about sports."Indeed it is, Herm. The committee may have avoided that premise for as long as possible, but sanity finally reigned in the final rankings - and the Hurricanes are in the field.Both teams have identical 10-2 records and sit in very similar places in most advanced metrics. However, the committee had Miami behind Notre Dame in every single rankings release despite the Hurricanes beating the Irish in Week 1.That wrong was finally righted on Sunday, but it took a second BYU blowout loss to Texas Tech to force the committee's hand. That setback put Miami and Notre Dame beside each other in the rankings, a situation that finally made the head-to-head matter."Once we moved Miami ahead of BYU, we had that side-by-side comparison that everyone had been hungering for," CFP chair Hunter Yurachek said, according to <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1997726759278854197?s=20">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. "The one metric we had to fall back on was the head-to-head."You can argue about whether Notre Dame should be in the field - there's little question the Irish are currently performing like one of top teams in the nation. However, that just couldn't be done at the expense of Miami. Ignoring the head-to-head result would have called the legitimacy of the entire process into question.<h3>We need to talk about Group of 5 champs</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812947/cropped_GettyImages-2250256913.jpg?ts=1765134915" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812947/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250256913.jpg?ts=1765134915 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812947/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250256913.jpg?ts=1765134915 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812947/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250256913.jpg?ts=1765134915 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812947/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250256913.jpg?ts=1765134915 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812947/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250256913.jpg?ts=1765134915 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Hannah Foslien / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The addition of a Group of 5 champion to the field is a nice carrot to dangle for a potential Cinderella program looking to shock the world. However, everything is good in moderation, and we have to ensure we aren't overdosing on underdogs.Boise State absolutely deserved a spot last year as the MWC champ, but we quickly realized how ridiculous it was that the Broncos got a first-round bye alongside Arizona State. The committee made the necessary changes for this year's format, reserving the byes for the top four teams in the rankings and not merely the conference champions. Another provision is needed for next year after James Madison nabbed a spot while better teams like Notre Dame, Texas, and Vanderbilt sit at home.This is not a shot at the Dukes - they are absolutely one of the top Group of 5 teams in the country and a very deserving Sun Belt winner. However, they have zero power-conference wins on the season, losing on the road to Louisville in their only shot at such a statement victory. On the other side of the bubble sits Notre Dame, a program with eight power-conference victories on the season - all by double-digits.There might be a number of ways to fix this issue, but perhaps the best method is the one proposed by <a href="https://x.com/BudElliott3/status/1997739527264448861?s=20">CBS Sports' Bud Elliott</a> calling for a Group of 5 champion to require a top-20 overall ranking to be included. That would see Tulane still in the field, while James Madison would fall short.Of course, this problem likely goes away entirely if the ACC would fix its absurd tiebreaker rules and ensure that a five-loss Duke doesn't get to play for the conference title.<h3>Indiana's great draw</h3>Plenty of words were written leading into the conference title game about how the Big Ten matchup between Ohio State and Indiana was meaningless because both teams were in the field and set to receive a bye regardless of the outcome. The past 14 hours would suggest otherwise for both combatants.Indiana might still be celebrating the program's first outright Big Ten title since 1945, an incredible feat that only got better with the committee's release. The victory over the Buckeyes moved the Hoosiers to No. 1 and means they will avoid a rematch against their Big Ten foe until the national title game. That also sees Georgia fall on the other side of the bracket, with a Bulldogs-Buckeyes semifinal matchup a strong possibility.Sure, a quarterfinal date with either Alabama or Oklahoma will be a test, but the way those two teams are playing offense at the moment makes a win over the Hoosiers highly unlikely.Indiana proved Saturday - and earlier this season at Oregon - that it doesn't need an easy draw to make its mark on the sport. However, we doubt Curt Cignetti is upset that his squad got one with this bracket.<h3>No Saturday result was keeping Alabama out</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812949/cropped_GettyImages-2249839381.jpg?ts=1765134976" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812949/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249839381.jpg?ts=1765134976 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812949/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249839381.jpg?ts=1765134976 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812949/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249839381.jpg?ts=1765134976 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812949/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249839381.jpg?ts=1765134976 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812949/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249839381.jpg?ts=1765134976 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Alabama entered the SEC title game Saturday as the No. 9 seed in the rankings and with a date against a Georgia team it already beat on the road this season. According to the ESPN playoff predictor, the Tide took the field in Atlanta with a 97% chance of making the CFP field. Given that scenario, it was going to take something catastrophic to see the Tide miss out on the 12-team tournament.Well, how about the program's worst rushing performance in an SEC game since 1940, and a 21-point loss? Would that be considered catastrophic enough? Turns out, no. Despite an absolutely dismal performance versus the Bulldogs, Alabama will still make the CFP as the final at-large team.Alabama had a couple of things going in its favor for a playoff spot despite Saturday's result. First, the Tide had already beaten Georgia this season - ending the Bulldogs' 33-game home winning streak in the process. That's something BYU couldn't claim, as the Cougars were dominated by Texas Tech in both contests this year.Second, the committee wasn't going to take at least four teams from the SEC and not have one of them be the No. 1 seed after the regular season. That type of decision would ruin the purpose of conference championship games. Whether you think that's needed or not - spoiler alert, it is - under the current rules, the Tide were always headed to the CFP.<h3>Rough path for Texas A&amp;M</h3>Congratulations on your 11-1 season, Texas A&amp;M. The reward waiting for you is an opening-round matchup with a physical Miami team and a potential quarterfinal against Ohio State should you prevail.The toughest draw in the tournament is arguably sitting at the feet of the No. 7 Aggies, who are on the same side of the bracket as the Hurricanes, Buckeyes and Georgia. Meanwhile, No. 6 Ole Miss gets to host Tulane in the opening round - a rematch of an earlier-season contest that the Rebels won by 25 points.We can argue the merits of Texas A&amp;M and Ole Miss' resumes, but the Aggies dropping four spots for losing on the road to Texas in the season finale was a bit jarring. The full extent of that penalty was displayed Sunday with the draw that came Mike Elko's way.<h3>All blowouts aren't created equal</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812964/cropped_GettyImages-2249757542.jpg?ts=1765138510" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812964/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249757542.jpg?ts=1765138510 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812964/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249757542.jpg?ts=1765138510 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812964/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249757542.jpg?ts=1765138510 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812964/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249757542.jpg?ts=1765138510 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812964/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249757542.jpg?ts=1765138510 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Alabama entered the final weekend at No. 9 in the CFP rankings, rushed for minus-3 yards in a 21-point blowout loss to No. 3 Georgia, and somehow still found itself at No. 9 in Sunday's playoff field. BYU took a 27-point beatdown at the hands of Texas Tech and found itself dropping from No. 11 to No. 12 - and will miss the playoff entirely.Now, before you scream "SEC bias," there's another good reason why the Cougars' loss was treated differently than the Crimson Tide. Alabama stormed into Athens and beat Georgia earlier this season, ending the nation's longest active home winning streak at 33 games. It's arguably the best win in the entire country this season. The loss earlier this year to No. 8 Oklahoma saw the Crimson Tide outgain the Sooners by almost 200 yards, with turnovers deciding the eventual two-point margin. Saturday was horrendous for Alabama, but Kalen DeBoer's squad has at least showed it's a threat against anybody in the country this season.BYU has looked completely overmatched in both contests with Texas Tech this season, losing by a combined 63-14 scoreline. It's impossible to have watched those two contests and think the Cougars have a chance at competing in the playoff. Okay, now we have hit the part where you can scream "SEC bias." There's no chance the No. 1 seed from the SEC's regular season is getting left out of the playoff based on the result of the conference championship game. Whether you agree with that or not, it simply isn't going to happen.

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CFP takeaways: Committee gets it right with Miami, Indiana's great draw, and more

One of the hottest topics around the College Football Playoff rankings this season was the distan...

One of the hottest topics around the College Football Playoff rankings this season was the distance between Miami and Notre Dame.Despite the two programs sporting identical 10-2 records, the committee consistently ranked the Fighting Irish above the Hurricanes throughout the year, angering many fans who were quick to highlight Miami's Week 1 win over Notre Dame.The committee previously cited the teams not being close enough in the rankings for the head-to-head result to come into play.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That changed Sunday, with the committee opting to move Miami into the playoff bracket and keep Notre Dame out after BYU's Big 12 championship loss dropped the Cougars behind the Hurricanes."In last week's rankings, we thought Notre Dame was better than BYU and deserved to be ranked higher than BYU, and we thought BYU deserved to be ranked higher than Miami," CFP chair Hunter Yurachek explained on ESPN's playoff selection show. "After the championship game in the Big 12 and the way BYU performed again against Texas Tech, we felt Miami deserved to be ranked ahead of BYU. And then you had the direct head-to-head comparison of those teams - Miami and Notre Dame - sitting, respectively, at 10 and 11 in our poll."The Hurricanes should send BYU some lavish gifts for getting blown out by Texas Tech for a second time this season, as the result forced the committee to lean heavily on the season-opening head-to-head matchup, which Yurachek admitted that it hadn't done up to that point."Not until they really got in close proximity, side by side, with the move with BYU were we able to evaluate just those two teams side by side. We always had someone between them, whether it was previously Alabama and BYU and then just BYU in the last week."The assessment is certainly a confusing way to end up with Miami in the field over Notre Dame, but the Hurricanes won't be upset entering their first-round matchup against Texas A&amp;M on Dec. 20.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 31: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) throws the ball during the college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on August 31, 2025 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.

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CFP chair: Miami over Notre Dame came down to head-to-head

Last week's ranking set the stage for what became official on Sunday: Texas will miss the College...

Last week's ranking set the stage for what became official on Sunday: Texas will miss the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2022.That sound you hear - and have been hearing for over a week now - is likely Steve Sarkisian continuing to make his case that the Longhorns deserve a spot as one of the top-12 teams in the nation. Texas received a substantial bump last week for knocking off Texas A&amp;M to end the season, moving up three spots to No. 13. Unfortunately, with the Longhorns on the sideline this weekend, their fate was left in the hands of the committee to move them into the field.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Several factors contributed to Texas' position, but the common gripe among the fan base and administration is that the team is being punished for a season-opening loss at Ohio State. While other schools scheduled weaker opponents, the Longhorns challenged themselves by playing a road game against the defending national champions.Sarkisian focused heavily on that point in the past few weeks, threatening to make changes to Texas' upcoming non-conference schedule if his squad isn't in the final CFP field."We scheduled Ohio State and played that game, and we lose 14-7," Sarkisian said on <a href="https://x.com/SXMCollege/status/1995923893060763885?s=20">SiriusXM's Full Ride</a>. "We outgain them by nearly 200 yards, and we got stopped twice inside their 5-yard line on two fourth downs. We lost the game, but they've beaten every other team they played on their schedule by three scores."So, at that point, why do we even play that game? Because if we're a 10-2 team right now that played four top-10 ranked opponents with three top-10 wins, we're not even having a discussion right now. My point is: Why the hell am I going to play that game next year? For what? What good does it do?"Well, for one, Steve, it's football, and you are at the University of Texas.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812828/cropped_GettyImages-2240878630.jpg?ts=1765059447" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812828/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240878630.jpg?ts=1765059447 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812828/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240878630.jpg?ts=1765059447 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812828/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240878630.jpg?ts=1765059447 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812828/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240878630.jpg?ts=1765059447 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812828/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240878630.jpg?ts=1765059447 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> James Gilbert / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Look, Sarkisian has to stump for the Longhorns to make the playoff - he's paid handsomely by the school to do so. This puts him in an awkward position, as he has to find reasons to poke holes in the committee's logic. However, Texas prides itself on being a premier program - one that should welcome powerhouse matchups with teams like Ohio State to challenge itself at the highest level.You don't need to listen to me about that. Instead, let's hear from a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOtR53eXC2I">two-time playoff participant head coach</a> on the value of early-season blockbuster non-conference games."When you look at the first three or four weeks of the college football season, if we don't play those types of games and we're just waiting for conference play to begin, where's the excitement? What are we talking about? To get that spotlight that we had in Week 2 and that stage, I think was great for both of our programs."Still not convinced? OK, let's get the same coach's thoughts on what winning that high-profile non-conference game can do for a team."That win gave us as much or more confidence than anything throughout the season to help us navigate our way through some of those other tougher games late in the year because it gave us some more belief in what we were doing."Now that sounds like the type of coach who wouldn't back down from a challenge early in the season and certainly wouldn't schedule a lesser opponent to make things easy on his program. If Sarkisian wants to talk to that guy, he just has to look in the mirror because those quotes came from him in 2023 before the final CFP rankings that year.Texas - in its final season as a Big 12 member - had played a Week 2 road game against mighty Alabama and came away with arguably the most impressive victory of the campaign. The win was a major reason the Big 12 champion Longhorns got a berth in the final four-team playoff.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812829/cropped_GettyImages-1670950043.jpg?ts=1765059699" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812829/w220xh124_GettyImages-1670950043.jpg?ts=1765059699 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812829/w320xh180_GettyImages-1670950043.jpg?ts=1765059699 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812829/w640xh360_GettyImages-1670950043.jpg?ts=1765059699 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812829/w768xh432_GettyImages-1670950043.jpg?ts=1765059699 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812829/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1670950043.jpg?ts=1765059699 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Sarkisian seemed to be quite supportive of playing non-conference blockbusters that season. He was also pretty happy with Texas' road game at Michigan in September of last year."I think it serves us well in preparation," Sarkisian said in August, as per <a href="https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/texas-longhorns-learned-major-lessons-from-previous-non-conference-matchups">Isabella Capuchino of Sports Illustrated</a>. "I really think going to Michigan early in the year (last season), helped us and gave us a lot of confidence going to Kyle Field at the end of the year."Would a 10-2 Texas be a lock for the playoffs? Maybe, but the committee is certainly docking the Longhorns more for a road loss to 4-8 Florida and a 25-point blowout to Georgia. Texas played four true road games this year, finishing with two losses and two overtime wins over Mississippi State and Kentucky - a pair of teams that posted a combined 3-13 in SEC play.If the Longhorns had beaten Florida, the close loss to Ohio State likely would've been the data point that raised them above other 10-2 teams in the final rankings. As it is, the result versus the Buckeyes is one of the reasons Texas is the highest-ranked three-loss team.That's the benefit of playing such a high-profile non-conference game.The Longhorns got a significant bump from those contests in two straight years, with wins over Alabama and Michigan going a long way toward helping them make the playoff. Sarkisian wants the same treatment this time, despite the result going the other way.That ain't how it works, no matter how loud the outcry is from Austin.

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Don't feel bad for Texas

Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech officially claimed the first-round byes for this year...

Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech officially claimed the first-round byes for this year's College Football Playoff, but the real drama came as the committee determined the final at-large berths Sunday.Despite neither team playing this weekend, Miami jumped Notre Dame to make the field, with the committee finally honoring the Hurricanes' head-to-head win over the Fighting Irish. The committee also opted to keep Alabama in the bracket, deciding not to punish the Crimson Tide for their 21-point loss in Saturday's SEC championship.Miami's inclusion gives the ACC a representative in the field, something that was in question after five-loss Duke defeated Virginia for the conference title. The Blue Devils were left out of the playoff, while Sun Belt champion James Madison got the nod as the final conference title winner.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3421032" href="https://thescore.com/news/3421032">Tap here for our biggest takeaways from the playoff field</a></blockquote><h3>First-round matchups</h3>Game 1: No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama (Dec. 19, 8 p.m. ET)Alabama not only remained in the field, but it will get to play a familiar foe in the opening round with a trip to Norman. Despite the Crimson Tide dominating the Sooners in yardage and time of possession during their meeting three weeks ago, the visitors escaped Tuscaloosa with a shocking upset win. Oklahoma's swarming defense forced three turnovers in that victory.Game 2: No. 7 Texas A&amp;M vs. No. 10 Miami (Dec. 20, 12 p.m. ET)Miami's inclusion over Notre Dame means there won't be a rematch between the Aggies and the Irish. Instead, the Hurricanes are heading to College Station in what should be the most physical first-round matchup. The teams enter this game on opposite ends of the spectrum, as Miami has won four straight outings by double digits, while Texas A&amp;M is coming off its only loss of the season.Game 3: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 Tulane (Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m. ET)While the scene in Oxford will be outrageous, the 6-11 contest between Ole Miss and Tulane lacks the juice of some other first-round matchups. These teams already played in September, with the Rebels winning 45-10. Things are different now, especially with Lane Kiffin having left for LSU, but it's tough to see the Green Wave making enough changes to narrow that gap. An Ole Miss victory would set up an enticing rematch with Georgia. The Bulldogs won 43-35 in their previous meeting in Athens.Game 4: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 James Madison (Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. ET)The 5-12 matchup is a true David-versus-Goliath situation. James Madison was undoubtedly one of the top Group of 5 teams this season, but the step up to a power conference opponent in the wild Autzen Stadium will be a massive test. Oregon will certainly be much happier with this bracket than last year's, which pitted them against eventual national champion Ohio State in the quarterfinal. This time, the Ducks avoided the Buckeyes being on their side of the bracket, although a possible rematch with Indiana - the Hoosiers won 30-20 in Eugene back in October - is possible in the semifinal.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
THE CFP BRACKET IS HERE ‼️ (📷: <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a>) <a href="https://t.co/yxlXF0DzDy">pic.twitter.com/yxlXF0DzDy</a>— theScore (@theScore) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1997722611477029180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2025</a>
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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 11: Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman exits the field after the game between NC State Wolfpack and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on October 11, 2025 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN.

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CFP committee takes Alabama, Miami over Notre Dame

Alabama's final chance to impress the College Football Playoff committee was a disaster Saturday,...

Alabama's final chance to impress the College Football Playoff committee was a disaster Saturday, with Georgia blowing out the Crimson Tide 28-7 in an emphatic win.That hands the Tide their third loss on the season and puts the onus on the committee to make a decision on how it will handle conference title-game losers.Should Alabama be punished for its performance in a 13th game of the season when the other teams on the bubble didn't qualify for their conference title game? <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kalen DeBoer doesn't think so."If this game applies to and takes away from our resume, I don't think that's right. I really don't. I think the precedent has been set," the second-year coach said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/_NickKelly/status/1997473570687996237?s=20">Nick Kelly of AL.com</a>. "I don't know how you can go into a conference playoff game when you're the No. 1 seed and did all these things throughout the year and playing in this game, against one of the top teams in the country as well, how that can hurt you and keep you out of the playoff when we've done what we have done all year."The precedent he's talking about is from last season where Penn State, SMU, and Texas all remained in the CFP field despite losses in their conference title games. It was never really in question that the Nittany Lions or Longhorns wouldn't make the field, but the Mustangs certainly had a nervous Selection Sunday.Ultimately SMU would make the field, but its loss was by a field goal to Clemson in the ACC title game - a far cry from a 21-point blowout that Alabama suffered Saturday.Outside of the stunning season-opening loss to Florida State, the Crimson Tide's resume is solid with a number of strong wins. However, the majority of those came earlier in the season and the team has struggled to separate down the stretch. Will that ultimately be the downfall for the Tide, or are they still securely in the field?We will find out Sunday at noon.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Kalen Deboer of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter in the 2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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DeBoer: SEC blowout shouldn't take away from Alabama resume

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Dane Belbeck

Supervising Editor

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Daniel Valente

News Editor

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