Alabama Favored Over Miami in College Football Playoff First Round
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is set. Fans are buzzing about the first-round matchups.
This year’s 12-team field brings back some usual powerhouses and throws in a few wildcards. The mix of rematches and coaching shake-ups promises a wild ride.
Let’s look at each matchup and the odds shaping this year’s playoff.
Returning Teams and New Contenders
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Four teams from last year are back: Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Oregon. These squads have already shown they’re tough, and they’re hungry for another shot.
Some new faces and old rivals round out the bracket. It’s a recipe for chaos—or at least, unpredictability.
Indiana and Ohio State
Indiana snags the No. 1 seed after a season that included a win over Oregon. That’s Oregon’s only loss, by the way.
Ohio State looks ready for a comeback after last year’s gut-wrenching semifinal loss to the Ducks. They’re not exactly flying under the radar.
Georgia and Oregon
Georgia and Oregon join the returning crew. Georgia wants to build on last year’s run, while Oregon is itching to erase memories of an early exit.
The Ducks are heavy favorites in round one, taking on No. 12 James Madison with a 20.5-point spread. That’s a big number.
First-Round Matchups and Odds
The first round lines up some spicy games, including two rematches from the regular season. Here’s a quick look at each showdown and the betting odds.
No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss
Ole Miss is favored by 16.5 points against Tulane, a team they rolled over 45-10 earlier this year. But Lane Kiffin has bolted for LSU, and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is sticking around just for this playoff run before heading to Florida.
Rematches can surprise you—look at those recent conference title games. This one might not go as expected.
No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon
Oregon holds the biggest spread of the round, favored by 20.5 against James Madison. The Dukes got in after Virginia lost to Duke in the ACC title game.
James Madison is also dealing with a coaching change—Bob Chesney is UCLA-bound after the playoff. Oregon fans are dreaming big, especially with Ohio State on the other side of the bracket.
No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma
Alabama and Oklahoma already met this season. Alabama racked up more yards but lost by two thanks to turnovers and a missed field goal.
The Tide are slight favorites, but Norman is a tough place to play. Oklahoma’s defense is legit, but their offense has been shaky. The total is set at a low 40.5, so expect a grind.
Other Key Matchups
Notre Dame fans might keep an eye on Texas A&M vs. Miami—both teams beat the Irish earlier this year. Texas A&M is favored by just over a field goal, but their recent loss to Texas leaves some doubts.
Miami bounced back from some ugly mid-season losses to grab a playoff spot. They’re not going away quietly.
Coaching Changes and Their Impact
Coaching moves are shaking things up for a few teams. Sometimes these changes light a fire, sometimes they throw everything off.
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Lane Kiffin to LSU
Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU after a stellar season with the Rebels. His absence could loom large in that first-round Tulane matchup.
Can Ole Miss adapt fast enough? That’s the question.
Jon Sumrall to Florida
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is off to Florida after the playoff, but he’s sticking with the Green Wave for now. That continuity might help Tulane keep their focus.
Bob Chesney to UCLA
James Madison’s Bob Chesney is heading to UCLA after the playoff. The timing isn’t ideal for the Dukes as they face Oregon.
If Chesney can keep his squad locked in, maybe they make some noise. It’s a tall order, though.
Looking Ahead: Potential Quarterfinal Matchups
Winners from round one move on to face the top seeds in the quarters. Some of these matchups could be electric.
Indiana Awaiting the Alabama-Oklahoma Winner
No. 1 Indiana gets the winner of Alabama vs. Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers have been rolling all season and won’t be an easy out.
A rematch with Alabama or a first crack at Oklahoma? Either way, it’s a headline game.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss or Tulane
No. 3 Georgia will play whoever survives between Ole Miss and Tulane in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia beat Ole Miss 45-35 earlier this year, but things could look different now, especially with Ole Miss’s coaching shake-up.
Ohio State’s Path
No. 2 Ohio State faces the winner of Texas A&M vs. Miami. The Buckeyes want redemption after last year’s playoff letdown.
Ohio State’s got balance and playoff experience. That could matter a lot.
Texas Tech’s Challenge
Big 12 champion Texas Tech will face the winner of the Oregon vs. James Madison game in the Orange Bowl. The Red Raiders put together a strong season and look ready for a tough contest, no matter who they end up playing.
Either the Ducks’ explosive offense or the Dukes’ scrappy underdog vibe could shake things up. Honestly, that matchup feels like it could go in a few wild directions.
With the College Football Playoff coming up, fans and analysts are buzzing. Powerhouse teams are back, some new faces are in the mix, and coaching drama is everywhere.
If you want more details on the odds and matchups, check out the New York Times article.