The second year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format is underway, delivering high-octane drama and unforgettable moments from the very first game. The new structure, designed to include more teams in the national championship race, began its first-round on-campus matchups on Friday, December 19, and continues with a packed schedule on Saturday, December 20. Higher seeds enjoy the home-field advantage, with winners advancing to prestigious New Year's bowl quarterfinals.
Friday Night Thriller: Alabama's Stunning Comeback Victory
The playoff action ignited with a spectacular showdown as No. 9 Alabama pulled off a stunning 34-24 victory over No. 8 Oklahoma. In a game that will be remembered for its sheer drama, the Crimson Tide engineered a remarkable comeback, erasing a daunting 17-point deficit. The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and sets up a marquee quarterfinal clash.
Alabama's offense found its hero in wide receiver Ryan Williams, who delivered crucial plays when the team needed them most against a formidable Oklahoma defense. This win propels Alabama into the next round, where they will face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal.
Saturday's Triple-Header: Debuts, Rematches, and Farewells
The excitement shifts to Saturday with three compelling first-round matchups, each carrying its own unique narrative.
Miami vs Texas A&M: A Historic CFP Debut
At noon ET, the spotlight falls on No. 10 Miami and No. 7 Texas A&M, as both programs make their historic first-ever appearances in the College Football Playoff. Texas A&M heads into the contest looking strong but arrives after a late-season loss halted their momentum. Miami, on the other hand, aims to overcome recent ACC setbacks. A key player to watch is Miami's dynamic freshman wide receiver, Malachi Toney, known for his game-breaking ability. The victor of this debut clash will earn a trip to the Cotton Bowl to face No. 2 Ohio State on New Year's Eve.
Ole Miss vs Tulane: A Rematch with Coaching Drama
The afternoon game at 3:30 PM ET features No. 11 Tulane traveling to face No. 6 Ole Miss. This is a rematch of a regular-season encounter where Ole Miss dominated, securing a 45-10 win behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. However, significant off-field drama surrounds this game. Ole Miss is navigating the recent departure of head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, while Tulane's Jon Sumrall is coaching his final game for the Green Wave before departing for Florida. The winner advances to a Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against No. 3 Georgia.
James Madison vs Oregon: The Nightcap Underdog Story
The first round concludes at 7:30 PM ET with No. 12 James Madison visiting No. 5 Oregon. The Dukes enter as underdogs against the powerhouse Oregon Ducks, who are hoping for positive news on the injury status of star wide receiver Evan Stewart. This game represents a classic playoff matchup between a seasoned contender and a Cinderella story. The team that emerges victorious will book a ticket to the Orange Bowl to take on No. 4 Texas Tech.
How to Watch and What's Next
Fans can catch all the Saturday action on major networks and streaming platforms. The Miami vs Texas A&M game airs on ABC/ESPN and is available for streaming on services like fuboTV. The later double-header featuring Ole Miss vs Tulane and James Madison vs Oregon will be broadcast on TNT/Max and truTV.
With Alabama already securing their quarterfinal berth, the remaining Saturday games promise to add more layers of excitement to this new era of expanded playoffs. The stakes could not be higher, featuring program debuts, emotional rematches, and coaching farewells. All roads lead to the quarterfinals, which commence on December 31, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey to the national championship.
