The College Football Playoff kicks off this Friday with four exciting first-round matchups. Among the highlights, the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide will face the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners, while the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes take on the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies. Each game promises intense competition as teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma: A Battle for Redemption
The Crimson Tide are looking for revenge against the Sooners after suffering a narrow loss in their earlier encounter this season. Alabama enters the game with a record of 10-3, following a defeat in the SEC championship against Georgia. Oklahoma, led by head coach Brent Venables, boasts a 10-2 record and is making its first playoff appearance since 2019.
This rematch presents unique challenges. Ty Simpson, Alabama’s quarterback, struggled against Oklahoma’s blitz-heavy defense in their previous meeting. He was pressured on 45.5% of his dropbacks throughout the second half of the season, leading to a passing grade of just 58.2. Simpson will need to adapt to the Sooners’ defensive schemes to find success.
On the ground, Alabama’s run game has been inconsistent, averaging only 4.0 yards per carry. The absence of their leading rusher, Jam Miller, in the SEC championship game due to injury did not help. Oklahoma’s defense, allowing only 3.5 yards per carry, will test Alabama’s offensive line.
Oklahoma’s quarterback, John Mateer, has faced difficulties since an injury but aims to regain his early-season form. With a passing grade that has dropped significantly since Week 7, he will need to capitalize on Alabama’s weaker pass rush while facing a strong secondary.
Both teams bring high stakes to this matchup, with the winner advancing to play No. 1 seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
Miami vs. Texas A&M: A Clash of Titans
The Miami Hurricanes, boasting a 10-2 record, will face the Texas A&M Aggies, who finished the season at 11-1. This matchup is particularly significant as both teams secured victories over Notre Dame earlier this season, allowing Miami to enter the playoffs as the final at-large team.
Miami’s true freshman wide receiver, Malachi Toney, has emerged as a standout performer, ranking third among qualified receivers with a 90.5 PFF receiving grade. His ability to create plays after the catch will be crucial against Texas A&M’s formidable defense, which has excelled in limiting yards after catch.
In contrast, Miami’s offensive line has shown strength in the run game, with running back Mark Fletcher Jr. leading the charge. Texas A&M’s run defense has struggled, allowing 5.5 yards per carry, which could provide opportunities for Miami to exploit.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed has been inconsistent this season, making it essential for Miami’s defense to pressure him effectively. The Hurricanes have a strong pass rush, allowing them to challenge Reed and potentially force turnovers, which may prove decisive in this closely contested game.
Tulane vs. Ole Miss: A Rematch of Former Rivals
The No. 11 Tulane Green Wave will face the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels, marking another rematch in the first round. Ole Miss won their previous encounter decisively, 45-10. This matchup is significant for both teams, as they are both making their first College Football Playoff appearances.
Tulane’s quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, will need to overcome a challenging Ole Miss defense that previously held him to just 56 passing yards. With Tulane’s efficient passing attack ranking 15th nationally, Retzlaff must find ways to exploit Ole Miss’ defensive weaknesses while managing the pressure applied by their front seven.
Ole Miss will rely on the talents of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who has excelled in delivering deep passes. His performance will be crucial against a Tulane secondary that has struggled with deep ball coverage. The Rebels’ run game, led by Kewan Lacy, will also aim to dominate against Tulane’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities.
James Madison vs. Oregon: A Historic Clash
In the final first-round matchup, the No. 12 James Madison Dukes will take on the No. 5 Oregon Ducks. James Madison enters the playoffs with a 12-1 record, marking their first appearance in the postseason. Oregon, with an 11-1 record, aims to capitalize on its playoff experience.
James Madison’s quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, has been on a hot streak, throwing 14 touchdowns this season. He will face a tough challenge against Oregon’s defense, which has been effective at limiting explosive plays. Barnett’s ability to connect on deep passes will be vital for the Dukes’ chances.
Oregon’s offense, led by quarterback Dante Moore, is known for its balanced attack. The Ducks run the ball nearly 53% of the time, making their rushing attack a focal point against a James Madison defense that has performed well against the run. The outcome will likely hinge on James Madison’s ability to slow down Oregon’s diverse offensive threats.
As the College Football Playoff unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matchups and high-stakes drama. The teams will battle not only for victory but also for a shot at the championship, making this first round one to watch.
