New Year’s Day wrapped up the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and by the end of the night, the picture was clear. Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami are the last four teams standing, each earning their spot in very different ways — from defensive lockdowns to statement blowouts to a finish that came down to the final seconds.
Orange Bowl: Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0
Oregon set the tone early with a complete shutdown of Texas Tech, winning 23–0 in a game that never felt close. The Ducks’ defense was the story from start to finish, taking away big plays and forcing Texas Tech into uncomfortable situations all night.
Texas Tech, a team known for putting points on the board, simply couldn’t get going. Oregon controlled the line of scrimmage, won the field-position battle, and capitalized when opportunities came. On offense, the Ducks stayed patient and efficient, leaning on the run game and letting the defense do the heavy lifting.
Running back Jordon Davison powered the offense with two rushing touchdowns, giving Oregon just enough separation to put the game out of reach early. The shutout was a loud statement: Oregon doesn’t need a shootout to win — they can win ugly, disciplined, and physical football when it matters most.
With the win, Oregon punched its ticket to the CFP semifinals looking balanced and dangerous.
Rose Bowl: Indiana 38, Alabama 3
Indiana delivered the most jaw-dropping result of the quarterfinals, dominating Alabama 38–3 in the Rose Bowl. From the opening drive, the Hoosiers looked faster, more physical, and completely in control.
Indiana’s defense suffocated Alabama’s offense, limiting explosive plays and forcing the Crimson Tide into one stalled drive after another. Alabama never found momentum, and by halftime, the game was already slipping away.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was steady and efficient, throwing for 192 yards and three touchdowns while making smart decisions all night. But the real story was up front. Indiana’s offensive line controlled the trenches, opening holes in the run game and giving Mendoza clean pockets to operate.
Center Pat Coogan earned offensive MVP honors, a rare recognition for a lineman that perfectly captured how dominant Indiana was in the physical battle. This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement performance that announced Indiana as a real national title threat.
Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34
If the earlier games were about control, the Sugar Bowl was about chaos. Ole Miss outlasted Georgia 39–34 in a back-and-forth battle that stayed tense until the final seconds.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss put together a huge night, throwing for 362 yards and two touchdowns while answering nearly every Georgia scoring drive. When Georgia adjusted, Chambliss adjusted right back.
The Rebels also leaned on Kewan Lacy, who rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns, keeping Georgia’s defense from selling out against the pass. Every time Georgia threatened to take control, Ole Miss found a response.
The defining moment came late. With the game on the line, Ole Miss drove into field-goal range, and kicker Lucas Carneiro calmly knocked through a 47-yard field goal with six seconds left. One kick. Game over.
It was a gritty, pressure-filled win — exactly the kind that builds belief in a locker room.
Final Four Set
Miami had already locked in its semifinal spot with a 24–14 win over Ohio State the night before, completing the playoff picture. The Hurricanes showed balance and composure in that win, proving they belong in the conversation.
Now, the College Football Playoff semifinals are set:
- Ole Miss vs. Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8
- Indiana vs. Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9
Four teams remain, each with a different identity and a different path to get here. Defense, physical play, and late-game execution have defined this playoff so far — and with everything on the line, those same factors will decide who plays for the national championship next.
