The College Football Playoff first round delivered intense action and unforgettable drama, as underdogs battled valiantly while elite programs showcased resilience to advance in the expanded 12-team format. Four gripping on-campus games produced historic comebacks, defensive stands, and offensive explosions, captivating fans nationwide and setting up blockbuster quarterfinals.
The weekend kicked off with the most thrilling contest: No. 9 Alabama mounted the largest comeback in CFP history, erasing a 17-0 second-quarter deficit to stun No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 on the road in Norman.
Freshman wideout Lotzeir Brooks exploded for two touchdowns, while a blocked punt and pick-six ignited the Crimson Tide’s 27 unanswered points surge. Oklahoma‘s collapse, marked by special teams woes and missed field goals, ended their season, propelling Alabama to face No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
Saturday’s action featured gritty defenses and explosive offenses. No. 10 Miami pulled off a shocking road upset over No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 in a low-scoring slugfest dominated by wind and turnovers.
The Hurricanes’ defense stifled the Aggies, forcing a late interception in the end zone to seal the victory—the fewest points A&M scored at home in decades. Miami advances to the Cotton Bowl against No. 2 Ohio State.
No. 6 Ole Miss dominated No. 11 Tulane 41-10 in a rematch, exploding early with big plays on their opening drives and cruising to avenge any doubts post-coaching changes.
The Rebels now head to the Sugar Bowl for a showdown with No. 3 Georgia.
Closing the round, No. 5 Oregon overwhelmed No. 12 James Madison 51-34 in a high-scoring affair, lighting up the scoreboard with relentless big plays despite a spirited Dukes effort.
The Ducks advance to the Orange Bowl versus No. 4 Texas Tech.
This electrifying first round showcased the expanded playoff’s magic—road wins, historic rallies, and Group of Five valiance—thrilling audiences and proving college football’s postseason delivers unparalleled excitement as elite teams advance toward the national championship.
