The 12-team College Football Playoff wasted no time delivering chaos. After Alabama opened the weekend with a road comeback win Friday night, Saturday’s tripleheader gave us a little of everything. One historic defensive upset. One dominant statement. One prime-time rout that ended a Cinderella run. Underdogs showed up. Only one finished the job. Here’s how the CFP played out.
The Stunner
No. 10 Miami 10, No. 7 Texas A&M 3
This game was ugly. In brutal conditions at Kyle Field, Miami and Texas A&M played the lowest-scoring game in CFP history. It was the first scoreless halftime the playoff has ever seen. Missed kicks showed up. Turnovers showed up. The wind showed up.
Miami survived it all. The Hurricanes’ defense controlled the game from start to finish. They forced key turnovers and never let Texas A&M find rhythm. Freshman Malachi Toney delivered the lone touchdown late. Freshman Bryce Fitzgerald sealed it with a game-ending interception.
This was a defensive masterclass and one of the grittiest road wins of the playoff era.
Next up: Miami advances to face No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on December 31.
The Statement
No. 6 Ole Miss 41, No. 11 Tulane 10
No drama here. Ole Miss jumped on Tulane early and never looked back. This one felt over almost immediately. The Rebels scored within the first minute and controlled every phase of the game. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss carved up the Green Wave for over 300 yards combined and three touchdowns. The defense forced turnovers and shut down Tulane’s rhythm. This rematch looked a lot like the regular-season meeting. Ole Miss may have looked even sharper.
The post–Lane Kiffin era opened with a statement.
Next up: Ole Miss faces No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1. A chance at revenge after a regular-season loss.
The Rout
No. 5 Oregon 51, No. 12 James Madison 34
Autzen Stadium at night was never going to be kind. Oregon overwhelmed James Madison early and often. Quarterback Dante Moore sliced through the Dukes’ defense. The run game followed.
The Ducks built a massive lead before halftime and never let up. This was a textbook powerhouse-versus-Cinderella ending. James Madison fought. Oregon was simply on another level.
Next up: Oregon heads to the Orange Bowl to face No. 4 Texas Tech on January 1.
What It All Means
The Group of Five dream ended Saturday night. Tulane and James Madison had strong seasons and earned their spots.
Miami delivered the shock. Alabama already flipped the bracket on Friday. Miami stunned Texas A&M on Saturday.
The 12-team playoff is already validating the format. Campus games matter. Environment matters. Defense still travels.
Quarterfinals arrive on New Year’s Day. Who is your early national title favorite now?
Thank you for reading my CFP First-Round Saturday Recap: One Stunner, Two Blowouts. For more college football coverage, visit the Pete Sports NCAA page and the Homepage. Follow @peter_maiorano and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Featured image credit: Peter Maiorano.
