The first two rounds of the NCAA Football Playoffs may not have provided the spectacle expected, but the final four teams starting Thursday will provide a rare breath of fresh air.
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For several years, American college football was dominated by a handful of superpowers sharing a national championship. This time, the semi-finals will feature four programs that have been waiting for top awards for a long time.
The Miami Hurricanes won their last national championship in 2001. As for their rivals, the Ole Miss Rebels, we have to go back to 1960.
In another matchup, the Oregon Ducks, who have never been to a national championship, face off against the Indiana Hoosiers, who weren't even considered a serious program until their breakout season last year and a stunning season this year that earned them the No. 1 ranking in the country.
It's time for the matches that will lead to the national championship on January 19th in Miami!
Fiesta Bowl
Ole Miss (13-1) c. Miami (12-2)
Thursday, 19:30. (Glendale)
TWO BEAUTIFUL STORIES
Ole Miss is the story of a team that was abandoned by head coach Lane Kiffin, who left for LSU for a huge payday and, in his opinion, a better opportunity. Not only are his players not destroyed, but they seem determined to win it all without him.
Miami is the story of a team that no one dared believe in anymore after years of bitter disappointment and a narrow playoff run.
After eliminating Ohio State in the quarterfinals, the Miami Hurricanes pulled off a giant surprise. Their defensive front is dominant and the task promises to be huge for the Ole Miss Rebels offensive line. However, the player shined last week, limiting the Georgia Bulldogs defense to just four hits. Miami with Ruben Bain Jr. and Achim Mesidor is a different story.
Ole Miss guard Trinidad Chambliss, an unlikely second-division survivor, continues to impress in the air and running. The Rebels will rely on the running game and punter Quan Lacy to weaken the Hurricanes' defensive front.
Carson Beck isn't as great a quarterback as his rival Chambliss, but he excels on third downs and relies on dangerous weapons in Malachi Toney (receiver) and Mark Fletcher (rusher).
It's hard not to put pressure on Ole Miss players, but Miami's defense will do the talking.
PREDICTION: Ole Miss 20 Miami 24
Peach bowl
Indiana (14-0) c. Oregon (13-1)
Friday, 19:30 (Atlanta)
MATCH-MATCH
Fresh off last week's Orange Bowl win, Dante Moore will look to lead his Oregon Ducks to the national finals this time around.
Getty Images via AFP
Indiana passed a huge test last week as an inexperienced team at this point in the season, not only beating Alabama, but also crushing that program with a ton of baggage. The message is clear: Hoosiers are no joke!
Oregon dealt itself such a stunning blow by whitewashing Texas Tech 23-0. It shows that we've talked a lot about the exploits of quarterback Dante Moore and the offense, but the defense reminded us not to forget about it.
Earlier this season, Indiana won the same duel 30-20, thanks in part to six quarterback sacks by the excellent Dante Moore.
While there's no denying that the Ducks' defense looked good in the quarterfinals against Texas Tech, it has to be said that the Hoosiers' offense with Fernando Mendoza should cause even more headaches. Air strikes are coming from all over, with five receivers catching at least 28 passes. Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Surratt have combined for 25 touchdowns this season. Charlie Becker has emerged late and is averaging 20.2 yards per reception.
Indiana's defense thrives on physical play. Keep an eye on linebackers Devan Boykin (55 tackles, two interceptions) and Rolaia Hardy (93 tackles, eight sacks), as well as defensive end Louis Moore (6 interceptions).
