Tenth-seeded Miami became the first double-digit seed in the 12-team era to advance to the semifinals and power through the field, defeating defending national champion Ohio State 24-14 on New Year's Eve. Miami will face Ole Miss in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on January 8 (7:30 ET, ESPN). Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal, in his first playoff appearance, will take on new Rebels coach Pete Golding, who has guided Ole Miss through choppy waters since Lane Kiffin's exit from the soap opera.
Fifth-seeded Oregon's stifling defense shut down No. 4 Texas Tech with a freshman guard. Brandon Finney Jr.. picking up two passes and a punt to help the Ducks reach the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl on January 9 (7:30 ET, ESPN). They'll face No. 1 Indiana, which continued its fairytale season by dispatching another blue blood, No. 9 Alabama, in its first Rose Bowl appearance since 1968.
We bring to your attention the semi-final matches.
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami
When: January 8, 7:30 pm ET. TV: ESPN
What we learned in the quarterfinals: Lane Kiffin was more of a side dish than a main course at Ole Miss. Kiffin's prowess as a player is unquestioned, and so it wasn't unreasonable to wonder how the Rebels would hold up without him – not just because of the controversy over his departure or the discord among the offensive linemen still spending half their time with Ole Miss, but simply because Kiffin has always had an exceptional game plan. It turns out: no Kiffin, no problem. The Rebels gained 473 yards against Georgia's tough defense while posting strong performances through the air (362 yards for the quarterback). Trinidad Chambliss) and on the ground (98 yards and a pair of touchdowns at running back Kevan Lacey). The fumble that resulted in a punt and a failed field goal late in the first half actually made the game closer than the Ole Miss offense otherwise would have been able to do.
X factor: Fate. It would be easy enough to analyze the X's and O's, but here's the more obvious storyline: Ole Miss is the team of destiny. After all, who could argue with a team whose lightning rod coach goes for a big payday with a conference opponent before the playoffs, only to see a makeshift roster and determined players rule the table the rest of the way? It would be an incredibly enjoyable story with Lane Kiffin as the villain and Pete Golding as the conquering hero. It's certainly true that Ole Miss is good enough to turn a fairy tale into reality, and yet it still feels downright magical. And college football can always create a little magic.
They can reach the title game if…: They can slow down Miami's passing game. The secret sauce to the Hurricanes' first two playoff victories was defense. But will this be as big a problem for the rebels? Through the first three quarters of the Sugar Bowl, Georgia had just four pressures—and no sacks—despite 15 fumbled dropbacks. When the Dawgs finally broke through early in the fourth quarter, Chambliss defied the pressure to make three graceful throws, including a 44-yard completion that set up a touchdown. And Ole Miss did all this despite Lacy nursing a shoulder injury that left him less than 100%. However, Miami's passing game is better than what Georgia could produce, making the matchup between the Canes' dynamic defensive front and Chambliss one that could decide which team advances to the title game. — David Hale
What we learned in the quarterfinals: Miami is elite in the trenches. Reuben Bane Jr.. And Achim Mesidorwho totaled three sacks, terrorized the Ohio State offense as Miami shut down the Buckeyes in the first half. Ohio State only had one first down in the first quarter and didn't have a positive score until its fourth possession. Offensively, the Hurricanes line relied on Ohio State's athletic defensive front to control the clock of possession. Miami ultimately outscored the Buckeyes 153–45 and ran down the clock on a drive to end the game. The Hurricanes are truly ahead.
X factor: Defender Carson Beck didn't give big numbers. He passed for just 138 yards. But Beck consistently stepped up in key situations, especially when down third. On Miami's game-tying touchdown drive, he converted two third downs with a pair of completions. He was also effective at catching first downs with the ball when nothing was open downfield. Most importantly, Beck didn't turn the ball over. If he continues to act with such composure, the Hurricanes will have a tough time of it.
They can reach the title game if…: The offensive and defensive lines continue to dominate. Bane and Mesidore lead the defense, while All-American center James Brockermeyer and the right tackle Francis Mauigoa While setting the tone on offense, the Hurricanes have the talent and experience to control the game on offense, as Texas A&M and Ohio State have found. The Hurricanes may not be built to win shootouts. But they have the physical strength to impose their will. It's possible that this recipe will lead them to their first national title since 2001. — Jake Trotter
When: January 9, 7:30 pm ET. TV: ESPN
What we learned in the quarterfinals: Any remaining doubts about Indiana's ability to compete for and win its first national title faded into the rarefied atmosphere surrounding the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers crushed Alabama in every aspect, using a balanced offense and stifling defense to overwhelm the Tide at the line of scrimmage. Indiana's 10th-ranked game hasn't gotten enough attention, but running back Roman Hemby contributed to the development of ground game, which allowed attackers to avoid difficult situations. Defender Fernando MendozaThe Heisman Trophy winner was on fire starting in the second quarter with several long touchdown passes. Devan Boykin and others led a defense that once again proved itself to be among the best and most consistent units in the country.
X factor: Wide Receiver Charlie Becker. Elijah Surratt And Omar Cooper Jr.. are Indiana's headliners on the field, but Becker came out strong late in the regular season and especially in his two postseason spots. Becker, who had his first two 100-yard receptions in back-to-back games against Penn State and Wisconsin, led Indiana with 126 receptions against then-No. 1 Winning the Ohio State Championship in Big Ten play. He made a 21-yard diving catch for Indiana's first touchdown against Alabama and added a 30-yard catch.
They can reach the title game if…: The Hoosiers continue to control the line of scrimmage, get balance in the passing game and limit big plays from the outside. Dante Moore and Oregon's numerous playmakers. Consider that Indiana beat Oregon by 10 points at Autzen Stadium despite Mendoza throwing a pick-six early in the fourth quarter. The game actually wasn't that close as Oregon didn't score on offense in the final 50:15. Indiana must put pressure on Moore, who threw two interceptions in the first game but is capable of making any throw on the field. Indiana likely can't afford another big mistake like Mendoza's pick six, so playing clean and avoiding difficult downs and distances will be critical. — Adam Rittenberg
What we learned in the quarterfinals: Oregon can also play a nasty defensive role. Coach Dan Lanning challenged that group, saying it didn't live up to its standard in last week's 51-34 first-round win over James Madison, when the Ducks gave up 500 yards of offense. It was a completely different story in the quarterfinals against one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Oregon had four turnovers, four sacks and seven tackles for loss, and the Ducks recorded their first shutout since World War I. Brandon Finney Jr.. had two interceptions and a fumble recovery in the win, while Matayo Uiagalelei And Tatum Tuioti formed a terrifying, fast-paced duo from the edge.
X factor: We'll focus on defense here to note how well Tuioti has played in the second half of the season for Oregon's defense. Tuioti, the Ducks' third-leading tackler, has seven sacks in his last six games, and his presence was especially noticeable against the Red Raiders. He noted that during practice before the Texas Tech game, coaches emphasized turnovers to keep the Red Raiders off the field. Prior to Thursday, Oregon had just 17 tackles in 13 games.
They can reach the title game if…: Oregon can find its rhythm on offense. There's no doubt that Oregon's offense didn't play its best, but part of that was because Texas Tech's defense gave the Ducks problems – shutting down the game completely and forcing them out of their signature rhythm. Dan Lanning also did it eight times in the fourth down, converting just four chances. It's one thing to be aggressive when you believe you're in control of the game, but it's another thing to be aggressive when it looks like the game might turn around on a fourth down call. If Oregon can get into an offensive rhythm and avoid getting into some of those fourth down situations and the defense stays aggressive, they will have a great chance to make it to the title game. — Andrea Adelson
