Full Breakdown
Alabama and Miami Advance in College Football Playoff Upsets
12/22/2025, 8:19:44 AM
Dramatic Comebacks in the First Round
The first round of the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) showcased significant upsets as both the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Miami Hurricanes overcame early deficits to secure their spots in the quarterfinals. Alabama, seeded ninth, rallied from a 17-0 deficit to defeat the eighth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners 34-24, while Miami, the tenth seed, edged out the seventh-seeded Texas A&M Aggies 10-3 in a defensive battle.
Alabama's victory was marked by a series of critical plays, including a game-tying pick-six by Zabien Brown. The Crimson Tide's quarterback, Ty Simpson, noted the team's resilience, stating, “We ain't write back!” after the game, emphasizing their determination to overcome adversity. Meanwhile, Miami's freshman cornerback Bryce Fitzgerald sealed their win with an interception in the end zone, preventing a potential game-tying touchdown.
Quarterfinal Matchups Set
With their victories, Alabama and Miami have advanced to face formidable opponents in the quarterfinals. Alabama will meet the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl, while Miami will take on the second-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. Both matchups are set for New Year’s Day, with Indiana favored by seven points against Alabama and Ohio State favored by ten points against Miami.
The quarterfinals promise to be intense, as both Alabama and Miami will need to elevate their performances against teams that have demonstrated consistent strength throughout the season. Indiana, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, has been a dominant force, while Ohio State boasts one of the best defenses in the nation.
Criticism of the Playoff Structure
The inclusion of Alabama and Miami in the playoff has sparked debate regarding the CFP's selection process. Critics argue that teams like Notre Dame, which were left out, deserved a spot over the Crimson Tide and Hurricanes. The controversy surrounding the selection committee's decisions has intensified, particularly after the first round's outcomes, which saw two Group of Five teams, Tulane and James Madison, struggle significantly in their matchups.
ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum criticized Oklahoma's performance, suggesting they did not belong in the playoff, while others have pointed to the need for a reevaluation of the playoff structure to ensure that deserving teams are included. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities and challenges of the current playoff format, which some believe requires expansion to better represent the competitive landscape of college football.
Looking Ahead
As the quarterfinals approach, both Alabama and Miami will aim to build on their momentum from the first round. The outcomes of these matchups will not only determine who advances to the semifinals but also shape the future discussions surrounding the College Football Playoff's structure and selection criteria. The excitement of the playoffs continues to unfold, with fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this year's college football saga.