Overview
- Indiana crushed Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl, becoming the first bye team to win in the 12-team era as Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza went 14-of-16 for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
- Oregon blanked Texas Tech 23-0 in the Orange Bowl behind four takeaways, including a Matayo Uiagalelei strip that set up a score, to reach 13-1 and book a rematch with Indiana.
- Miami stunned defending champion Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl to reach the Fiesta Bowl, where the No. 10 seed will face No. 6 Ole Miss.
- Ole Miss rallied past Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl, moving to 13-1 and 2-0 under Pete Golding since Lane Kiffin’s departure.
- Bye teams are 1-7 across the first two years of the expanded CFP, with Indiana’s win ending the previous six-game skid; semifinals are Jan. 8 (Fiesta) and Jan. 9 (Peach), with the title game Jan. 19.