The college football season kicked off around four months ago. With this being the second year of the expanded 12-team format, we’ve made it down to the last four teams. Who do you think is going to take it all? Who will show out and become legends in the college football sphere? We will discuss all match ups and key players that might mix up their matches this week. With the semifinals starting Thursday with the sixth-ranked Ole Miss Rebels vs. the 10th-ranked Miami Hurricanes, and following on Friday the top ranked Indiana Hoosiers vs. fifth ranked Oregon Ducks.
Indiana Hoosiers
Ranked #1
Record: 14-0
The number one ranked Hoosiers have been having a historic season. Led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, and veteran head coach Curt Cignetti. Indiana has been on a mission this season, doing nothing but winning this season. Currently they sit at a school record of 14-0, being first time in program history to go undefeated. Last week Indiana dominated Alabama in a 38-3 thrashing, with Mendoza throwing for three touchdowns and 192 yards. Mendoza threw for 36 touchdowns and 3,172 yards this whole season. But you can’t forget about the outstanding Indiana defense, with an elite defensive line. Indiana is good at running the ball, and on the other end stopping the run. Looking at their matchup against the ducks, they faced each other earlier in the season ending in a 30-20 win for Indiana. Oregon’s quarterback Dante Moore who is a projected top 5 pick in the NFL threw 2 interceptions in the defeat, facing constant pressure in the pocket by India’s d-line. But it’s known to be difficult to beat the same team twice in a season, but there are big expectations for the Hoosiers.
Oregon Ducks
Ranked #5
Record: 13-1
Oregon has been a sneaky good team this year. We’ve been so focused on the Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes, we haven’t given much attention to the Ducks. Coming off a season where they were upset as the number one seed, the Ducks have a point to prove. “I know last year we were the clear favorites, but hopefully this year the Ducks can pull through,” said lifelong Oregon fan Brayden McGowen (9). Led by QB Dante Moore being a pinpoint passer in the pocket, and tight end Kenyon Sadig being a beast on short passing gains, those two can test the Indiana defense. Oregon also has been hot, with only 1 loss which was to Indiana earlier in the season. Coming off of a win versus James Madison University 51-34, and a solid win over Texas Tech 23-0 controlling the possession over the whole game. Oregon are close to defensive and offensive plans to Indiana, they both have great d-lines and amazing QB’s. This is a match up that all the eyes will be on, but can the ducks take down the unstoppable force that is Indiana.
Ole Miss Rebels
Ranked #6
Record 13-1
The Rebels have had a roller coaster of a season so far, just recently beating number five ranked Georgia Bulldogs in a barn burner 39-34 on a last minute field goal to seal a win. And Ole Miss lost their head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, while losing their head coach they have done nothing but win. Walking past eleven ranked Tulane in the first round, showing promise from their QB Trinidad Chambliss who looks to stay hot in the CFP semifinals. But it might be a burden, Chambliss is in his first year after transferring from division two Ferris State might not be fully ready to face the bright lights. But Chambliss is a dual threat, being able to throw over your defense and run around a defense. Ole Miss will have to rely on their mobile offense by running back Kewan Lacy. Lacy and Chambliss will need to be superstars to bring their blazing hot offense to a win. Ole Miss plays a simple style of football, they love to win head on games in the trenches against opposite teams. Ole Miss especially needs to shut down Miami’s defensive line consisting of stars like Reuben Bain Jr, and Akheem Mesidor to let Chambliss make big splash plays. Ole Miss loves splash plays which are large 25+ yard gains, Ole Miss will challenge Miami playing fast, competitive, and simple football.
Miami Hurricanes
Ranked #10
Record 12-2
Coming off a shocking upset against number two ranked Ohio State this past weekend, fans and people alike are in disbelief the Hurricanes were able to get over the bump and be close to making history. The main upside for Miami coming into their matchup is their amazing defense, the Hurricanes have 12 sacks in the last 2 games. Highlighted by their defensive line with Rueben Bain Jr, and Akheem Mesidor being huge problems for offensive lines the whole season. And defensive back Keionte Scott having a pick six in the last game against Ohio State. With Ole Miss’s unstoppable offense and Miami’s unmovable defensive will we see a clash of the titans. But let’s not forget about Miami’s offense, led by quarterback Carson Beck. Bringing his experience to complete very accurate passes and high efficiency, nothing flashy, Beck just knows how to put the ball in the right spot to get yards and win. With a lackluster Ole Miss defensive Miami will be looking to wear them down, and run the ball with Mark Fletcher Jr. Miami knows how to play smart football and they will need to apply that to get the win over Ole Miss.
Now down to the last 4 teams, who do you think will take it? Right now the number one ranked Indiana Hoosiers have the highest odds, but who knows what football magic can happen. Coach LaBrot had an interesting take on the semifinals. “Most people would bet on Indiana, which is safe, but I think if Ole Miss still had their head coach they’d win with the amount of talent they have,” LaBrot said. At this point we’ve seen everything we need to for these teams, the Fiesta Bowl is on Thursday Jan. 8, at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. While the Peach Bowl is on Friday Jan. 9, at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
