The first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP) just wrapped up. Oregon, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Miami are moving on to the quarterfinals, which will hit on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
This year’s matchups were a bit more competitive than last time, but not every game was close. Big wins over Tulane and James Madison have reignited the debate about including Group of Five (G5) schools in the CFP. Folks are already talking about whether the format needs another shakeup.
There’s also chatter about Alabama’s comeback win and Michigan’s ongoing coaching search. Honestly, college football never really sits still, does it?
CFP First Round Recap
The opening round brought some wild moments. Oregon, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Miami all punched their tickets to the next round.
But those big blowouts, especially against the G5 teams, have people questioning the playoff structure again. It’s a familiar debate, but this year’s scores have added fuel.
Competitive Matchups and Blowouts
Some games went down to the wire. Others, though, were pretty much over by halftime, with Power Five teams steamrolling their G5 opponents.
After Tulane and James Madison took heavy losses, the conversation about G5 schools’ place in the CFP really picked up. Andy Staples and Steven Godfrey got into it, and Ross Dellenger jumped in to toss around ideas for what the future playoffs might look like.
Potential Changes to the CFP
The lopsided results have led to calls for CFP reform. Staples, Godfrey, and Dellenger have all thrown out some ideas—some more radical than others.
Inclusion of G5 Schools
Let’s be honest, the G5 question is a tricky one. Sure, their presence brings some variety, but after those big losses, is it really fair to keep slotting them in?
Some folks say maybe G5 teams need their own playoff, or at least a tougher path to get into the main event. The debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
Seeding and Matchups
Seeding is another hot topic. Better seeding could make for tighter games and fewer early blowouts, at least in theory.
It might mean looking closer at team performance all season, instead of just relying on rankings or reputation. Not everyone agrees on how to do that, though.
Alabama’s Comeback Victory
Alabama’s comeback was probably the highlight of the round. They started slow, but turned things around and locked up a spot in the quarterfinals.
People are wondering if this is the start of a big playoff run for them. It wouldn’t be the first time, right?
Kalen DeBoer’s Future
Before the game, there were all sorts of rumors swirling about Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer. Some thought he might leave for Michigan, or even get fired if things went south.
That win has quieted the noise, at least for now. Alabama’s ability to bounce back after a rough start, especially compared to their SEC title game, has analysts talking.
Michigan’s Coaching Search
Meanwhile, Michigan’s coaching search is still a circus. With DeBoer staying put for now, the Wolverines are looking elsewhere.
Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham was rumored, but he just re-upped with the Sun Devils, so scratch that name off the list.
Biff Poggi as Interim Head Coach
Right now, Biff Poggi is holding down the interim head coach spot. Some think he could get the full-time gig, but it’s far from a sure thing.
Michigan’s brass will be watching him closely over the next few weeks. The pressure’s definitely on.
Other Potential Candidates
Other names are floating around, too. There’s talk of a coach with the last name Harbaugh—that’d be something, considering the family history.
Another possible candidate just left a job in Utah, but details are pretty thin right now. It’s a bit of a guessing game.
If you want to go deeper on all this, including the full back-and-forth between the experts, check out the original article on Yahoo Sports.
The first round of the CFP just wrapped up, and honestly, the quarterfinals are shaping up to be something special.
There’s plenty of chatter about G5 schools getting a fair shot, and whether the playoff format needs a shakeup. Those arguments aren’t going away anytime soon.
Alabama’s got their eyes on the next hurdle. Meanwhile, Michigan’s deep in the weeds with their coaching search. Fans are buzzing, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the anticipation.
We’ll keep the updates coming as the College Football Playoff rolls on, and as the coaching carousel keeps spinning.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
