The College Football Playoff quarterfinals were an electrifying display of talent and determination. Fans were treated to some of the best performances of the season, with action that kept everyone glued to the screen.
From standout quarterbacks to defensive stalwarts, these games had it all. This blog post dives into the key highlights and player performances that really defined the quarterfinals, pulling in insights from the PFF grades for some expert perspective.
Quarterback Performances That Stole the Show
Quarterbacks always get a ton of attention in football, and honestly, the College Football Playoff quarterfinals were no different. Among all the stars, Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss absolutely took the spotlight.
Chambliss led the Rebels to the semifinals with a spectacular showing, earning a 91.6 overall PFF grade and a 91.8 passing mark. Five big-time throws and just one turnover-worthy play? That was huge for Ole Miss’s win.
Trinidad Chambliss: A Closer Look
Chambliss was especially impressive when Georgia brought the blitz. He went 12-for-22 for 128 yards, made three big-time throws, and didn’t have a single turnover-worthy play or sack.
His calm under pressure and knack for delivering accurate passes really stood out. It’s hard not to be impressed by his poise in those moments.
Other Notable Quarterbacks
- Fernando Mendoza of Indiana also had a stellar game, earning a 90.3 PFF grade.
- Julian Sayin from Ohio State contributed significantly with a 75.3 PFF grade.
- Austin Mack of Alabama and Carson Beck from Miami (FL) both had solid performances with grades of 70.7 and 70.5, respectively.
Defensive Dominance: Key Players and Highlights
While quarterbacks grabbed headlines, the defenses made plenty of noise too. Indiana’s defense was especially fierce, with safety Devan Boykin leading the charge.
Boykin put up an 88.0 PFF coverage grade and made six stops during the Hoosiers’ big win against Alabama. That’s the kind of impact you just can’t ignore.
Devan Boykin: The Defensive Anchor
Boykin’s day was something else. He didn’t miss a single tackle in Pasadena and was right at the heart of shutting down Alabama’s unpredictable offense.
His ability to read plays and make big stops played a huge role in Indiana’s success. It’s not every day you see a safety dominate like that.
Other Defensive Standouts
- Ben Roberts of Texas Tech recorded a nation-high 89.3 PFF run-defense grade against Oregon, making six stops with one tackle for loss/no gain.
- Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami (FL) led all players in the quarterfinals with an 86.7 PFF pass-rushing grade and a 32.4% pass-rush win rate.
- Elijah Griffin of Georgia and Caleb Downs from Ohio State also had impressive performances with PFF grades of 83.8 and 83.3, respectively.
Offensive Line Efforts: The Unsung Heroes
Skill players usually get the spotlight, but let’s not forget the offensive lines. Alabama’s offensive line, even with the team’s struggles, deserves some credit.
They posted an 87.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, allowing just five pressures and one sack against Indiana’s tough front. That’s no small feat.
Alabama’s Offensive Line: A Detailed Analysis
The Tide’s offensive line led all eight teams with a 77.8% impact run-block rate. This was key in giving their quarterbacks the time they needed to make plays.
Other Noteworthy Offensive Linemen
- Samson Okunlola of Miami (FL) earned an 80.0 PFF grade.
- Michael Carroll from Alabama and Francis Mauigoa of Miami (FL) also had strong showings with grades of 78.3 and 75.5, respectively.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Making the Big Plays
Receivers and tight ends were right in the thick of things during the quarterfinals. Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State and Harrison Wallace III of Ole Miss really rose to the occasion.
Jeremiah Smith and Harrison Wallace III
Smith played 60 snaps and earned an 84.1 PFF grade. Wallace III was on the field for 67 snaps and picked up an 81.9 grade.
Their knack for making crucial catches and picking up yards was a major boost for their teams. Sometimes it’s those big grabs that shift the momentum.
Other Key Receivers and Tight Ends
- Charlie Becker of Indiana earned an 80.3 PFF grade.
- Will Kacmarek from Ohio State and De’Zhaun Stribling of Ole Miss also made notable contributions with grades of 75.5 and 75.3, respectively.
- Terrance Carter Jr. of Texas Tech played 58 snaps and earned a 74.6 PFF grade.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals? Wild, honestly. There was talent everywhere and some jaw-dropping plays that’ll stick with fans for a while.
Trinidad Chambliss pulled off some gutsy moves at quarterback. Then you had Devan Boykin, who just seemed unstoppable on defense.
If you’re hungry for more details or want to see how the players really stacked up, the PFF grades are worth a look.
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