College Football Playoff First Round Preview

The College Football Playoff first round is scheduled for this weekend, featuring four games on Friday and Saturday.

Date/Time: Friday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Background: Alabama and Oklahoma have a combined 25 national championships and 11 Heisman Trophy winners. In a previous matchup a month ago in Tuscaloosa, Oklahoma defeated Alabama 23-21, with 17 points scored off three turnovers by Oklahoma's defense. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer completed 15 passes for 138 yards, with no offensive play exceeding 22 yards. Alabama's offense was noted as more efficient, but turnovers and special teams errors contributed to their loss.
Current Status: Alabama experienced a 28-7 defeat in the SEC championship game against Georgia and has multiple injured players. Oklahoma's Mateer has been managing a thumb injury throughout the season, which has affected his passing capabilities.
Next Round: The winner will advance to face the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers and quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.

Date/Time: Saturday, noon ET
Background: Texas A&M's opportunity for an SEC title and a playoff first-round bye was concluded by a loss to rival Texas. Miami recorded significant wins against ranked opponents Pitt and South Florida, and secured a playoff spot following a Week 1 victory over Notre Dame.
Defensive Focus: Both Miami's Carson Beck and Texas A&M's Marcel Reed have thrown 10 interceptions this season. Miami's Rueben Bain and Texas A&M's Cashius Howell are defensive linemen noted for their potential impact on opposing passing games.
Key Player: Miami freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney is considered a notable player.
Venue: Texas A&M's Kyle Field is expected to host a sellout crowd exceeding 102,000 spectators.
Next Round: The winner will proceed to play No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Eve.

Date/Time: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Background: Tulane, a former SEC founding member, withdrew from the conference in the 1960s. The Green Wave recently secured its third conference title in 75 years, achieving an 11-2 record with wins over Northwestern and Duke. Head coach Jon Sumrall will coach Tulane through the playoff before transitioning to Florida. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is also a key player.
Previous Matchup: Ole Miss defeated Tulane 45-10 in September.
Ole Miss Coaching Transition: Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin accepted a position at LSU. The university declined his offer to coach the Rebels during the postseason. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding has assumed the head coach role for this playoff game.
Next Round: The winner will compete against No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.

Date/Time: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Playoff Slotting: The 12-team playoff format allocates one spot to a small-conference team, specifically one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. Due to a five-way tie in the ACC, the 8-5 Duke team became conference champion. James Madison, a small-conference team, secured the No. 12 seed.
Matchup Details: James Madison is considered a significant underdog against No. 5 Oregon, with a projected three-touchdown point spread. Head coach Bob Chesney will coach James Madison through the playoff before moving to UCLA.
Oregon's Performance: Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has had a notable season, including strong performances in close games against Penn State and Iowa. Oregon's sole loss involved a pair of late-game interceptions.
Next Round: The winner will play No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day.

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