From the Couch Sports

Friday Night

Thanks to YouTube TV Quad-Box, I had all four of these games on at once.

American Conference Championship Game

#20 Tulane 34 #24 North Texas 21

One of the highest anticipated conference championship games was Friday night between 10-2 Tulane and 11-1 North Texas. Coming into the game both head coaches were hired by new destinations for 2026 but were given opportunities to coach the rest of the season out. Eric Morris, head coach of North Texas, is replacing Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State and Jon Sumerall of Tulane is replacing Billy Napier at Florida. The other storyline of this game was the fact that the winner of this game would all but secure a spot to the CFP this year as a Group of 5 representative.

Tulane won the tie-breaker and hosted the game in New Orleans. It started out as a classic punvh for punch affair. Both teams scored touchdowns on their first possessions. Only one possession per team in the first quarter, each team scored touchdowns on long drives. Then the turnover bug hit the Mean Green, a North Texas fumble was returned 34 yards which lead to a quick Tulane touchdown. After that it would be all Tulane. They put tons of pressure on NT QB Drew Mestemaker, sacking and pressuring him in the second quarter. Nearing the end f the half and up 17-7, Tulane caught a bit of a break on a NT muffed punt that looked like a kick catch interference but nonetheless they had the ball deep in NT territory with seconds left in the first half as a result of the play. A successful QB sneak as time expired extended the Green Wave lead to 24-7 going into the break. The second half started with a Tulane missed field goal but on the following drive for North Texas another “controversial” that resulted in a Tulane pick-six. Painfully, the writing was on the wall for North Texas. A few late scores made it semi-interesting but Mestemaker threw an interception on a drive that would’ve cut the Tulane lead to one possession. Game. Set. Match. Tulane won the American Conference and all but guaranteed a spot in the CFP with a win.

Conference USA Championship Game

Kennesaw State 19 Jax State 15

On November 15, these two teams played in the same stadium, the Owls put up a fight to erase a big deficit but turned the ball over too many times to get the win. Luckily for them, they’d get another crack at the defending C-USA Champs the Jax State Gamecocks. Kennesaw State came into the game boasting the best turnaround in college football. In 2024 they were 2-10, but this year, under first year head coach Jerry Mack, they pulled off an impressive 9-wins. They would need to stop the rushing attack of Jax State and stay turnover free if they’d want to add a 10th win to their impressive 2025 campaign.

The game was a lot different the second time around. A slugfest in the first half, with a lone Kennesaw State touchdown as the only score.

Kennesaw State had a 10-0 lead going into the 4th quarter then things got FUN. The Owls had what appeared to be a touchdown on a QB run from inside the 2-yard line. The offensive line pushed and pushed and it seemed like a touchdown but the booth reviewed the play and either he was down or forward progress was stopped. No touchdown. Turnover on downs. Jax State got the ball at the Kennesaw State 1. First play, safety. 12-0 Kennesaw State. On the safety kickoff Jax State kicker Garrison Rippa booted it deep, the Owls return man Davis Bryson received the kick and made a bolt to the middle of the field, Rippa made his presence felt and laid him out, putting his helmet on the ball and launching the ball high in the air. Jax State recovered and re-gained possession in one of the wildest special teams plays I’ve seen this year. Jax State answered with their first touchdown of teh game, forced a punt then took the lead late with another touchdown. Clock at 4:04. One more chance for the Owls. The Gamecocks forced a 3rd & 27 but Amari Odom would convert one of his three certified DAWG moments on this drive. He fired a pass down the seam for a 26-yard completion and the Owls drive would continue after a 4th down conversion. Jax State would force another long conversion attempt a few plays later, this time a 4th & 14. Odom took the shotgun snap and rolled out to his left, he took off and snuck just past the goal to gain line before drawing a late flag. Certified DAWG moment #2. Then Odom, on the next play, scrambled slightly and delivered a strike to a wide open man for the go-ahead score with 51 seconds left. Certified DAWG moment #3. The Owls defense would force a sack and a few incompletions to close the game out and win their first CUSA Title and more importantly complete a terrific turnaround with one of the most unlikely conference championships of the season.

Mountain West Championship Game

Boise State 38 UNLV 21

Not only was this game a rematch of a regular season game from this year but this game was the third consecutive MWC Title game between Boise State and UNLV. Boise State won in 2023 and famously beat the Rebels last season to clinch their spot in the CFP.

The Broncos hosted the regular season match up this year and dominated UNLV in a 56-31 win. For all intents and purposes they did it again in the title game. Boise State jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead thanks to gritty and efficient play from their QB Maddux Madsen, who ran for the game’s first score and threw for three more in the first half. Boise State held a 28-14 halftime lead.

The Rebels inched their way back in the game with a touchdown late in the third quarter. With the score at 28-21, Boise State responded. They opened the 4th quarter with a big touchdown to get some distance. Their defense buckled down and stopped the UNLV offense in all three of their offensive possessions in the 4th quarter. Maddux Madsen finished the game with 289 passing yards and 4 total touchdowns.

After the Broncos made the CFP last year, they opened with a loss to USF and lost to ND a few weeks later. Their CFP hopes were gone but they finished strong enough in the MWC to make the title game. Even in a down year, Boise State still managed to win their third consecutive Mountain West Conference Title.

Sun Belt Championship Game

#25 James Madison 31 Troy 14

James Madison is one of the Group of 5 dark horse contenders for the CFP. They came into the night 11-1 and a perfect 8-0 in the Sun Belt. Their only loss was at Louisville, where they were competitive. A win in the Sun Belt Title and they’d give the committee serious consideration to put them in the 12-team playoff. The Dukes would have to get through Troy first. Unlike six of the other conference championships that were rematches from the regular season, this was the first meeting of these schools since September of 2023.

Snow had fallen in Harrisonburg, VA before the game, this was the coldest of all the conference title games this weekend. The snowfall caused issues for the players, mainly Troy, but not in the way you’d think. Projectile snowballs coming from the crowd was a persistent problem, so much so the stadium security threatened ejections for offenders. Despite the unexpected flying objects, Troy played a solid first half. They answered JMU scores and trimmed a 10-point deficit to just 3 by halftime. JMU had dominated Sun Belt opponents all season so the slow start was a bit of a shock. JMU QB Alonza Barnett III wasn’t his usual efficient self but the Dukes relied heavily on the run game and a tenacious defense. Troy has been the worst team in the FBS in allowing sacks and that trend continued in the first half, they gave up 4 sacks. Troy QB Goose Crowder lead a few great scoring drives in the first half but in the second half it was all JMU.

Another 4 sacks for the Dukes in the second half, they shut out and shut down all attempts from Troy to get back in the game. The JMU offense was far from perfect and gave the Trojans opportunities to get points off turnovers, but their defense would not allow it. It also helped that Troy missed a would be game-tying field goal in the third quarter. Alonza Barnett III and the Dukes finally scored late in the 4th quarter when he took a QB keeper 26-yards for a huge touchdown. His display of athleticism pushed the lead to 24-14. Then on the next drive, the Dukes sacked Crowder again forcing a fumble and taking it to the crib for a game-clinching and conference championship clinching score. James Madison played an ugly game, but their defense propelled them to their first Sun Belt Title and a possible spot in the CFP.

Saturday

MAC Championship

Western Michigan 23 Miami (OH) 13

For the first time since 2016, the Western Michigan Broncos were in Detroit for the MAC Title game. Miami lost the MAC title game last year but won in 2023, they were trying to win their 5th conference title game, which would tie them for most MAC title games of all-time. The Redhawks hung on for dear life to finish 6-2 in the MAC after the shocking opt-out of quarterback Dequan Finn in early November, but still made the title game thanks winning the common opponent advantage over Toledo and Ohio. Western Michigan was the best team in the MAC all year, going 7-1. This one like many others conference title games was a rematch, with the Redhawks handing the Broncos their only conference loss of the season after a ferocious 17-point 4th quarter gave them a 26-17 win in late-October. But that was when the Redhawks had Dequan Finn, he had over 300 total yards and two scores in the win. They’d have to get it done without him and defend one of the nation’s top rushing offenses…again.

It didn’t take long for the Broncos rushing attack to make its mark on the game. Running back Jalen Buckley broke a 67-yard touchdown run right up the middle in the game’s first minutes. Then, Miami (OH) answered right back with a great drive, a 29-yard great sideline throw and catch set up a 1-yard touchdown run. WMU lead 7-6 after a missed extra point. Two possessions, two touchdowns.

The Broncos stormed back on their next drive, converting a 4th and short from around midfield with a huge pop pass to Michael Brescia that brought it down to the Redhawks 6 yard-line. A few plays later, they caught a massive break when replay overruled what looked like a strip sack and recovery by Miami (OH) LB Adam Trick, Trick took the fumble all the way down the field to the WMU 7-yard line. Replay ruled WMU QB Broc Lowry down and the Broncos ended their second drive with a field goal.

For the rest of the half it was a kick fest, punts galore with two field goals by WMU and a missed field goal by Miami (OH) at the end of the half. A would-be scoop and score by WMU was overruled by replay which could’ve broken the game open a lot more.

WMU wouldn’t have to wait long to extend their lead. On their first possession of the 2nd half Buckley broke another 60-plus yard touchdown run, this time down the sideline. Miami (OH) just couldn’t get anything going the rest of the game, they fumbled away a possession and turned the ball over on downs three times in the second half. They threatened a little bit with a touchdown drive in the 2nd half but after that score it was just to much to ask to get offensive production on a tough, physical Broncos defense. Hands dwon the star of the game was WMU running back Jalen Buckley who ran for 193 yards and 2 TD’s to give the Broncos their first conference title since 2016, and just their 2nd since 2000.

BIG 12 Championship Game

#4 Texas Tech 34 #11 BYU 7

Another regular-season rematch, this time for an opportunity for either school to win their first Big 12 title. BYU joined the Big 12 in 2023 and Texas Tech joined in 1995, neither team had won the Big 12. BYU’s last conference title was in 2007 when they won the MWC and Texas Tech’s last title was in 1994 when they won the now disbanded Southwest Conference. Lots at-stake in this one especially for BYU, avenge their regular season defeat, they’d punch their ticket to the CFP. Tech blew out the Cougars in Lubbock on November 8th, Tech defense suffocated freshman QB Bear Bachmeier and company and put the Red Raiders on the map as one of the top defensive teams in the nation. In the November matchup, Tech allowed just 255 yards and forced 3 turnovers against a BYU offense that had been playing pretty good offense up to that point.

BYU started off the game strong by forcing a TTU punt and pulling off a 14-play 90-yard drive that took almost 7 minutes off the clock. LJ Martin ran one in for the Cougs to give them the early advantage. Encouraging stuff for BYU, in their previous matchup BYU didn’t score until mid-way through the 4th quarter. Also, this was the first time Tech allowed any points on an opening-game drive all season. Tech would respond though, putting up a field goal, forcing a three and out and then taking their first lead of the game with a beautiful touchdown pass from Behren Morton to Coy Eakin. BYU tried to get catch the Red Raiders napping with a fake punt, it didn’t work, but the Red Raiders missed a field goal in response. Tech caught a break on their last drive of the first half when RB J’Koby Williams’ fumble at the BYU 37-yard line was recovered by WR Terrance Carter Jr. and advanced to the BYU 25. Tech added a field goal to put them ahead 13-7 at the half. Tech was punched in the mouth early and responded while BYU’s chances looked to be dwindling away.

BYU opened up the second half with a strong opening-drive but narrowly missed a 46-yard attempt wide left. Again, Tech failed to capitalize on another special teams miscue. The Red Raiders turned it over on downs in the red zone. BYU’s first true mistake would come a few plays later. Bachmeier rolled out on 3rd & 4 and threw tried to throw it over the head of TTU linebacker Ben Roberts, he leaped up and batted the ball into his own hands for a game-changing interception. He returned it to the BYU 11-yard line and Tech scored on the next play, a touchdown run by RB Cameron Dickey.

The interception was the momentum changer that the Red Raider defense needed. They allowed just 43 yards after that and forced two more turnovers, a fumble and an interception. 10 more points from Tech and it was over.

Tech’s offense wasn’t great, they didn’t need to be though, their defense stole the show. They allowed less yards in this game than they did in their previous matchup, an even 200 yards.

The Red Raiders captured their first Big 12 Title in school history, 30 years in the Big 12 and they’d finally get to bring home the hardware likely a first round bye in the CFP. BYU would have to wait and see if the blow-out loss would drop them out of the playoff.

SEC Championship Game

#3 Georgia 28 #9 Alabama 7

Alabama: the standard in the SEC. 11 SEC Championship game wins. Georgia: the new standard in the SEC. Last year’s champ, they’ve won 2 of 3 title games and were trying to win back-to-back SEC Titles for the first time in school history. This is an SEC Title matchup we’ve seen 4 times since 2012. Bama has won won all of them, but that was under Nick Saban. Now that he’s gone, Kirby Smart would have his chance to finally beat Bama in an SEC Title game, although he did beat Saban in the 2022 National Championship Game. (2021 season)

Alabama shockingly beat the Dawgs on September 27-24 in Athens ending Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak, the longest active streak at the time. You know what they say, it’s hard to beat the same team twice.

Punt, punt, punt, BLOCKED PUNT! Oh snap! Excitement! Georgia ball at the Alabama 21-yard line! Georgia capitalized on great field position and scored on a 1-yard TD pass on 3rd & goal. Just like that the game had some life.

Well, not for Alabama. They had a quick spark of offense with a nice run and catch by Ryan Williams. Just a few plays later, the fire spark died. Ty Simpson overthrew his intended target on a 3rd & 6 pass, intercepted right into the hands of standout DB Daylen Everette. Everette had two interceptions in the 2024 SEC Title game against Texas. Big players make big plays in big games. The Dawgs capitalized and went 57-yards in 14 plays with a gut-wrenching touchdown drive. Essentially no more offense after that, the half ended the way it started. UGA had a 14-0 lead.

Alabama opened the second half with a punt, go figure. Georgia didn’t follow the trend of the first half. They scored a touchdown on their first drive of the second half and never looked back. Their defense allowed nothing in the 3rd quarter and were especially dominant stopping the Alabama rushing attack. All Bama could do was throw the ball, barely.

They did execute a 91-yard drive to open the 4th quarter for their first touchdown of the game. UGA hurt themselves with two 15-yard penalties on that drive. Alabama was breathing though. Georgia punted it right back to the Tide and Bama had life, but turned the ball over on downs deep in their own territory right when it seemed they could crawl back into the game. The Dawgs put the nail in the coffin with another touchdown and kept Alabama from scoring again.

Back-to-back SEC Titles for Georgia, 3 titles in 4 years and their 4th since 2017. Georgia is the new standard in the SEC. For Alabama, a piss poor performance, especially offensively. Just 209 yards, one of their worst offensive games in recent years and their -3 rushing yards is now the lowest total in SEC Championship history. The first team to ever have negative rushing yards.

ACC Championship Game

Duke 27 #17 Virginia 20 OT

The shocker of all shockers was definitely Duke in the ACC Title game, but hey, they played their way in. UVA is in the midst of an impressive turn-around season. They went 5-7 last year and are one win away from their first ACC Championship win, Duke has never played in the ACC Title game. The outcome of this could either send Virginia to the playoff or create chaos for a team like Miami, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt or even James Madison.

Duke QB Darian Mensah has had a career year since transferring from Tulane a year ago and on the Blue Devils first offensive drive he orchestrated an impressive 15-play 75-yard drive, the drive lasted almost 10 minutes and was capped off with a 12-yard screen pass to the tight end. They converted three third downs and a fourth down. You could just tell watching this opening drive that Duke wasn’t going to make things easy on Virginia despite the fact that Virginia won the regular season matchup. Virginia opened up their first drive strong but stalled and then missed a 45-yard field goal. The Cavaliers wouldn’t have to wait long to get the ball back. Mensah under-threw a hitch route or just didn’t see the lurking defender, who made an easy catch and set UVA up in prime position. Virginia took advantage and tied the game up a few plays later. In response, Duke went on another marathon drive, this one was 13-plays and 75-yards. During the eight minute drive, Duke converted a fake punt from their own 33-yard line with the classic direct snap to the upback. Mensah also threw a brilliant 35-yard sideline pass that was reeled in over the shoulder by Sahmir Hagans, who dragged his toes in bounds just before going out of bounds. Duke RB Nate Sheppard finished the drive off when he escaped from the pile and scampered in the end-zone for a 16-yard score after seemingly being held up around the line of scrimmage.

Up 14-7 at the half Duke had definitely come to play but the job wasn’t done yet. The excitement was on hold after a pretty boring 3rd quarter, just two field goals during that period. Mid-way through the 4th quarter and at the shadow of their own goal-post UVA QB Chandler Morris threw a questionable deep ball, looked like maybe him and his receiver had a miscommunication, it was intercepted by the diving Caleb Weaver. Duke gained the momentum. They settled for a field goal but had a 20-10 lead with 5 minutes left, but Virginia stormed back quickly trimming the lead to 20-13.

The Blue Devils couldn’t close the game out and Virginia would get one last opportunity to tie the game. Down 20-13 with less than two minutes left, Chandler Morris and the Hoos worked their way down the field, drawing penalties and fighting for gritty yards. Inside the Duke 20 with 25 seconds left Morris lobbed one toward the pylon. His intended receiver Eli Wood IV was forced out of bounds but inched back in bounds to secure a brilliant diving catch. By rule, a defender can come back in bounds and gain possession as long as he is forced out by a defender.

Virginia tied the game and forced overtime after being down by 10 points with just five minutes left.

In overtime, Duke had possession first. They powered their way inside the five but couldn’t punch it in. 4th & goal, do or die. Mensah took the snap, rolled out right, he looked and looked. Right before getting sacked he threw one off his back foot into the end-zone to a wide open Jeremiah Hasley who secured the catch! Hasley just reeled in his 2nd touchdown of the day.

Now here’s the crucial moment.

After the TD pass Mensah was hit late forcing a roughing the passer. The 15-yard penalty would be enforced on the next possession by UVA. So instead of the Cavaliers starting from the 25, they now had to try and answer the touchdown from the 40-yard line. I’ve actually never seen that before, but I guess that’s the rule and it makes perfect sense.

Virginia ball: First play, Morris tosses to the running back and rolls out wide, running back throws it back to him. Morris looks downfield and fires it. Into double coverage. Interception! Game over!

Not a bad play-call just didn’t fool anyone on the Duke defense. If he had to do it over again, Morris would’ve just thrown it away.

An exciting finish to set up CFP chaos. Duke wins their first ACC Championship game and their first conference title in football since 1962.

BIG 10 Championship Game

#2 Indiana 13 #1 Ohio State 10

I saved the game of the year for last. The last two undefeated teams in the nation. The highly anticipated and much awaited #1 vs #2 matchup. Newly revived Indiana against the defending National Champs: The Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Big Ten Title game was introduced in 2011. Ohio State has the most appearances and most wins. They are the benchmark of continued conference dominance, much like Alabama is/ was in the SEC. I’d say Georgia is up there too.

Anyways, this one was bound to be a classic.

Neither team had really struggled this year, Indiana had a few more close calls, but for the most part, these two teams took care of their opponents fairly easily. Both offenses are lead by Heisman caliber quarterbacks. Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin were a combined 24-0, coming into the game. They have combined for 5,823 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns Both men have completed over 70% of their passes with just 5 interceptions a piece. Truly impressive.

Gus Johnson in the booth for FOX, bound to be exciting. On the first play of the game Mendoza scrambled slightly to his right and threw a perfect crossing route, which Indiana gained nine yards from. However, right after Mendoza released the ball he was leveled by Buckeyes leading pass rusher Caden Curry. Mendoza went down, but this was a legal hit and one of those “welcome to the big game” moments. Fernando Mendoza’s brother, Alberto, replaced him while Fernando shook off the hit for a few plays. The Buckeyes forced a punt, but quickly gave it right back after Julian Sayin forced one over the middle, it was intercepted by Indiana DB Louis Moore and returned to the Ohio State 23-yard line. The Hoosiers settled for a field goal for the first score of the game.

The Indiana pass rush was a bit much for Ohio State and they forced a Buckeye punt, but again it wouldn’t take long for momentum to shift. When Mendoza threw a screen pass to open the possession, the Buckeyes forced a blow-up and Mendoza’s pass was deflected and intercepted at the IU 25-yard line. It wouldn’t take long for the Buckeyes to convert the turnover into a touchdown.

Down 7-3, Indiana responded. A huge 37-yard run put the ball in perfect scoring position for the Hoosiers only for them to miss a chip shot 39-yard field goal.

Ohio State looked like they were going to break the game open after a 52-yard deep ball from Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith, a huge breakout play from one of the best receivers in the nation. The stout Indiana defense held though and forced a field goal.

Indiana then went 61-yards in 14 plays to put another FG on the board for them. Ohio State held a slim 10-6 lead at the half. Indiana hadn’t been held without a touchdown in the first half all season.

In the third quarter, Indiana would replicate the big pass Ohio State converted earlier in the game. On a 3rd & 2 Fernando Mendoza would air one out to Charlie Becker, he pulled it in. Indiana scored a few plays later with a Mendoza touchdown pass. The Hoosiers had their first lead since the 1st quarter and they wouldn’t let it.

That TD pass was the last score of the game, but things were still tense. The Buckeyes responded with a great drive, a dominate, time-consuming drive. It halted at the IU 5-yard line. 4th & 1. Ryan Day went for the first down, a Sayin QB sneak, easy play right. Not so easy. Sayin inched forward and had the first down, except replay reviewed it and confirmed his knee hit the ground as he was scrumming through the pile. Turnover on downs.

After and Indiana punt, Ohio State got another chance to tie or take the lead. They about duplicated their previous drive, marching forward on the tough Hoosier defense and melting away the clock like butter. The drive halted again after a great pass end-zone break-up on 3rd down. Ryan Day learned from the last drive’s blunder and went for the field goal and tie on 4th & 1 instead of risking a turnover on downs. With less than 3 minutes to go, chip shot 27-yarder for the tie. WIDE LEFT! No bleeping way! The ball was set up on the right hash and Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding overcompensated and pulled too far left.

Indiana won the battle, but not the war. Yet.

Indiana ball at their own 24. 3rd & 6. Shotgun pass, Mendoza arcs one down the sideline for Charlie Becker, he high-pointed the ball and endured the contact for the huge conversion. Becker ran a great route in man-coverage and gained a step or two and Mendoza delivered a perfect pass.

Ohio State had just one time-out and Indiana took advantage of that by wasting away the clock. Indiana wasn’t able to convert another first down to ice it, but Ohio State would only have 13 seconds to work with as they had one last chance to tie the game. The Buckeyes were unable to do anything backed way up in their own territory. Sayin’s last second heave was caught at midfield but the receiver was tackled right away.

Indiana, the program with the most all-time losses in all of college football, just reached the pinnacle of Big 10 football for just the third time in their history. Their last Big 10 championship was in 1967. Head coach Curt Cignetti turned them from door mat to king of the Big 10 in just two seasons.

What’s Next?

ACC Champion: Duke

Despite winning the ACC Championship game, their 8-5 record wasn’t strong enough to get them into the College Football Playoff.

Duke will play Arizona State in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

American Conference Champion: Tulane

Tulane’s 11-2 record and Group of 5 conference championship earned them a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Tulane will play at Ole Miss in the First Round of the College Football Playoff on December 20. This is the second matchup of these two teams this year. Ole Miss won 45-10 on September 20.

Big 12 Champion: Texas Tech

A 12-1 campaign earned the Red Raiders a first round bye as the 4-seed in the College Football Playoff.

Texas Tech will play the winner of James Madison/Oregon in the Orange Bowl on January 1.

Side note: BYU‘s conference championship loss eliminated them from the College Football Playoff despite their strong 11-2 record. They will play Georgia Tech in the Pop Tart’s Bowl on December 27.

Big 10 Champion: Indiana

Indiana earned the 1-seed in the College Football Playoff. They will play the winner of Alabama/Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl on January 1.

Side note: Ohio State still earned the 2-seed in the College Football Playoff, despite their loss. They will play the winner of Miami/Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

C-USA Champion: Kennesaw State

Kennesaw State is going bowling for the first time in their brief history in the FBS.

Kennesaw State will play MAC Champion Western Michigan in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on December 19.

MAC Champion: Western Michigan

Western Michigan will get to go for their 10th win of the season when they play CUSA Champion Kennesaw State in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

MWC Champion: Boise State

Boise State had a bit of a down year, especially compared to their standards. They will not play in the CFP like they did last year.

Boise State will play Washington in the LA Bowl on December 13.

SEC Champion: Georgia

Georgia earned the 3-seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Georgia will play the winner of Tulane/Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl on Jan 1.

Side note: Alabama, despite the embarrassing loss in the SEC Title game, earned a spot in the First Round of the College Football Playoff. They play at Oklahoma on December 19th.

Sun Belt Champion: James Madison

The Dukes had a historic 12-1 season. They won the Sun Belt for the first time and thanks to Duke beating Virginia in the ACC Title Game….

James Madison will play Oregon in the First Round of the College Football Playoff on December 20.

College Football Playoff Seeds and Snubs

1. Indiana (13-0)
2. Ohio State (12-1)
3. Georgia (12-1)
4. Texas Tech (12-1)
5. Oregon (11-1)
6. Ole Miss (11-1)
7. Texas A&M (11-1)
8. Oklahoma (10-2)
9. Alabama (10-3)
10. Miami (10-2)
11. Tulane (11-2)
12. James Madison (12-1)

SNUBS:

#11 Notre Dame (10-2): The Irish had two losses to two playoff teams, by a combined 4 points. They lost to Miami in Week 1 and Texas A&M in Week 2. They finished the year on a 10-game winning streak and are lead by Heisman finalist RB Jeremiyah Love. ND’s top wins: #16 USC, MWC Champ Boise State, Navy (9-2), and Pitt (8-4). (Pitt was ranked when they played ND) ND controversially opted out of a bowl game.

#14 Vanderbilt (10-2): Vandy’s best season in school history was a fun ride. They won 10-games for the first time in school history and are lead by Heisman finalist QB Diego Pavia. They lost 2 games, at #8 Alabama and at #13 Texas. Vandy’s top wins: at Tennessee (8-4), Missouri (8-4), LSU (7-5), at South Carolina (4-8). All 4 teams were ranked in the Top 25 when they played Vandy. Vanderbilt will play Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31.

#12 BYU (11-2): BYU lost the Big 12 Title game in embarrassing fashioned. They were penalized for losing the Big 12 Title game, Alabama was not penalized for losing the SEC Title game, despite Bama’s extra loss. BYU’s best wins: #15 Utah, at #17 Arizona, at Iowa State (8-4), TCU (8-4). BYU will play Georgia Tech in the Pop Tarts Bowl on December 27.

#13 Texas (9-3): There was a legitimate argument for Texas. They played 4 playoff teams and beat two of them: Texas A&M and Oklahoma. Texas’s best wins: #7 Texas A&M, #8 Oklahoma, #14 Vanderbilt. Their loss to 4-8 Florida was what kept them out of the CFP. Texas will play Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on December 31.