The College Football Playoff (CFP) first round delivered thrilling matchups and memorable moments, with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson emerging as a standout. Simpson led the Crimson Tide to a historic victory over Oklahoma on December 1, 2023, making them the first team to win a road playoff game. The game was marked by a dramatic comeback, as Alabama overcame an early 17-point deficit to secure a 34-24 win.
Simpson’s performance was pivotal, reflecting his resilience in the face of adversity. After the game, he famously remarked, “They tried to write us off, though we ain’t write back!” referencing a quote by NFL quarterback Geno Smith. His words encapsulated the spirit of a team that refused to be deterred by a challenging start.
Drama in Miami and Impressive Debuts
In another closely contested matchup, Miami faced off against Texas A&M. The game was characterized by missed opportunities, with both teams combining for four missed field goals and four turnovers. Miami ultimately triumphed, securing a victory with a last-minute interception by Marcel Reed. The win sparked a jubilant celebration on the sidelines, with Hurricanes alumnus Michael Irvin playfully kissing head coach Mario Cristobal during his postgame interview. Cristobal praised Irvin but humorously commented on the celebratory antics, saying, “I couldn’t find enough wipees to clean myself.”
Meanwhile, in Oxford, Pete Golding made a successful coaching debut for Ole Miss after taking over from Lane Kiffin. Golding guided the Rebels to a commanding 41-10 victory against Tulane, showcasing their offensive prowess with a total of 497 yards. Following the game, quarterbacks coach Joe Judge highlighted Golding’s ability to maintain focus amid the chaos of a coaching transition.
Concerns for Oregon Despite Victory
Although Oregon secured a win over James Madison with a score of 51-34, head coach Dan Lanning expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance in the second half. After leading 34-6 at halftime, the Ducks allowed James Madison to score 28 points while only adding 17 themselves. Lanning’s postgame comments reflected his concern, stating, “You got to be able to choke somebody out. We didn’t do that.” His candid assessment underscored the need for improvement as the playoffs progress.
The first round of the College Football Playoff not only highlighted individual performances but also set the stage for the remaining teams as they vie for the championship. With intense competition and memorable moments, the CFP continues to captivate fans nationwide, promising more excitement in the upcoming rounds.
