Sure, there have been several oddly named bowl games, and a few have even been pretty good. But the real college football action is this week as the hunt for the national championship resumes on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Four games, with the winners heading to the semifinals. It doesn’t get much better than this. Here is our 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinals preview and predictions.
No. 10 Miami vs No. 2 Ohio State -NYE
Miami is a nice story. They nearly missed out on the playoff altogether. Then they upset Texas A&M and will now try to do the same against Ohio State. The Canes had a ton of pressure on Marcel Reed all game long. But these Buckeyes don’t fold under pressure. They have allowed 11 sacks all year long. The defense isn’t going to get torched either. Ohio State is allowing less than 14 points a game. Miami has been questionable to me this year. Ohio State is clearly the second-best team in the nation and this won’t be all that close. Prediction: Miami 17 Ohio State 31
No. 5 Oregon vs No. 4 Texas Tech
Sometimes when you have to face the most talented team you’ve seen all year, there is a bit of shell shock. I think the Red Raiders are in store for that shock. Oregon is easily the best team that they have faced all year. Faster, more explosive, more athletic. Tech has a great defense. But Oregon is one of the most potent offenses in the country and has had the 5th best offensive success in the country. If the Ducks offensive line can buy QB Dante Moore some time, then they will fare well. This is the 66th strength of schedule vs the 22nd strength of schedule in the country. It’s an easy pick for me. Prediction: Oregon 26 Texas Tech 21
No. 9 Alabama vs No. 1 Indiana
The Crimson Tide should feel lucky to be playing this game after the Sooners jumped out to a 17-0 lead. Curt Cignetti’s squad won’t let them chip back and get into a game if they jump out to a big lead. Bama hasn’t been able to rush the ball effectively, ranking outside the top 100 in rushing offensively. That is putting a lot of pressure on Ty Simpson on the biggest stage that he’s ever played on. The Heisman winner is on the other side of the field and has consistently come through in the biggest spots this season. That trend continues for Mendoza and the Flipping Hoosiers. Prediction: Alabama 20 Indiana 35
No. 6 Ole Miss vs No. 3 Georgia
The Ole Miss Rebels proved that they didn’t miss Lane Kiffin all that much in their opening round win over Tulane. They smoked the Wave and now have their eyes set on Georgia. These two have already played this season. The Dogs trailed by 6 entering the fourth but blanked the Rebels in the final 15 minutes and won the game. I like the upset here. Ole Miss is playing with a chip on its shoulder. The Rebels have seen Gunnar Stockton and have had time to gameplan against him. The defenses have both played well over the last few weeks. I see the team that has more to prove coming out on top. Prediction: Ole Miss 22 Georgia 19