The college football (CFP) semi-finals delivered their verdict with matches full of suspense.
Summary of the NCAA playoffs, with the college football (CFP) semi-finals, and a focus on players eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Michigan – Alabama: 27-20 AP
JJ McCarthy (QB, Michigan) is the hero of an unbearably suspenseful Rose Bowl between Michigan and Alabama. Trailing by a touchdown, the quarterback completed a pass on the 4th attempt, then a 16-yard run. Then, he luckily found Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan), who he found a few plays later for the equalizing touchdown. Before the victorious touchdown of the other hero of the match Blake Corum (RB, Michigan) in overtime, Michigan did not go far from disaster at the end of the match with a screwed-up ball on a punt return. The running back is also the one who changes everything for Michigan. It’s simple, last year he was absent. This year, he is the one who gives victory to his team, continuing his series of touchdowns this season.
However, Alabama gave the best team in the country a hard time, being more effective on the ground than in the air. The decisive player is Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama), back from injury, and author of 2 rushing touchdowns. Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama) didn't build on his form from the end of the regular season, but he had a solid game. Unfortunately, he was unable to force a 2nd overtime as he was stopped by… JC Latham (OT, Alabama) 3 yards from the promised land in overtime. Nick Saban's men could have regrets regarding the appearance of the meeting. On the other side, it's a first for Jim Harbaugh (John's brother) and Michigan, finally breaking the curse.
Notable performances
- JJ McCarthy (QB, Michigan): 17/27, 246 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Blake Corum (RB, Michigan): 19 carries, 2 receptions, 118 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Josaiah Stewart (EDGE, Michigan): 7 tackles, 1 sack
Disappointment
- JC Latham (OT, Alabama): 2 sacks conceded, 5 pressures conceded
Washington – Texas: 37-31
1 second to play and around twenty yards to go for the touchdown. Washington leads 37-31. Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas) looks for Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas), but can't find him. Texas doesn't go far from a hold-up. Washington was scared, but won in this Sugar Bowl, and joined Michigan in the final.
To win, the Huskies rely on their recipe that has made them successful all season. An aerial attack in abundance embodied by Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington), author of a new game with more than 400 yards. He is the first player since Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals) to surpass the 400-yard mark in the playoffs. The quarterback was able to count on his 2 favorite targets of the season, Rome Odunze (WR, Washington) and Ja'Lynn Polk (WR, Washington), both authors of a game with more than 100 yards. The ground game is not to be outdone with 2 touchdowns from Dillon Johnson (RB, Washington), who may have been injured at the end of the match.
All that was missing was a big aerial production for the Texas Longhorns to compete with Washington. Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas) had a game without errors, but he suffered 4 sacks, including 2 from Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington). The ground game gives 2 touchdowns with the duo CJ Baxter – Jaydon Blue, but also 2 very costly fumbles, each time penalized. Washington will therefore go to challenge Michigan in Houston in the Texans stadium. There will therefore be no (almost) home final for Steve Sarkisian's players (HC, Texas).
Notable performances
- Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington): 29/38, 430 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Rome Odunze (WR, Washington): 6 receptions, 125 yards
- Ja'Lynn Polk (WR, Washington): 5 receptions, 122 yards, 1 touchdown
- Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington): 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Disappointment
- Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas): 2 receptions, 45 yards
Other Major Bowls
Deprived of many players in attack and defense, Florida State took on water against Georgia during the Orange Bowl (63-3). A match which saw Kendall Milton (RB, Georgia) and Daijun Edwards (RB, Georgia) stand out with 2 touchdowns each. Quickly losing its starting quarterback Devin Brown, Ohio State did not exist against Missouri (14-3). Cody Schrader (RB, Missouri) again exceeds 100 yards (128), and scores the touchdown that breaks the game. Oregon crushes Liberty (45-3) for the last game in the university career of Bo Nix (QB, Oregon), author of 5 touchdowns.
Finally, the closest game was between Penn State and Ole Miss. The Ole Miss Rebels win with an excellent Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss), who will return to university next season. But the performance to remember is that of Caden Prieskorn (TE, Ole Miss) who exceeds 100 yards (136), with 2 touchdowns.
