Powerhouses Fallen. Underdogs Rising. Chaos Wins
Before the season had started, nobody would’ve picked these four teams to be in the Semi Finals. The new format allows for different teams to gain momentum and make a run in the playoffs. All four head coaches in these matchups will get to experience the Semi Finals for the first time in their careers. The known powerhouses in the sport have been eliminated and it seems like it’s anyone's trophy.
Indiana Hoosiers vs Oregon Ducks
Both of these teams look to keep the National Championship trophy within the Big 10 conference for the third consecutive season. Head coaches Dan Lanning and Curt Cignetti have had confidence in their teams throughout the entirety of the season and expected to make it here. The Hoosiers come into this Semi Final game as a slight favorite but, as we know the playoffs are hard to predict.
The First Matchup
The Hoosiers were able to beat the Ducks 30-20 in early October. Both teams have grown since then but, the talent on each side looked to be quite even. In the first battle, Indiana was able to win the game by being balanced on offense and creating turnovers on defense. Both teams had success in the passing game as they were able to find some favorable matchups. The biggest factor in the game: the turnover battle (2-1 Hoosiers). Turnovers are very important in these equal talent matchups and Indiana had the edge the first time around. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza made a name for himself during this game as he was able to make the right decisions for his team to win. The Ducks will need to be more prepared for him as they go into the Semi Finals.
Keys to the Game
Rushing Battle: Running the ball effectively will allow each of these teams to operate their offenses efficiently. Both teams average 200+ rushing yards per game and they will both look to establish the run early.
Turnover Battle: In the first matchup, Indiana won the turnover battle. Turnovers are critical to wins and losses throughout the season. Both teams will have to play clean as the winner of this game will most likely create more turnovers.
Quarterback Pressure: Both teams will look to impact the opposing teams quarterback with different pressures. Both teams excel in this area and whoever gets the most pressure will have the best chance to win.
Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers will look to grab an early lead in the game as the Ducks have had difficulty coming back from early deficits. On defense, Indiana will look to create 3rd and long situations for Dante Moore as they do most of their damage on early downs. They must limit the explosive plays from the Ducks and stopping them on early downs will help that.
Oregon Ducks
The Ducks must slow the game down with slower tempo on offense. Control the clock with their rushing attack and take shots when needed. Oregon will look to stretch the field with their talented receivers and find favorable matchups. On defense, the Ducks must be better against the Hoosier receivers as they were beat down field quite a bit in the first matchup.
Impact Players
Charlie Becker: Becker has come onto the scene late in the season. He is a speedy big receiver that matches up well with virtually any cornerback in college football. The Ducks will be focused on Surratt and Cooper Jr. and Becker will get his opportunity to shine.
Dante Moore: Projected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming draft but still has lots to prove before he moves on. In the first matchup he struggled with interceptions but has the opportunity to right the ship. Moore has improved greatly since their first matchup and must be efficient to give his team a chance to win.
Prediction: 21-17 Indiana
Indiana looks to be unstoppable but Dan Lanning will have his team ready and it will be a competitive game until the clock runs out. This game will be very entertaining and physical but Indiana will eventually pull away. Charlie Becker will be a major impact as he will beat the Ducks in the first half which will open up Surratt and Cooper later on. Dante Moore plays well but makes small mistakes that will ultimately cost them a chance to compete for a title. Indiana will have an opportunity to win their first National Championship under 2nd year head coach Curt Cignetti.
Ole Miss Rebels vs Miami Hurricanes
These two teams have embraced the underdog mentality going into the playoffs. Most analysts and fans across the country predicted them to lose in the quarterfinals. They will have their shot to prove to the country that they belong in the National Title conversation. These teams have relied on their experience throughout the playoffs as they have veteran players on their rosters.
Keys to the game
Quarterback Pressure: Both teams have been stout in creating pressure on their opposing quarterbacks. They will look to do the same as quarterbacks in college struggle getting to their reads quickly.
Quarterback Run: Both teams rely heavily on their quarterbacks to keep drives alive. Chambliss is one of the premier dual threat quarterbacks in the sport and will look to extend drives with his legs. Carson Beck must do the same as he was able to get crucial third down conversions in the quarterfinals which ultimately propelled his team to victory.
Ole Miss Rebels
Once again the Rebels will face more distractions as coaches continue to leave for LSU. They will have to stay focussed, play with physicality, and rely on their leadership. The Rebels are the fastest team in the country in running plays on offense and will look to keep the tempo going. In the quarterfinals Miami struggled with Ohio State’s tempo in the 2nd half causing their best players to come off the field. Ole Miss will have to play fast and tire out the Hurricanes D-line. The offense will also look to stretch the field and get the ball out quickly to their talented ball carriers. The Rebels want a high scoring affair as Miami has struggled to score points in this playoff.
Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes shocked the world in the quarterfinals and it wasn’t a fluke. Many people around the country believe this is the most physical team. On offense, the Hurricanes will look to control the game with their rushing attack. Mark Fletcher has come on the scene lately and will look to control the game by picking up chunk yardage. On defense, the Hurricanes have been able to win off of turnovers. They will look to pressure the quarterback with their stout D-Line and force the Rebels into mistakes. Miami will have to get crucial third down stops as the Rebels have a 45% conversion rate. Opposite of the Rebels, the Hurricanes want a low scoring game where they control the time of possession.
Impact Players
Trinidad Chambliss: Chambliss willed his team to victory against the Georgia Bulldogs and looks to be peaking at the right time. He will need to be explosive in this game attacking Miami’s secondary downfield and picking up first downs with his legs. If Chambliss can play 75% as good as he did in the quarterfinals I like the Rebels chances.
Miami D-Line: In the Cotton Bowl they were able to disrupt Ohio State’s potent offense by pressuring Julian Sayin. They will have to get pressure against Chambliss but stay disciplined as he can hurt you with his legs. If they are able to pressure the quarterback and keep him in the pocket they will keep the Rebels offense in check. They will need to create negative plays to slow down the tempo from the opposing offense.
Prediction: 28-24 Ole Miss
The Rebels magical run continues as they head to the National Title game without Lane Kiffin. Miami will struggle early with the Rebels fast tempo on offense and eventually give up explosive plays. The Hurricanes will be strong on offense but will lack fire power in a high scoring game. Trinidad Chambliss will have analysts predicting him as a top quarterback after he leads his team to victory.
