The informal first round of the college football playoffs kicked off on Saturday (Dec. 2). For any team that wanted to be among the final four a win was necessary, but for Alabama, all they could do was watch and wait for what the committee has in store.
1.) Clemson (12-1) defeats Miami (10-2) - 38-3
Clemson proved that their number one ranking wasn't just a ceremonial honor in a blow out win over Miami. Tigers' running back Travis Etienne and quarterback Kelly Bryant both had first quarter rushing touchdowns. The Clemson defense forced Miami into four punts and a missed field goal in the first half.
With a 21-0 halftime lead, the Tigers' piled more points on in the third, adding 17 to put the game away. Bryant passed for 252 yards and a score.
2.) Auburn (10-3) loses to Georgia (12-1) - 7-28
Auburn stormed out-of-the-gate on their first possession, driving 75 yards in 10 plays to go up 7-0. But from there, the Tigers' offense disappeared. With a chance to extend their lead, Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham fumbled on Georgia's 14-yard line. The Bulldogs flipped the turnover into seven points and tacked on another field goal to go up 10-7 at the half.
Auburn had a chance to tie the game early in the third quarter, but the Georgia defensive line overpowered the Tigers' front and blocked the kick.
All the momentum turned to the Bulldogs. After extending the lead to 13-7, Georgia recovered another Auburn fumble and iced the game with touchdowns on their next two possessions. Running back Kerryon Johnson appeared to be nursing a shoulder injury from last Saturday (Nov. 25) and rushed for just 44 yards on 13 carries.
3.) Oklahoma (21-1) defeats TCU (10-3) - 41-17
Oklahoma was the first team to punch their ticket into the final four with a victory over TCU Saturday (Dec. 2) afternoon. Initially, it appeared like it was going to be smooth sailing after kicking a field goal on their opening drive and then returning a TCU fumble for a touchdown.
A Baker Mayfield pass put the Sooners up 17-0. But TCU battled back, scoring 14 unanswered points on drives of 75 and 74 yards. Oklahoma responded with another Mayfield touchdown, but TCU cut the deficit to seven just before halftime.
The Sooners opened the third quarter by scoring two touchdowns on three plays. The first was a 55-yard Mayfield bomb to Mykel Jones, and the second was a 52-yard strike to Marquise Brown; a seven-yard run was sandwiched in-between. The Oklahoma defense held TCU scoreless in the second half. Mayfield threw for 241 yards and 4 touchdowns.
4.) Wisconsin (12-1) loses to Ohio State (11-2) - 21-27
The Big Ten's playoff hopes are all but dead. Wisconsin needed to win to secure a playoff berth and Ohio State isn't worthy of a spot over Alabama.
Badgers' quarterback Alex Hornibrook had a chance to put Wisconsin up early, but threw a pick on Ohio State's four-yard line. The Buckeyes drove 96 yards in four plays to go up 7-0.
Like the Badgers' defense has been doing all season, they stepped up and intercepted a J.T. Barrett pass and returned it for a pick-six to tie the score 7-7. However, Ohio State clapped back with a touchdown and added another one to go up 21-7. Wisconsin's defense did it again before halftime, forcing the Buckeyes into another turnover, but the Badgers could only manage a field goal.
The two teams traded field goals to start the third quarter, but Wisconsin cut the score to three after intercepting another Barrett pass and scoring a touchdown.
A field goal put Ohio State up 27-21. The Badgers had two chances to snatch the lead, but were forced into a punt and an interception. Hornibrook was 19-40 for 229 yards and two picks.
5.) Alabama (11-1) - idle
Alabama needed Oklahoma or Wisconsin to lose to have a chance. They got what they needed. It's between them and Ohio State for the final spot, but the Crimson Tide are more worthy.
6.) Georgia (12-1) defeats Auburn (10-3) - 28-7
Georgia got its revenge on Auburn. After freshman quarterback Jake Fromm struggled in their first matchup, he passed for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the SEC Championship. The Bulldogs' ground game also found some much-needed traction, rushing for 238 yards and a score. It's going to take two more repeat performances like Saturday (Dec. 2) to take home a national championship.
