The Indiana Hoosiers became the first team since the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams to win a game after having a first-round bye, dominating No. 9 Alabama 38-3 to advance to the semifinal. The Hoosiers rushed for 215 yards and also got a stellar showing from Fernando Mendoza, who threw for 192 yards and three scores in the victory. Ohio State, the defending national champion and odds-on favorite to repeat in 2025-26, was not so fortunate. The Buckeyes could not get past Miami on New Year's Eve, with Julian Sayin throwing a costly early pick-6 to give the Hurricanes momentum they would not relinquish. Miami held Ohio State to just 45 rushing yards and registered five sacks in a...
