College Football Playoff First Round: Saturday Tripleheader delivers High-Stakes On-Campus Action
Table of Contents
- 1. College Football Playoff First Round: Saturday Tripleheader delivers High-Stakes On-Campus Action
- 2. CFP Tripleheader schedule
- 3. Quick Picks
- 4. Live Impact & Evergreen Takeaways
- 5. reader Questions
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- 7. Saturday’s CFP tripleheader: Game‑Day Schedule & Broadcast Details
- 8. Texas A&M vs. Washington State – Aggies Guard the Gulf Coast
- 9. Ole Miss Rebels vs.Rutgers Scarlet Knights – A Battle for SEC supremacy
- 10. Oregon Ducks vs. Iowa State Cyclones – West Coast Showdown
- 11. Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Tripleheader
- 12. Post‑game Implications for the CFP Path
- 13. Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
The College Football Playoff first round closes with a full day of on-campus games in three slots, featuring three road teams aiming to disrupt the bracket adn advance to the new Year’s quarterfinals. After an Alabama-Oklahoma clash in Norman, attention shifts to hostile venues as programs try to punch their playoff ticket. All kickoff times are in Eastern Time.
CFP Tripleheader schedule
kickoff begins at noon, followed by two more marquee matchups across distinct campuses. For context on the playoff format and schedule, see the official College Football playoff site and comprehensive coverage of the tripleheader below.
| Game | time | Location | Broadcast | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 10 Miami (Fla.) at No. 7 Texas A&M | 12:00 p.m. ET | Kyle Field, College Station, TX | ABC / ESPN | ESPN App |
| No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss | 3:30 p.m.ET | Vaught-hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS | TNT / truTV | Max |
| No. 12 james Madison at No. 5 Oregon | 7:30 p.m. ET | Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR | TNT / truTV | Max |
No. 10 Miami visits No. 7 Texas A&M in a potential shootout. Texas A&M hosts as the favourite after finishing strong.Miami brings veteran quarterback Carson Beck and touted freshman Malachi Toney on offense. The hurricanes boast one of the league’s better offensive lines and the ability to strike quickly,while the Aggies rely on a stout run defense and a raucous Kyle Field crowd. The game could stay close if Miami protects Beck and avoids third-and-long scenarios; expect points early.
No. 11 Tulane heads to no. 6 Ole miss,with the Rebels riding an experienced quarterback and deep receiving corps into a challenging habitat at Oxford. Tulane, fresh off an AAC title, controls games with a balanced run game and a defense that creates turnovers and holds up against the pass. If tulane can keep the scoring low and shorten the game, an upset is plausible. Ole Miss would likely win comfortably if its quarterback can buy time in the pocket.
No. 12 James Madison visits No. 5 Oregon, the nightcap of the slate. The Ducks bring one of the nation’s most potent offenses, playing at a rapid tempo, with Autzen Stadium poised to be loud. James Madison counterbalances with a physical front seven from the Sun Belt, but the talent gap is evident on paper. The Dukes must weather a strong start from Oregon and capitalize on any early breaks to stay in it.
Quick Picks
- Texas A&M over Miami
- ole Miss over Tulane
- Oregon over james Madison
Two home favorites are favored to win, with the Texas A&M-miami matchup regarded as the closest contest.
Live Impact & Evergreen Takeaways
Saturday’s slate tests teams’ ability to win on the road in hostile environments, a recurring theme in the College Football Playoff chase. Outcomes could shift seedings for the New Year’s matchups and ripple through the bracket. Oregon’s late prime-time showcase reinforces its status as a title contender,while James Madison seeks to translate a high-energy start into a breakthrough upset that could reshape the playoff landscape.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| primary focus | College Football Playoff first round |
| First kickoff | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| Night game | 7:30 p.m.ET |
reader Questions
Which game do you expect to be the closest, and why? If an upset occurs, which seed changes would you predict for the quarterfinals?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments, and tell us which matchup you’re most watching.
Note: Times are Eastern. For complete viewing options, check regional networks and streaming platforms.
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Saturday’s CFP tripleheader: Game‑Day Schedule & Broadcast Details
| Date (2025) | Kickoff | Venue | Host (CFP Seed) | Road Underdog (CFP Seed) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Dec 26 | 12:00 PM ET | Kyle Field – College Station, TX | Texas A&M (No. 3) | Washington State (No. 6) | ESPN |
| Saturday, Dec 26 | 3:30 PM ET | Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, MS | ole Miss (No. 4) | Rutgers (No. 7) | FOX |
| Saturday, Dec 26 | 7:00 PM ET | Autzen Stadium – Eugene, OR | Oregon (No. 5) | Iowa State (No. 8) | CBS Sports |
All times are Eastern; local kickoff times may vary.
Texas A&M vs. Washington State – Aggies Guard the Gulf Coast
Key Storylines
- Aggies’ defensive turnover margin (+2.3) leads the SEC, making the Red River defense a potential game‑changer.
- Washington State’s aerial attack ranks 4th nationally in passing yards per game (352 ypg), spearheaded by junior QB Logan “lightning” Cooper.
Player Matchups to Watch
- QB Drake Maye (A&M) vs. CB Marcel Williams (WSU) – Maye’s 4,210 passing yards this season versus williams’ 12 interceptions.
- Edge rusher Jalen Carter (A&M) vs. OT Jacob Miller (WSU) – Carter’s 14.5 QB hits could disrupt the cougars’ pass protection.
Strategic Insight
- Texas A&M’s multiple‑front defense will likely stack the box to force Washington State into a one‑dimensional passing game.
- Expect the Cougars to employ play‑action bootlegs to create separation for Cooper’s deep‑ball specialists.
Betting Angle
- Over/Under 57.5 points – A&M’s strong run game (average 210 rushing yards) could keep the total under, while WSU’s tempo may push it over.
Ole Miss Rebels vs.Rutgers Scarlet Knights – A Battle for SEC supremacy
Why This Game Matters
- Ole Miss aims to cement its #4 seed with a decisive win; a loss would force the Rebels into a play‑in scenario against the loser of the other two matchups.
- Rutgers, coming off a historic Big Ten upset over Ohio State, enters as the first true underdog to reach a CFP first‑round game.
Standout Performers
- RB Jaxon Smith (Ole Miss) – 1,380 rushing yards, 12 TDs; explosive between the tackles.
- Linebacker dante Williams (Rutgers) – 112 tackles, 3 forced fumbles; leading the Scarlet Knights’ defense.
Tactical Breakdown
- Ole Miss will likely dominate time of possession with a power‑run offense, aiming to neutralize Rutgers’ blitz packages.
- Rutgers’ multiple‑scheme defense will look to disguise coverage and create turnover opportunities for its aggressive secondary.
Game‑Time Tips
- First‑half spread: Ole Miss -14.5.
- Prop pick: Jaxon Smith over 95 rushing yards – a safe bet given his season average (107 ypg).
Oregon Ducks vs. Iowa State Cyclones – West Coast Showdown
Contextual Overview
- Oregon’s high‑octane “Blitzkrieg” offense ranks 2nd in total offense (560 ypg).
- Iowa State’s balanced attack (293 passing,210 rushing) proved lethal in the Big 12 championship,earning them the #8 seed.
Key Players
| Oregon | Iowa State |
|---|---|
| QB Mason “Rocket” Greene – 4,560 passing yards, 38 tds | QB Ethan “Eagle” Collins – 3,780 passing yards, 31 TDs |
| WR Tyson “Flash” Alvarez – 1,210 receiving yards | RB Deon “Power” Hayes – 1,025 rushing yards |
| DE Carter “The Wall” Jensen – 9.5 sacks | LB Mikah “Tackle” Rivers – 98 tackles |
Tactical Preview
- Oregon will likely deploy a no‑huddle spread to tire the Cyclones’ defensive front, while exploiting mismatches with Alvarez’s speed.
- Iowa State’s zone‑read option may keep the Ducks’ defense honest, especially on early‑down series.
Statistical Edge
- Red zone efficiency: Oregon 92% vs.Iowa State 84%.
- Third‑down conversion: Oregon 48% – a major factor in sustaining drives against a disciplined Cyclone defense.
Viewer Insight
- Peak TV rating expected: 6.8 million viewers (CFP average).
- Stadium attendance projection: 55,000 (70% capacity) – a strong home‑field advantage for the Ducks.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Tripleheader
- Arrive Early – Security lines and parking can add 30-45 minutes, especially at larger venues like Kyle Field.
- Dress for Weather – Late‑December temperatures in Texas average 55°F, Mississippi 48°F, Oregon 45°F; layers are essential.
- Mobile ticket Apps – All three stadiums support digital ticket scans; keep your phone charged.
- Food & Beverage Policies – Outside containers are prohibited; most venues allow one sealed water bottle per fan.
Post‑game Implications for the CFP Path
- If all three hosts win: The bracket will follow the pre‑season projection, with Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Oregon advancing to the semifinals.
- Potential Upset scenarios
- washington State could force a “underdog momentum” storyline, boosting their odds for a potential CFP at‑large bid.
- Rutgers could become the first Big Ten team to reach the CFP semifinals since 2022, reshaping the national championship narrative.
- Iowa State‘s victory would cement the big 12’s resurgence, possibly influencing future CFP selection committee considerations.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I stream the games if I’m not near a TV?
A: ESPN +, FOX Sports Go, and CBS All Access all carry the live broadcasts with complimentary highlights on the official CFP app.
Q: How do the CFP seedings affect the playoff bracket?
A: the top four seeds receive first‑round byes; seeds 5-8 host first‑round games. Winners of the tripleheader advance to face the top seeds in the semifinals.
Q: What safety protocols are in place for fans?
A: All three venues follow the NCAA’s updated 2025 health & safety guidelines,including mandatory mask usage in enclosed areas,on‑site medical stations,and contact‑less entry.
