The College Football Playoff quarterfinal games were shocking and surprising in their own ways, delivering blowouts, statement wins, and instant classics.

I thought Miami would keep it closer than the 9.5-point line against Ohio State, but the Hurricanes dominated the Buckeyes and won outright. I said it before and I’ll say it again — I love the Indiana Kool-Aid. I wasn’t shocked when the Hoosiers beat Alabama, but I don’t think most people understood what they were watching as Indiana dominated the Tide in a stunning 38–3 victory.

I was dead wrong about Texas Tech vs. Oregon. No excuses, but the Red Raiders looked much slower than normal, and the extended time off between games did them no favors. The Oregon Ducks shocked most people by pitching a shutout and winning 23–0.

The Georgia vs. Ole Miss game was a piece of art — and not just because I crushed all my over bets. That game had everything: lead changes, explosive plays, and the best storyline of them all. Ole Miss beat Georgia 39–34 with a near-perfect second half, going from down 9 at halftime, to up 10 in the fourth quarter, to tied — then driving down for a game-winning field goal as time expired (with a safety added in the final seconds).

Fiesta Bowl Preview: Miami vs. Ole Miss

January 8, 7:30 PM ET

Not many people predicted this matchup, but Miami vs. Ole Miss will determine who advances to the National Championship Game.

Miami, a team many didn’t think belonged in the playoff, enters as a 3.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 52.5 points. Both teams have great stories, but in my opinion, the Rebels are the more compelling one.

I don’t hate Lane Kiffin at all. However, in the current state of college football — where coaches and players are always chasing the next “better situation” — it would be poetic if Ole Miss won the national championship. If that happens, maybe in 3–4 years, when Kiffin gets fired for not winning one at LSU, he’ll wish he never sold out.

Fantasy world aside, this game should be epic.

Miami is playing like the second-best team in the playoff, and it’s hard to bet against them. That said, I don’t think they’ll dominate defensively the way they did against Texas A&M and Ohio State. Ole Miss will score points, and so will Miami.

✅ Fiesta Bowl Best Bet

Over 52.5

Peach Bowl Preview: Indiana vs. Oregon

January 9, 7:30 PM ET

Did someone say rematch?

Indiana beat Oregon earlier this season in Eugene 30–20 as 7.5-point underdogs. That game created believers everywhere — including in Vegas. Now, at a neutral site, Indiana is favored by 3.5 points, with the total set at 46.5.

It’s extremely difficult to beat good teams twice in one season, and Oregon has looked more like a great team lately. Still, I believe Indiana is the best all-around team in college football this year. They may not have the most four- and five-star recruits, but they are the best-coached, most disciplined, and toughest team I’ve watched all season.

This should be a treat on Friday night — competitive from kickoff until the clock hits zero. I’m backing the Hoosiers. Coach Cignetti will have his team locked in on every snap, and that focus will be the difference.

✅ Peach Bowl Best Bet

Indiana -3.5

Bet Smarter This College Football Playoff

Download and check out the Golden Camel App to follow every game and find the best betting site and line. You might even grab an extra ½ point in your favor.

If you’ve been riding the CFP chaos all postseason, make sure you’re using the Golden Camel App to stay one step ahead. We compare odds across sportsbooks in real time so you can lock in the best number before kickoff. And if you missed it, check out our The Magic of Christmas NBA Games for a full recap of how we got here and the angles that are still paying dividends this postseason.

Bet smarter, not harder. Good luck!