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The U.S. College Football Playoffs ended on the 9th (10th Japan time) with two semifinal games, and the U.S. championship game was decided between the University of Miami and the University of Indiana.
On the 9th, the semifinal “Peach Bowl” was held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, where Indiana University, ranked No. 1 in the AP rankings and number one seed, defeated No. 5 seed Oregon University, ranked No. 5 in the AP rankings, by a huge margin of 56-22.
Immediately after the start, DB Pons intercepted Oregon QB Moore’s first pass and returned it for a TD. He scored the opening goal 11 seconds into the game.
They defeated the University of Oregon, which they had defeated in the regular season, by overwhelming them offensively and defensively. On offense, ace QB F. Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s best collegiate player, is active. He completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards, including five TD passes, including three in the first half.
Not to be outdone, the defense also struggled. In addition to one interception, he made a series of big plays, including five QB sacks and three fumbles (two of which were recovered), disrupting the rhythm of the opponent’s offense.
Although the team was founded in 1887, it was known as a weak team for a long time. In 2022, they became the first team in Division 1 history to lose a total of 700 games, making them the team with the most consecutive losses. It was in stark contrast to the men’s basketball team that won the past five U.S. championships. That has changed dramatically in 24 years since the appointment of current head coach (HC) Cignetti. Last season, they became the first team in school history to win their first 10 games and advance to the playoffs for the first time.
In the national championship game on the 19th (20th), they will face off against the University of Miami, which defeated the University of Mississippi (commonly known as Ole Miss) in the Fiesta Bowl on the 8th (9th). The venue is Hard Rock Stadium, which is also the home of the University of Miami. Although the match will be played in enemy territory, head coach Cignetti was joking and enjoying the afterglow of the victory, saying, “I’m not thinking about the next game yet. I’m just thinking of having a beer.”
The University of Miami, on the other hand, will aim for its sixth national title and first in 24 years since the 2001 season.
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