Today’s CFP Showdown: Alabama vs Oklahoma Start Time and TV Info
The College Football Playoff is finally here, and this year’s lineup? It’s looking wild. The new 12-team format has everyone buzzing, and honestly, it feels like anything could happen.
Things get started with No. 8 Oklahoma hosting No. 9 Alabama. That’s a heavyweight clash to kick off a string of high-stakes games. Let’s break down the first-round matchups, so you don’t miss a thing.
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First-Round Showdowns: Dates, Times, and Channels
Go ahead and mark those calendars. The first round is loaded with games you’ll want to see:
- Friday, Dec. 19: No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma at 8:00 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
- Saturday, Dec. 20: No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&M, noon (ABC, ESPN)
- Saturday, Dec. 20: No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. (TNT, truTV)
- Saturday, Dec. 20: No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon at 7:30 p.m. (TNT, truTV)
All games are on major networks, so finding them won’t be a hassle. If you’re more into streaming, Fubo’s got you covered for live action.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma: A Clash of Titans
Alabama and Oklahoma open things up, and let’s be honest, this could go either way. Both squads have looked sharp, but our gut says Alabama squeaks past Oklahoma, maybe 24-21.
It’s more than just a win—it sets the tone for the whole playoff. Nobody wants to be the first to go home.
Miami vs. Texas A&M: A Battle in the Lone Star State
Saturday brings Miami against Texas A&M. The Aggies have home turf, but Miami’s offense can light it up if they get rolling.
We’re leaning Miami here, maybe 30-24. Could be a shootout, could be a grinder—depends which Miami shows up.
Tulane vs. Ole Miss: David vs. Goliath
Tulane draws Ole Miss, and the odds don’t look great for the Green Wave. Ole Miss has firepower on both sides of the ball.
If you’re asking, we think Ole Miss rolls, 38-17. Still, college football’s weird—upsets happen when you least expect them.
James Madison vs. Oregon: The Underdog Story
James Madison, the 12-seed, gets Oregon. It’s a tough draw, no way around it. Oregon’s got depth and a lot of playoff experience.
Prediction? Oregon by a bunch, maybe 44-13. But hey, if you’re rooting for chaos, this is the one to watch.
Quarterfinals: What Awaits the Winners
Winners move on to the quarters, and those games are set for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. That’s some holiday drama right there.
- Wednesday, Dec. 31: Cotton Bowl hosts winner of Miami/Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Ohio State at 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 1: Orange Bowl hosts winner of James Madison/Oregon vs. No. 4 Texas Tech at noon.
- Thursday, Jan. 1: Rose Bowl hosts winner of Alabama/Oklahoma vs. No. 1 Indiana at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 1: Sugar Bowl hosts winner of Tulane/Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia at 8 p.m.
Cotton Bowl: Miami/Texas A&M vs. Ohio State
Whoever survives Miami and Texas A&M gets Ohio State next. That’s a tall order. Ohio State’s got the weapons, and their defense is no joke.
This one’s probably the quarterfinal to circle—could be fireworks, could be a blowout. Hard to say.
Orange Bowl: James Madison/Oregon vs. Texas Tech
The Orange Bowl has the James Madison/Oregon winner up against Texas Tech. Tech’s had extra time to prep, so they’ll be fresh.
Styles clash here, and it’s anyone’s guess who comes out on top. Should be a fun watch.
Rose Bowl: Alabama/Oklahoma vs. Indiana
Alabama or Oklahoma will meet Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Indiana’s the top seed, and they’ll want to prove they deserve it.
Fans will be watching to see if Indiana can handle the pressure. That spotlight’s bright.
Sugar Bowl: Tulane/Ole Miss vs. Georgia
Last quarterfinal—Sugar Bowl. Tulane or Ole Miss will see Georgia, and that defense is going to test whoever gets through.
Could turn into a defensive slugfest, but both teams have shown they can score. It’s a good one to wrap up the round.
Looking Ahead: Semifinals and Beyond
As the playoffs keep rolling, the tension just keeps cranking up. The semifinals are coming up in early January, with the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl taking center stage:
- Thursday, Jan. 8: Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Friday, Jan. 9: Peach Bowl in Atlanta at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Whoever comes out on top in those games moves on to the national championship. That showdown’s set for Monday, Jan. 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. (ESPN).
If you’re after more details or want to check out predictions, the North Jersey website has you covered.
The expanded format this year? Honestly, it could make for some of the wildest college football we’ve seen in ages. There are bound to be surprises, heartbreaks, and those jaw-dropping moments only this sport delivers.
