CFP Quarterfinals Recap: Dominance, Discipline, and Drama - FFD Ep 58

The College Football Playoff Quarterfinals didn’t just decide who advanced… they exposed who’s actually built to win at the highest level. In Episode 58 of Flagged for Discussion, Jace breaks down a weekend that reshaped the playoff conversation from top to bottom.

Miami delivers the defining win of the Mario Cristobal era, physically dominating Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl and finally checking every box of what a true national contender looks like. From trench play to offensive identity, this felt like the official “Miami is back” moment… while Ohio State’s loss says more about inexperience than long-term decline.

Oregon shuts out Texas Tech in a defensive battle that showcased the Ducks’ growth and the Red Raiders’ roster gap. Oregon’s defense played its best game of the season, but lingering offensive inconsistency raises a critical question: Can the Ducks put together a complete 60-minute performance against elite competition?

Then came the Rose Bowl… and the most eye-opening performance of the entire playoff. Indiana dismantles Alabama 38–3 with elite discipline, flawless execution, and a game plan that never wavered. This wasn’t about talent disparity… it was about preparation, focus, and identity. The result forces a hard reevaluation of playoff selection logic, conference strength, and whether teams are being rewarded for reputation instead of performance.

Ole Miss stuns Georgia in a shootout that turned into a quarterback-driven game, exposing Georgia’s offensive ceiling and raising questions about portal philosophy and roster construction. Meanwhile, Ole Miss moves on knowing they’ll need protection, balance, and defensive growth to survive what’s coming next.

The episode closes in Transfer Portal HQ, where the QB market is setting the tone for the entire offseason. NIL inflation, miscalculated transfers, and a portal field of over 4,500 players raise serious concerns about sustainability… and whether this cycle will finally serve as a wake-up call for both programs and players.

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