ARLINGTON, TX — No. 10 seed Miami controlled the line of scrimmage and forced No. 2 Ohio State out of its comfort zone to score a 24-14 Cotton Bowl win and the first upset of this year’s College Football Playoff.

After sneaking into the tournament as the last at-large seed, the Hurricanes proved they belonged by handling the defending national champions. The loss was the second in a row for Ohio State after a 12-0 start.

Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. had 90 yards on 19 carries. Carson Beck completed 19 of 26 attempts for 138 yards and added 23 yards on the ground. Defensively, the Hurricanes notched five sacks and held OSU to just 45 rushing yards.

‘We keep getting better and better up front,’ Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. ‘We don’t think we have arrived by any stretch, but we certainly think we’re getting better. When you play a team like that that’s been the number one defense in the country the entire year, you have to.’

Star receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered for the Buckeyes, pulling down 157 yards on seven grabs. Julian Sayin had two interceptions, one that changed the complexion of the game, and finished with 287 yards on 22 of 35 passing with a score. Bo Jackson led OSU with 55 rushing yards.

Miami advances to the national semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl against the winner of Thursday night’s Sugar Bowl between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Mississippi.

After both teams traded punts on the game’s opening possessions, Miami put together a promising 42-yard drive that advanced to the Buckeyes’ 19-yard line before Fletcher was stripped by linebacker Payton Pierce on third down to give the ball back to the Buckeyes.

Miami’s offense would get back on track on its next drive. After forcing an Ohio State punt and taking over at their 17-yard line, the Hurricanes needed 13 plays to score the game’s first points on Fletcher’s 9-yard touchdown grab with 13:31 left in the second quarter.

One of the game’s key moments came on the ensuing possession. After hitting Smith for a 59-yard gain on the first snap from scrimmage, Sayin was intercepted two plays later by Miami’s Keionte Scott, who ran it back 72 yards for a pick-six and a 14-0 Miami lead with 11:49 left in the half.

‘It was on film for sure, but I think in the moment, with all the skill players on one side of the ball, so, obviously, knew the ball was coming in that area,’ Scott said of his decision to jump the screen pass. ‘And then as soon as the tight end motioned, I kind of confirmed in my head — made up in my mind that I was going at that moment.’

The Buckeyes would gain some momentum before the break by clamping down on a Miami drive that reached the 30-yard line before a sack and a 6-yard loss dropped the Hurricanes out of field goal range. But after taking over at its 2-yard line and moving into Miami territory, Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding’s 49-yard try with two seconds left in the second quarter drifted left.

The 14-point deficit was the largest for the Buckeyes since its 45-23 loss to Michigan to end the 2022 regular season. The Buckeyes hadn’t been held scoreless in the first half since a 31-0 loss to Clemson in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl.

Ohio State would find some answers in the locker room. Keyed by a 23-yard completion to Smith, the Buckeyes would march 82 yards in 11 plays, capped by a 1-yard Jackson touchdown run, to make the score 14-7 with 8:05 to play in the third quarter. The drive featured 35 rushing yards after OSU had managed minu-2 yards on the ground in the first half.

‘I felt like it took us a while to get into the rhythm of the game,’ Ohio State coach Ryan Day said about the team’s 25-day layoff after the Big Ten title game. ‘I thought we did coming out in the second half and by then it was going to take a very, very efficient second half to win the game.’

Miami answered with a 49-yard field goal from Carter Davis to make it 17-7 with 3:01 remaining in the quarter. Previously, the most points the Buckeyes had allowed in a game this season was 16 in a win against Illinois.

Davis was 6 of 10 from 40-plus yards heading into Wednesday night and had missed three of four attempts in the opening round against No. 7 Texas A&M. The Hurricanes were able to move into his range after freshman receiver Malachi Toney was stripped by Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs on the previous down but then recovered his own fumble and gained another two yards.

The Buckeyes’ offense would have another response on a drive bridging the third and fourth quarters. After driving to the Miami 14-yard line, Ohio Sate came up short on a Jackson run on third down and decided to go for it on fourth-and-2. Sayin delivered over the middle to Smith, who weaved through the secondary to cut the lead to 17-14 with 13:28 left in the game.

Taking over after a touchback, the Hurricanes would manage a first down via a Beck scramble. The drive then petered out, though, and Miami’s punt went out at the Ohio State 25-yard line. But the Buckeyes’ own herky-jerky drive slowed by a holding penalty went just six yards in seven plays and took over four minutes off the clock, giving the Hurricanes the ball at their 30-yard line with 5:56 to play.

Behind Beck and Fletcher, Miami would then deliver the knockout blow. A 70-yard drive that started with a 19-yard Fletcher run and two key third-down conversions on Beck completions — the biggest a 14-yard toss to CJ Daniels on third-and-4 at the OSU 20-yard line — ended with a 5-yard score from running back CharMar Brown to put Miami ahead 24-14 with 55 seconds left. Sayin was then intercepted by Jakobe Thomas to seal the win.

Ryan Williams burst onto the scene in his freshman season at Alabama, and landed on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26.
Ryan Williams had had a tough sophomore season, not being a major factor as he’s dealt with injuries and drops passes.
Despite the up-and-down season, Ryan Williams remains confident and his team plans to get him in the ball in the Rose Bowl against Indiana.

LOS ANGELES — What happened to Ryan Williams?

Last season, the Alabama receiver burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old freshman, running wild over Georgia en route to becoming one the sport’s most electric freshmen. His performances landed on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26.

Since then, it’s felt like the “Madden curse” has migrated into the college game.

After a promising start, a sophomore slump has hit the young star. Even though it hasn’t gone the way many envisioned, Williams isn’t losing confidence, and he remains determined to impact the game as Alabama faces Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.

“That’s pretty much all seasons of life,” Williams told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s not always gonna go your way, and it’s not always gonna be bad for as long as you think it’s gonna be bad. It’s just an opportunity for growth.”

Why has Ryan Williams struggled?

Williams was the bright spot in Kalen DeBoer’s somewhat disappointing first season in Tuscaloosa. He capturing the nation’s attention with his 177 yard day and game-winning score against Georgia. He finished the season with 48 catches and team-high 865 yards with eight touchdowns.

Williams was set to be a leader for a Crimson Tide team trying to get back in the title picture. If you had told someone before the season Alabama would be in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, there’s a good chance they’d believe Williams had a big hand in it.

Instead, it’s been the opposite. 

Williams has seen his totals dip, heading into the Rose Bowl with 43 catches, 636 yards and four touchdowns. Those are some solid figures, but not anything near what was expected. 

To start, injuries have played a part. He dealt with a concussion early in the season and has had lower body injuries in recent weeks. It’s come during a bad stretch where he’s had just three catches for 38 yards in the last three games, including a shut out against Auburn.

Obviously, being the cover athlete of the sport helps bring more attention, and there has been the focus of opponents not letting Williams impact games.

What has made it worse are the misses; Williams has 13 drops, the most in the country. Those miscues limit signature explosive plays form happening. It’s resulted critics saying he doesn’t deserve to be one of the top 10 rated receivers in the game he’s on the cover on.

“You always want better for yourself. I always want to impact the game as much as possible,” he said. “I would like to make those plays and help out the squad even more, but I know the opportunity will come.”

It hasn’t been a dominant showing, but his coaches and teammates praise Williams’ never wavering mindset. Quarterback Ty Simpson and receiver Isaiah Horton call him one of the most selfless people they’ve met. DeBoer added “you can’t help but root for” a person like Williams.

If he’s not stuffing the stat sheet, Williams said there are other ways he can make an impact, like running routes that draw attention so other guys get open and have opportunities.

“I don’t think you could honestly, really remove me from a game, because there’s other ways that I can affect the game,” he said.

That’s why Simpson doesn’t buy into any of the slump talk.

“It frustrates me when people say he’s had a down year. He really hadn’t,” Simpson said. “All he cares about is the other guys around him. If we win, it doesn’t matter if he gets zero catches for zero yards, or if he gets 10 catches for 250 yards. Whatever it takes for the team to win, and that’s why I love being his teammate.”

Opportunity at Rose Bowl

While Alabama has been able to win games without Williams making a heavy impact, the Crimson Tide will certainly need him against Indiana. 

The Hoosiers will be the best passing defense Alabama will face this season. They allow 179.5 passing yards per game. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith – also on the cover of the video game with Williams – is the only player to record at least 100 receiving yards against Indiana this season.

DeBoer said Alabama is “going to be intentional” with its gameplan to make sure Williams gets the touches he needs to leave his mark on the game. Simpson echoed the sentiment, adding he has to make sure “I understand my read and the intent of the play, and then get (Williams) the ball.” If that happens, Horton said that’s when the explosive plays will go down.

It sounds like the Crimson Tide are making it a point to make sure Williams isn’t silenced in the Rose Bowl. It coincidentally is where that cover photoshoot took place, and he’ll return to the stadium – this time filled with a semifinal spot on the line – with a chance to prove why he belonged on it.

A golden opportunity, yet Williams isn’t chasing a huge day. His mindset going into it?

“Just do what I do because at the end of the day, it’s a child’s game,” Williams said. “Just help my team in any way that I can.”

DeBoer knows an amazing future is ahead for Williams and he’ll be playing football for a long time. It hasn’t been the perfect year, but it’s only a matter of time before Williams breaks out. Alabama just hopes it comes on Jan. 1, 2026, because the rest of the season could depend on it.

“He’s going to have a game like he’s had at different times, where he goes off and I’m just waiting for that moment. Because when it is, it’s going to be awesome, and we’re all going to be super happy for him,” DeBoer. “I know that it’s coming sooner than later.”

The first College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year’s Day matches No. 4 seed Texas Tech and No. 5 seed Oregon. While the two programs rarely meet, they do have some recent history with the Ducks taking a 38-30 decision at the Red Raiders in 2023. N

Not many of the prominent players remain from that game, but the coaches – Dan Lanning of Oregon and Joey McGuire of Texas Tech – remain, so there is some familiarity.

The Ducks enter off a blowout defeat of James Madison in the first round. Their only loss came at the hands of Indiana that kept them out of Big Ten title game. The Red Raiders won their first Big 12 title behind a strong defense and the play of quarterback Behren Morton. Their lone defeat was when Morton did not play at Arizona State.

It shapes up to be an intriguing matchup with the winner advancing to the Peach Bowl against either Indiana or Alabama. Who will emerge victorious. Our experts offer their predictions.

Oregon vs. Texas Tech predictions for Orange Bowl

Matt Hayes

Still not convinced that the Ducks are more than the third-best team in one of the top two conferences — with a fortunate schedule. Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is healthy for the first time this season, and the Red Raiders’ defense will pressure Oregon quarterback Dante Moore much like Indiana did. Texas Tech 24. Oregon 20.

Jordan Mendoza

The poor second half against James Madison may have been what Oregon needed to give itself a reality check that it can’t expect a win if it happens again. The Ducks defense is suspect and plenty is going to have to be put on the offense, a tough ask considering how good the Red Raiders are. Yet, Oregon comes out red hot and Texas Tech isn’t able to keep up as the Ducks’ revenge tour continues. Oregon 31, Texas Tech 27.

Paul Myerberg

Texas Tech has a chance to prove itself against one of the top teams in the Big Ten. The Red Raiders have the talent to do just that, especially if they can make Dante Moore uncomfortable. But Oregon can match Tech’s physicality and has the speed on the outside to land the explosive plays that will mean the difference. Oregon 38, Texas Tech 24.

Erick Smith

The reality is we don’t really know how good Texas Tech is. The Red Raiders dominated the Big 12 and should be credited for that. However, Oregon is the most-difficult test for their outstanding defense against an elite offense. Tech should hang around. Look for the Ducks to be too explosive and pull away. Oregon 31, Texas Tech 20.

Eddie Timanus

The Red Raiders dominate from start to finish most of the time, but in the one game they didn’t they lost. That formula won’t work against the Ducks, who will be there for 60 minutes and have enough to advance. Oregon 31, Texas Tech 20.

Blake Toppmeyer

The Red Raiders are legit, particularly on defense. Oregon scored at will against James Madison. Texas Tech’s defense is in a different league from the Dukes and that will be the difference. Texas Tech 27, Oregon 14.

Kingsley Ikeke and Jake Paul are bound by a brutal injury.

Ikeke, a retired Nigerian-born boxer who once fought for a world title, suffered a broken jaw in 2010 while sparring. About 16 years later, Ikeke said, he watched Anthony Joshua break Paul’s jaw in two places with a knockout punch that ended the heavyweight fight on Dec. 19 in Miami.

“Now he’s going to realize that boxing is not a joke,’’ Ikeke, 52, told USA TODAY Sports of Paul, “because he was underestimatng the boxers.’

Ikeke’s story helps explain resentment directed at the 28-year-old Paul and why there’s no guarantee he will box again.

It’s been nearly two weeks since Paul underwent emergency surgery at the University of Miami hospital for his own jaw injury.  He has vowed to fight again, and multiple doctors say there’s no reason Paul can’t.

But then there is Ikeke.

A 37-year-old super middleweight when his jaw was broken, Ikeke remained hopeful of boxing again. But complications following surgery ended his career and dreams of winning a world title, according to Ikeke and one of his former trainers, Eric Brown.

“You don’t hear about those types of stories.’’ said Peter Quillin, the boxer who broke Ikeke’s jaw.

‘I was so stubborn’

Jake Paul grew up in Westlake, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, with his older brother, Logan. He left home for Hollywood before he graduated from high school — and he was a multimillionaire social media star and Disney Channel actor years before he started boxing.

In Nigeria, Ikeke said, his father had 12 children. But Ikeke said he did not know them well and grew up with his grandparents. His grandfather had a wood-hauling business and his grandmother ran restaurants, according to Ikeke.

“At the age of three years old, I tell my grandfather, I want to be a boxer,’’ Ikeke said. “You know what he tell me? He said, ‘White man will kill you.’ Because I was so skinny. But at the same time I was so stubborn.’’

By 1994, Ikeke stood 6-foot-4 and was a promising 21-year-old boxer. That year, at the Commonwealth Games in Canada, Ikeke won his opening bout, lost an elimination bout and then left the Nigerian team.

He settled in Canada and eventually moved to Los Angeles.

“I left everybody behind,’’ Ikeke said. “You have to keep on fighting, going your own.’’

Fighting inside, outside the ring

Jake Paul started his pro career 12-1. Ikeke started his pro career 14-0. But that’s where story diverges again.

For his second pro bout, Paul fought on the undercard of the exhibition fight between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. It was the first clear sign his social media stardom would lead to high-profile fights that most boxers will never get.

Ikeke, for example, was just fighting for what he was promised. By contrast, Ikeke found himself fighting inside and outside the ring.

He filed paperwork stating his manager had failed to obtain good faith offers of a boxing match, exhibitions or contests. In 2003, an arbiter ruled in Ikeke’s favor and the California State Athletic Commission declared the contract null and void.

Paul had the help of Netflix in setting up mega fights, like his bout with Tyson in 2024 and with Joshua last month. Ikeke went looking for someone to get a fair shot.

He was 23-1 in 2005 when he got his first big shot — a fight against Arthur Abraham with the vacant IBF world middleweight championship at stake and legendary trainer Freddie Roach in Ikeke’s corner.

Ikeke got knocked out in the fifth round.

He did not return to the ring for almost 20 months.

Then he lost again before four straight victories created hope of a second world title fight.

‘Yeah, he had a shot, for sure,” said Brown, one of Kingsley’s former trainers.

Infectious happiness and wounds

Winning a fifth straight victory was the plan in June 2010 when Ikeke was training for an upcoming fight. Suddenly he headed from Wild Card Boxing Club, the Los Angeles-gym owned by Roach, and for a nearby emergency room.

By the time he was healthy enough to attempt a comeback, it was too late, according to Brown..

‘Because he was inactive for so long, he lost his ranking and his age was another factor,” the trainer said.

Ikeke said he still sees specialists after his jaw failed to heal after the emergency surgery. His pro boxing record stands at 27-3 with 14 KOs.

In September 2022, Ikeke returned to Wild Card Boxing Club. In a group photo, Ikeke stood next to Roach and smiled.

“The happiness was infectious and mutual,’’ said Roach’s wife, Marie Spivey, who took the photo.

But not all of the wounds have healed for Ikeke, who said he works with disadvantaged children, including those with autism, and has five children of his own. “There’s too much politics in boxing,’’ he grumbled, lamenting the inability to get bigger fights before his career ended.

Ikeke says he no longer watches boxing but made an exception for the fight between Paul and Joshua.

“He may not come back,’’ Ikeke said, referring to the broken jaw, “But if he meet the right doctors, he will come back.’’

The best quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff might be saved for last It’s a rematch of one of the better games of the regular season when Georgia rallied past Mississippi 43-35 in the lone loss of the season for the Rebels.

Both quarterbacks shined in the game with Gunner Stockton throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns in a winning effort. The Rebels got 263 yards passing from Trinidad Chambliss, who led five consecutive touchdown drives to start the game. But Ole Miss didn’t score the rest of the game and the Bulldogs prevailed on their way to another SEC title.

Now the two teams meet nearly 10 weeks later with both looking very different. Mississippi saw Lane Kiffin leave for LSU and the promotion of defensive coordinator Pete Golding. Some of the the coaches that are following Kiffin remain to help assist Golding, but how they mesh against the challenge of the improved Georgia defense will be critical. The Bulldogs held Texas, Georgia Tech and Alabama to a combined 26 points in their last three games against Power Four opponents.

The matchup promises to be an intriguing rematch with a place in the semifinals on the line. Who will advance? Our expects make their forecasts for the winner.

Georgia vs. Mississippi predictions for Sugar Bowl

Matt Hayes

The Ole Miss run game in October consisted of QB Trinidad Chambliss and hidden yardage on scrambles. Georgia will contain Chambliss’ escape, setting up unmanageable down and distance where the pass rush will take over. And Dawgs QB Gunner Stockton will continue his late-season pass game surge.  Georgia 24, Mississippi 23.

Jordan Mendoza

This might be the most fun matchup of the entire quarterfinal. Fireworks should be going off just like the first meeting these two had. Unfortunately for the Rebels, it ends in the same result with the Bulldogs making the key fourth quarter plays to prevail. Georgia 37, Mississippi 31.

Paul Myerberg

Georgia has made noticeable gains on defense since beating Ole Miss in October. While the Rebels looked good against Tulane, the Bulldogs have rounded into form as a complete team on both sides after a sluggish start. The Rebels have to hope for an edge in the turnover battle to score the upset. Georgia 31, Mississippi 21.

Erick Smith

After 78 points were scored in the first game between these teams, look for the defenses to make some adjustments to slow this game down. But with Georgia having the advantage on that side of the ball and questions about how the Ole Miss offense will function without Lane Kiffin, expect the Bulldogs to repeat its win from October. Georgia 30, Mississippi 20.

Eddie Timanus

The Rebels win in a rematch against Tulane in the first round was basically a rerun. Unfortunately for Ole Miss, this second matchup against Georgia will follow the same script as well as the Bulldogs march on to the Fiesta Bowl. Georgia 35, Mississippi 27.

Blake Toppmeyer

Trinidad Chambliss might need to have the game of his life for Ole Miss to spring an upset. And even if he does, the Rebels’ defense can be a liability. That showed when these teams met in the regular season. Georgia 34, Mississippi 28.

No. 1 Indiana and No. 9 Alabama are set to square off in the 112th Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1. Known as ‘The Granddaddy of Them All,’ the Rose Bowl has been host to some of the most iconic moments in college football history. Outside of New Year’s Day, though, the historic stadium has been embroiled in a bitter public feud with its main tenant: UCLA.

Back in October, the Rose Bowl Operating Co. and the city of Pasadena, California, filed a lawsuit against UCLA in an attempt to block the university from moving its football games to SoFi Stadium and force them to honor its contract with the stadium and city that keeps the Bruins at the Rose Bowl through 2043.

According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, the plaintiffs alleged ‘a profound betrayal of trust’ by UCLA for ‘unequivocally expressing its intent to abandon the Rose Bowl Stadium and relocate its home football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.’ Since then, a restraining order has been filed, denied, and both SoFi Stadium and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (owned by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke) have been added as defendants to the lawsuit.

Earlier this month, Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times reported that attorneys for the Rose Bowl and Pasadena contended “upon information and belief” that Kroenke executives openly suggested that SoFi Stadium was pursuing UCLA, “demonstrating the SoFi defendants’ intent to induce UCLA’s breach and disturb UCLA’s performance of the agreement” from their contract in late 2024 or early 2025.

With an arbitration hearing looming in January, here’s a timeline of how we got here, and what lies ahead for both parties in 2026:

Rose Bowl-UCLA lawsuit timeline

Oct. 30, 2025

The Rose Bowl Operating Co. and City of Pasadena file a lawsuit against UCLA in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing the university of trying to break its lease with the stadium and move Bruins football home games to SoFi Stadium. According to court documents, the plaintiffs allegedly reached out to the defendants in March over the same issue and ‘is now, once again, considering breaking’ the contract, preferring to leave the Rose Bowl ‘sooner rather than later.’

UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications Mary Osako said in a statement that while the university continues ‘to evaluate the long-term arrangement’ for the Bruins, ‘no decision has been made.”

Nov. 10, 2025

The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl file a temporary restraining order to keep UCLA from ending its lease until the pending litigation against the school has been resolved.

‘There is no way to sugarcoat it: UCLA has confirmed its imminent departure, severely destabilizing Plaintiffs’ core operations,’ the filing says. ‘Those operations are structured around and contingent upon UCLA.’

The plaintiffs allege that if UCLA were to move to SoFi Stadium, the monetary damages to the city and stadium could be in the billions. According to Bolch’s reporting, the plaintiffs alleged that ‘uncertainty over UCLA’s football future home already caused one Rose Bowl donor to back out of a $1-million pledge and multiple sponsors to refuse to sign new agreements. Additionally, the plaintiffs contend that the Rose Bowl’s having transitioned its multimedia rights and sponsorship operations to JMI Sports because of its affiliation with UCLA could put the Rose Bowl at risk of further losses because JMI’s sponsorship agreements are ‘expressly structured’ around UCLA football home games.’

Nov. 12, 2025

In a hearing two days later, Judge James C. Chalfant heard arguments from both parties and denied the plaintiffs’ request for a restraining order, citing a ‘lack of emergency’ as UCLA had not made any progress in its attempt to move to SoFi Stadium.

There have been previous cases of TROs being granted in which the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins and New York Jets have been barred from moving home games, but Chalfant said those teams were scheduled for games within matters of days or weeks. UCLA’s next home game isn’t scheduled until Fall 2026. However, Chalfant did add that the plaintiffs can reapply for an injunction at a later time once both parties have obtained additional evidence.

Dec. 5, 2025

Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and SoFi Stadium were added as defendants to the lawsuit, with the plaintiffs alleging that SoFi Stadium representatives knew about UCLA’s contract with the Rose Bowl, “yet coordinated with UCLA to breach its contractual obligations and abandon the Rose Bowl stadium in favor of playing its home football games at SoFi Stadium.” The plaintiffs further accused KSE and SoFi Stadium of acting ‘with malice in luring UCLA football away from its contractual home in Pasadena.”

In the amended court filings, the City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl are seeking to force UCLA to play out the remainder of its home football games at the Rose Bowl through the rest of the contract, along with monetary damages from both UCLA, KSE and SoFi Stadium, for UCLA’s breach and/or anticipatory repudiation of contract and from KSE and SoFi Stadium’s ‘interference with UCLA’s commitment to honor its Rose Bowl lease.’

Both parties are scheduled for an arbitration hearing in January.

College football broadcasting legend Gary Danielson called it a career on Wednesday, Dec. 31, but he didn’t get a proper send-off.

The CBS analyst capped off 36-year career of calling games with the 2025 Sun Bowl between Arizona State and Duke. After the Blue Devils pulled off the thrilling victory, it came time for Danielson to say goodbye on-air. It was emotional alongside play-by-play partner Brad Nessler and sideline reporter Jenny Dell as they looked over the moments they shared.

Danielson shouted out those behind the scenes as they all appeared on camera, and he said ‘how are we going to get off air?’

We found out soon enough. As Danielson was in the middle of saying one last thing, the CBS broadcast cut him off and went to commercial break.

It’s understandable networks have to end their broadcasts, and you could see in the shot someone counting down, indicating they were going to go off air soon. Yet it felt very disrespectful to cut off someone who was the voice of CBS’ college football coverage. As a result, viewers didn’t get to officially say goodbye.

Reactions to Gary Danielson getting cut-off

Fans shared their frustrations on social media with how Danielson’s goodbye was treated.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama left Wednesday night’s game against the New York Knicks after suffering an apparent leg injury.

Wembanyama jumped for an offensive rebound with Knicks center Karl Anthony-Towns and guard Jordan Clarkson and came down awkwardly after he landed on Towns’ foot and fell to the floor. The Spurs were down 102-96 with 10:32 left at the time of the injury stoppage.

Spurs teammate Stephon Castle went over to help him up. Wembanyama was slow to stand before he gingerly limped off the court to the locker room.

On the way to the tunnel, Wembanyama signaled to fans that he was all right.

Wembanyama left the game with 31 points and 13 rebounds on 10-for-12 field goals and 9-for-10 on free throws in 24 minutes.

The Spurs went on to win the game, 134-132, behind a career-high 36 points from forward Julian Champagnie, who set a Spurs franchise record with 11 made threes. De’Aaron Fox had 26 points and Keldon Johnson added 19 off the bench.

During the Spurs’ new postgame tradition, Wembanyama was back on the floor to celebrate the win with the team and their fans.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters after the game that he wasn’t yet able to talk to medical staff concerning Wembanyama’s update, but he was happy to see his superstar center back out on the bench and celebrating the win with his teammates.

‘I saw what everybody else saw,’ Johnson said to reporters. ‘There’s a visual there but obviously he finished the game on the bench with his teammates. So I think that made me feel good. I have no idea what to say but it was good to see him walk back out and be able to finish the game on the bench with his teammates.’

The College Football Playoff resumes Thursday with a New Year’s Day tripleheader, a lineup that features some of the sport’s most iconic bowl venues.

The lineup features three teams that have been fairly regular playoff participants since the four-team format was introduced a little over a decade ago. Each member of that trio on this day faces a relative newcomer to the CFP, in part a product of increased access to the field afforded by the expansion to 12.

Here’s what you need to know as you watch to see who will join Wednesday night’s Cotton Bowl winner in next week’s semifinals.

Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon

Time/TV: noon ET, ESPN in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Why watch: As the 4-5 pairing, this is arguably the most intriguing contest of the round. The Ducks, as expected, handled their assignment against James Madison with little difficulty. The Red Raiders could prove to be a different matter, though they, too, are something of a mystery with little on their resume outside the Big 12. Texas Tech’s calling card all season has been its ferocious defense, exemplified by LBs David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez making numerous plays in opponents’ backfields. Ducks’ QB Dante Moore usually gets superb protection with help from RB Noah Whittington, but he might have to pick and choose when to take deep shots. Red Raiders’ QB Behren Morton is a capable passer in his own right, and RBs Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams lend plenty of ground support. The Oregon defense features LB Bryce Boettcher at its center and Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei bringing heat from the edges.

Why it could disappoint: The only close contest the Red Raiders played all season resulted in their lone loss to Arizona State. They aren’t likely to make this one the kind of rout to which they’ve become accustomed, so we’ll probably learn if they can deliver when under true game pressure. Oregon hasn’t had many tight finishes either, though the Ducks did need a last-minute drive to escape Iowa.

Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama

Time/TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN in Pasadena, Calif.

Why watch: The Hoosiers passed their biggest test to date, conquering Ohio State in the Big Ten final to earn the top seed. Their reward, however, is now a date with the most successful program of the playoff era, though the Crimson Tide are seeking their first title post-Nick Saban. Though Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has said he’s not a fan of his team’s long layoff, the extra time has allowed WRs Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt to get back to full speed. That is excellent news for Heisman winning QB Fernando Mendoza as he looks to solve the active Crimson Tide secondary, featuring DBs Bray Hubbard and Zabien Brown. Alabama QB Ty Simpson was able to overcome a slow start last time out in his rematch with Oklahoma, but he’ll have to be sharper early against the Hoosiers’ equally formidable pass defense, led by DBs Louis Moore and D’Angelo Ponds.

Why it could disappoint: The common thread in the Crimson Tide’s three losses was that they were soundly beaten at the line of scrimmage, which might bode ill for them here as that is an important area of strength for the Hoosiers. While there are big-play threats on both teams, it will likely be the less glamorous ground game that will determine the outcome.

Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Mississippi

Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN in New Orleans.

Why watch: For the second time in the playoffs, the Rebels face a team they saw before in the regular season. This time, though, Ole Miss is looking to avenge a loss. The Bulldogs, perhaps playing the best football of any of the eight remaining teams when they dispatched Alabama in the SEC finale, must hope the lengthy down time hasn’t sapped their momentum. The Bulldogs’ offense is not a quick-strike unit, but QB Gunner Stockton is completing 70.7% of his throws, and his group converts on 45.2% of its third-down chances. Ole Miss LB Princewill Umanmielen and DL Will Echoles must keep Georgia off schedule. Rebels QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy are just as good at keeping the chains moving, but LB C.J. Allen and the Bulldogs were all but immovable over the last month of the season.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t, although Georgia’s dominant performance in its most recent outing in the SEC finale might have opposing fans nervous. Having been in action more recently could work to the Rebels’ advantage given their unusual coaching circumstances.