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Predicting the Round One College Football Playoff Winners

Oregon Duck Washingtonby: Justin Hopkins12/19/25

Later today the college football playoffs will get underway. And its expected to be one of the best games all weekend leading the way.

Oklahoma will host Alabama to kickoff the action. It’s the No. 8 seed playing the No. 9 seed to lead the way. That should be a fun one to cap off your work week.

Of course we’ll have all eyes on Oregon vs JMU tomorrow, but we’ll have some other action before then. Here are the games and my predictions on each game.

(9) Alabama @ (8) Oklahoma

Friday, 5 PM PST — ABC/ESPN

Oklahoma -1.5

Like I said already, this should be the best game of the weekend. These two teams faced off earlier this season and the Sooners got the best of Bama by two points in November. It’s hard to beat the same team twice but it feels like this one shapes up well for Oklahoma. Mostly healthy, home game, and Alabama isn’t playing it’s best football right now.

I think Bama’s inability to run the ball will haunt them and the Sooners will win and cover, 37-27

(10) Miami @ (7) Texas A&M

Saturday, 9 AM PST — ABC/ESPN

Texas A&M -3.5

Miami wiggled their way into the playoffs with the last rankings update. But they did draw a tough Texas A&M team. As with almost any game, I think this one comes down to the quarterback play. Especially Carson Beck. If he’s on, the Canes might be a tough out for A&M. Now that said, Kyle field is a tough place to play and win. A&M’s defense gives up too many points for my liking.

I’m going with Mario getting a big win over a team I think might be a bit overrated, 41-35 Canes.

(11) Tulane @ (6) Ole Miss

Saturday, 12:30 PM PST — TNT

Ole Miss -17.5

Hopefully we got a couple good games ahead of these last two because I just can’t imagine a scenario where this game is close. There’s a massive spread for a reason on this one even with Lane Kiffin not able to coach this team. The only reason I think Tulane might cover the spread is because of that alone. But I just don’t see Tulane with enough firepower to take down Ole Miss.

The Golding era starts off with a big win, 34-24.

(12) JMU @ (5) Oregon

Saturday, 4:30 PM PST — TNT

Oregon -21.5

You guys already know where I’m at with this game. I made a 38-12 prediction on Wednesday and I haven’t read anything since that is making me change my mind. I know it feels like nobody is giving JMU much of a shot here but this one should get really ugly in Eugene. I love the story and I have been thoroughly impressed with the JMU fans on social media, I look forward to interacting with some tomorrow. I’m glad to see so many of them travel being able to enjoy this experience regardless of the expected outcome. That’s what makes college football, college football.

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