"New Year's Day CFB Playoff: Semifinal Victors and Vanquished"
The College Football Playoff semifinals concluded with Michigan defeating Alabama 27-20 in overtime at the Rose Bowl, and Washington overcoming Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl, setting the stage for the national championship. Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava shined in his debut, while Oregon's Bo Nix ended his college career on a high note. Liberty's hopes for a Group of Five upset were dashed by Oregon, and Wisconsin missed a chance to end their season with a win, losing to LSU. Michigan's victory snapped their 0-2 streak in semifinals and ended the SEC's streak of national title game appearances. The Rose Bowl delivered another thrilling game, and Washington's offensive core, having returned for another season, reached the CFP title game, aiming for their first national championship since 1991.