Forty-eight teams have already seen their seasons cut short in the Student Union 64-team playoff and we’re getting down to the blue bloods versus the bracket busters. This round will probably say a lot about whether the outcome of this tournament will be something easily predictable from the start or completely stupid. Without further delay, here’s a look at the bracket as it stands and the regional semifinals, going from the West region in top left and finishing with the East region in the bottom right. As a reminder, all games are now played with the “home field advantage” setting turned off (aka neutral site).
The Sooners narrowly escaped 8-seed Arizona State in the second round but handle the Huskies easily. Baker Mayfield: 25-31, 294 yards, 3 touchdowns.
A really nice run for Fresno State comes to an end and the Mountain West is eliminated. The Group of 5 loses its highest-remaining seed. The West region has gone closest to chalk of all regions by far.
Another close game gets a one seed through. A late touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to Cam Sims put the Tide ahead for good. Bryce Love: 13 carries, 150 yards, 1 touchdown.
The American Conference is done and it’s getting real late for the G5’s Cinderella dreams. Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12 and SEC all punch their tickets to the round of eight. Saquon Barkley: 22 carries, 129 yards, 3 touchdowns.
This is what I had been waiting to see and after a few close calls, we have a one seed down. This is one I still have a hard time seeing happening in real life. But with it, the ACC is finished.
The people’s champion goes down after a very impressive showing. Conference USA is knocked out and with them goes the G5. Kerryon Johnson: 31 carries, 166 yards.
No problem for Georgia and no surprise from me.
The East final goes to chalk as well. JK Dobbins: 18 carries, 163 yards, 2 touchdowns.
We’re getting down to the wire now and the bracket doesn’t look too messy despite the potential for some madness. After upsets in the Sweet 16, a correction has left us with all top-four seeds remaining and two 1 versus 2 matchups.
As far as conferences go, the ACC is the first Power 5 league to bow out. The SEC has a chance at three spots in the final four, while the Big 10 East division could get two. With the Oklahoma versus USC game, another one of the other P5 conferences will be left out. Memphis, Fresno State and Florida Atlantic all end their runs after each beating two P5 teams.
The Final Four will be set Monday and past links can all be found below.
November 28 — Introduction
December 4 – selection Monday
December 8 – West region first round
December 11 – Midwest region first round
December 15 – East region first round
December 18 – South region first round
December 22 – West/Midwest regions second round
December 26 – East/South regions second round
December 29 – Sweet 16
January 1 – Elite Eight
January 5 – semifinals
January 8 – National Championship