KEENEY’S KORNER
By Mike Keeney / guest sports reporter
The new year brings with it some big games in college football and the conclusion of the NFL’s regular season.
The college schedule is loaded with big games as the second round of the College Football Playoffs (CFP) brings us some outstanding matchups.
It all begins on New Year’s Eve with the Cotton Bowl as No. 10-ranked Miami (11-3) takes on No. 2-ranked Ohio State (12-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Hurricanes earned their trip to the second round with a 10-3 upset of Texas A&M at Kyle Field as the ‘Canes defense came up with a stellar performance against Aggie QB Marcel Reed, forcing two interceptions out of him and keeping A&M out of the end zone.
The Buckeyes will bring a pretty stout defense of their own into the Cotton Bowl as well. In 13 games, the OSU defense has given up just 106 points (8 points per game). This could be another defensive-dominated game.
On New Year’s Day, the other three CFP quarterfinals will be played, kicking off at 11 a.m. in the Orange Bowl as No. 5-ranked Oregon (12-1) takes on No. 4-ranked Texas Tech (12-1) at 11 a.m. on ESPN. The Red Raiders, winners of the Big 12 title, are having the best year in school history and will face their toughest test to date when they take on an explosive Ducks team.
Following the Orange Bowl, No. 9-ranked Alabama (11-3) takes on No. 1-ranked Indiana (13-0) in the Rose Bowl at 3 p.m. on ESPN. Indiana has Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at quarterback and will face a Crimson Tide team that overcame a 17-0 deficit at Oklahoma to advance with a 34-24 win. ‘Bama is one of the most storied programs in college football history, while the Hoosiers are having the best season in their history. This should be a very interesting matchup.
The nightcap will feature No. 6-ranked Ole Miss against No. 3-ranked Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. These two teams met in the regular season with the Bulldogs pulling out a high-scoring 43-35 win in Athens. The Rebels did just fine without former head coach Lane Kiffin, who left for the LSU job at the end of the season, in their first CFP game as they rolled to a 41-10 win over outmanned Tulane.
It should be noted that last year top four CFP seeds who had first-round byes all lost in the second round. I don’t see that happening this year, but we shall see.
While the CFP ramps up, the NFL regular season will come to a close on the first weekend of 2026. As of this writing, the league has not released dates and times for the Week 18 schedule, but there are a number of key late-season matchups that should have playoff implications.
The Texans will host the Colts looking to solidify a playoff spot, and perhaps the AFC South title depending on how Jacksonville fared in their last three games.
The Cowboys will close out their season at New York against a bad Giants team that always seems to get up for Dallas no matter what their record is.
Week 18 features a huge game in the AFC North as Baltimore visits Pittsburgh, with the winner probably winning the division. Three weeks ago, the Steelers won at Baltimore, so the Ravens will look to return the favor this weekend.
There’s also a big one in the NFC South as the surprising Carolina Panthers visit Tampa Bay, with the winner earning the division title.
The Detroit Lions will look to keep their fledgling playoff hopes alive when they visit the Bears, who will be looking to wrap up the NFC North title. Two weeks ago, Chicago rallied from a 16-3 deficit in the fourth quarter to pull out a 22-16 overtime win over the Packers.
Speaking of the NFC North, the Packers will be looking to keep their playoff hopes alive when they play at Minnesota, while there’s a big one in the AFC West as the Chargers will visit the division-leading Broncos.
There’s also a big one in the NFC West as Seattle, which overcame a 30-14 second-half deficit two weeks ago against the Rams to pull out a 38-37 overtime win, will visit the 49ers, who will be looking to earn a Wild Card spot with a win. I’m assuming either the LA-Denver or Seattle-SF game will be moved to Sunday Night Football. Stay tuned.
Before we take a look at this weekend’s games, let’s review last weekend’s record. A 7-5 week brought the season record to 120-64 (65%).
CFP QUARTERFINALS
Cotton Bowl – Miami vs. Ohio State – The Buckeyes look to win a second straight CFP title and they have a tall task in their first playoff game when they take on a Miami team that played terrific defense in their 10-3 win over Texas A&M on Dec. 20. But this week, the ‘Cames face a much better offense than they did against the Aggies. Ohio State has offensive weapons all over the field, led by QB Julian Sayin (3,323 yards, 31 TDs), running back Bo Jackson (no, not that Bo!), who has rushed for 1,035 yards and has scored 5 TDs and big play wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (80 receptions, 1,036 yards, 11 TDs) and Carnell Tate (48 receptions, 838 yards, 9 TDs). The Miami defense will have its hands full with that bunch. Miami will need a near-perfect game from QB Carson Beck (3,178 yards, 26 TDs, 10 interceptions) if they hope to pull off the upset. Look for the OSU defense to force a key turnover or two from Beck, which could derail the ‘Canes title chances. Miami will look for another big game from running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (857 yards,10 TDs) and true freshman wideout Malachi Toney (89 receptions, 992 yards, 8 TD). I think Ohio State’s big-game experience, and that stout defense, will be the difference maker as the Buckeyes look for a second straight national title. My pick, Ohio State 26, Miami 17
Rose Bowl – Alabama vs. Indiana – One of the game’s Blue Bloods, Alabama, takes on an upstart Indiana team that enters this game with a 13-0 record, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best coaches in the game in Curt Cignetti, who in two years in Bloomington has led his team to a 25-2 record. Those are ‘Bama like numbers. The Crimson Tide overcame a 17-0 first-half deficit and rebounded for a 34-24 win at Oklahoma in the first round. ‘Bama has a quality QB in Ty Simpson (3,500 yards, 28 TDs) and a stable of solid wideouts in Germie Bernard (60 receptions, 802 yards, 7 TDs), Ryan Williams (43 receptions, 636 yards, 4 TDs) and Lotzeir Brooks (32 receptions, 441 yards, 2 TDs). If Alabama is going to pull off the upset (they entered as 7 point underdogs), they must be able to run the football, which has been an issue this year. Starting running back Jam Miller (504 yards, 3 TDs) returned for the OU game and he might give the offense a spark. The Tide defense will have its hands full with a loaded Indiana offense led by Heisman winning QB Fernando Mendoza (2,980 yards, 33 TDs), running backs Roman Hemby (918 yards, 6 TDs) and Kaelon Black (798 yards, 7 TDs) and big-play wideouts Omer Cooper (58 receptions, 804 yards, 11 TDs) and Elijah Surratt (81 receptions, 687 yards, 12 TDs). I think ‘Bama gives Indiana a game, but look for Mendoza to make the big plays down the stretch to keep the Hoosiers’ magical season going. My pick, Indiana 31, Alabama 27
Sugar Bowl – Ole Miss vs. Georgia – Georgia enters the Sugar Bowl rematch against Ole Miss is one of the hottest teams in the country, riding a nine-game winning streak and Kirby Smart’s team already owns a win over the Rebels this season. The ‘Dawgs beat Ole Miss 43-35 on Oct. 18 and while the Georgia defense did give up 35 to Ole Miss, that unit has improved dramatically since that game, giving up just 70 points in their last six games. The defense will get tested by Rebels QB Trinadad Chambliss (3,298 passing yards, 19 TDs/506 rushing yards, 8 TDs), productive running back Kewan Lacy (1,366 yards, 21 TDs) and wide receiver Harrison Wallace III (48 receptions, 738 yards, 3 TDs). Georgia has a solid dual-threat QB as well in Gunner Stockton (2,691 passing yards, 23 TDs/442 rushing yards, 8 TDs), a solid runner in Nate Frazier (861 yards, 6 TDs) and a big-play wide receiver in Zachariah Branch (73 receptions, 744 yards, 5 TDs). Look for the ‘Dawgs defense to be the difference maker in this one as the Bulldogs advance in the CFP. My pick, Georgia 26, Ole Miss 14
Orange Bowl – Oregon vs. Texas Tech – This will be Tech’s biggest test of the year, especially that stout Red Raider defense as it faces an explosive Oregon team. The Ducks exploded for 51 points in their CFP opener against an out-manned James Madison team. James Madison did put up 34 points on the Ducks defense, so that could be good news for the Tech offense. But the Red Raiders have put together the best year in the history of the school thanks to a ballhawking and stifling defense led by linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Rodriguez has won just about every major defensive award this year. He’s recorded 117 tackles, had 11 tackles for losses, intercepted four passes and even scored two rushing TDs. Oregon is loaded with explosive talent on offense led by QB Dante Moore (3,046 yards, 28 TDs), running back Noah Washington (798 yards, 6 TDs) and wide receiver Malik Benson (36 receptions, 645 yards, 6 TDs). Tech head coach Joey McGuire has been focusing on the Ducks since his team defeated BYU in the Big 12 title game on Dec. 6. The Red Raiders will need a clean game from QB Behren Morton (2,643 yards, 22 TDs). He has a strong receiving corps in Caleb Douglas (54 receptions, 846 yards, 7 TDs), Reggie Virgil (55 receptions, 676 yards, 6 TDs), Coy Eakin 47 receptions, 626 yards, 6 TDs) and dependable tight end Terrance Carter Jr. (46 receptions, 552 yards, 5 TDs). Look for Tech to also use their productive running game, led by Cameron Dickey (1,095 yards, 16 total TDs) and J’Koby Williams (787 yards, 9 total TDs) to chew up the clock and keep the Oregon offense off the field. This is the biggest game in the history and something tells me Tech will answer the bell come New Year’s Day. My pick, Texas Tech 33, Oregon 20
NFL
Baltimore at Pittsburgh – These two teams met on Dec. 7 in Baltimore, with the Steelers earning a tough, 27-22 win. Two weeks ago, Aaron Rodgers (2,860 yards, 23 TDs) led the Steelers to a big road win at Detroit, while the Ravens were losing at home to the Patriots. In that game, star QB Lamar Jackson (2,311 passing yards, 18 TDs) sustained a back injury and may not be available for this game. Pittsburgh might have the AFC North wrapped up if they won last week at Cleveland, while the Ravens lost at Green Bay. I look for the Steelers to win this one to carry momentum into the playoffs, while the Ravens will look ahead to the offseason with a lot of questions to answer. My pick, Pittsburgh 24, Baltimore 20
Carolina at Tampa Bay – Two weeks ago, the Panthers took over first place in the NFC South with a 23-20 home win over the struggling Bucs. This week, they head to TB with the Buccaneers’ season hanging in the balance. The Bucs need a big game from QB Baker Mayfield (3,144 yards, 23 TDs). Mayfield has struggled down the stretch, but he’s been around long enough to know when it’s time to step up his game. He will look to make plays to wideouts Emeka Egubka (59 receptions, 910 yards, 6 TDs) and Mike Evans (25 receptions, 303 yards, 2 TDs). Carolina struggles on the road, but should carry a lot of momentum into this game behind QB Bruce Young (2,691 yards, 21 TDs), running back Rico Dowdell (1,007 yards, 6 TDs) and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (65 receptions, 924 yards, 7 TDs). My pick, Tampa Bay 26, Carolina 23
Dallas at Giants – This is pretty much a who-cares game as both teams had disappointing seasons, and will look to tweak things in the offseason. The Giants will be looking for yet another head coach, while the Cowboys will look to get better on defense. This should be a stats game for the Dallas offense as Dak Prescott (4,175 yards, 28 TDs), running back Javonte Williams (1,147 yards, 12 total TDs), and wideouts George Pickens (88 receptions, 1,342 yards, 9 TDs) and CeeDee Lamb (69 receptions, 1,027 yards, 3 TDs). The Giants will look to QB Jaxon Dart (1,835 passing yards, 13 TDs/407 rushing yards, 5 TDs) to use this game to carry momentum into the offseason. My pick, Dallas 31, New York Giants 20
Detroit at Chicago – The Bears will look to wrap up the NFC North title when they host an underachieving Detroit team on Sunday. Two weeks ago, the Bears improved to 11-4 on the season with a 22-16 win over the Packers, while the Lions all but fell out of playoff contention with a 29-24 home loss to Pittsburgh. Detroit will look for a big day from QB Jared Goff (4,036 yards, 32 TDs), running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1,102 rushing yards, 13 TDs/72 receptions, 560 yards, 2 TDs) and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (98 receptions, 1,194 yards, 11 TDs), while the Bears will look for another big day from QB Caleb Williams (3,400 passing yards, 23 TDs/369 rushing yards, 3 TDs), running back D’’Andre Swift (993 yards, 7 TDs) and Kyle Morangai (731 yards, 5 TDs) and wideout DJ Moore (48 receptions, 664 yards, 4 TDs). Look for the Bears to continue their winning ways come Sunday. My pick, Chicago 31, Detroit 24
Green Bay at Minnesota – This could be a big game for the Packers’ playoff hopes, depending on what happens with Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco in the NFC West. If all three earn playoff spots, the Packers could be out of the playoffs. Two weeks ago, their playoff hopes suffered a big blow when they lost at Chicago. They also lost QB Jordan Love (3,381 yards, 23 TDs) to a concussion. If the Pack is out of the playoffs, I could see them sitting Love and looking forward to next season. Minnesota has suffered through a tough year, but two weeks ago won their fourth straight game. They will use this game to give QB J.J. McCarthy (1,450 yards, 11 TDS/12 interceptions) more experience and star wideout Justin Jefferson (72 receptions, 917 yards, 2 TDs) a shot at another 1,000-yard season. My pick, Green Bay 23, Minnesota 20
Indianapolis at Houston – The Texans will look to sew up a playoff spot when the struggling Colts come calling at NRG Stadium on Sunday. Look for Houston defenders Danielle Hunter (13 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (11.5 sacks) to make it a long day for 44-year-old QB Phillip Rivers, while DeMeco Ryans will be hoping this game serves as a tuneup for QB C.J. Stroud (2,628 yards, 16 TDs) and wide receiver Nico Collins (68 receptions, 1,060 yards, 6 TDs) to carry momentum into the post season. My pick, Houston 30, Indianapolis 16
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver – A big one in the AFC West has the Chargers visiting the Broncos. Two weeks ago, LA moved within a game of Denver in the division with a 34-17 win at Dallas, while the Broncos were routed at home by the Jags, 34-20. LA will look for a big game from QB Justin Herbert (3,491 passing yards, 25 TDs/461 rushing yards, 2 TDs), running back Kimani Vidal (631 yards, 3 TDs) and wide receivers Ladd McConkey (65 receptions, 758 yards, 6 TDs) and Keenan Allen (73 receptions, 724 yards, 4 TDs). Denver will look for a better performance from QB Bo Nix (3,608 passing yards, 24 TDs/215 rushing yards, 4TDs). Nix has been up and down this year, so Bronco fans are hoping the good Bo shows up on Sunday. Something tells me he will. My pick, Denver 26, Los Angeles Chargers 24
Seattle at San Francisco – A big one in the NFC West, which will probably be moved to Sunday Night Football. Both teams should earn playoff spots, but Seattle could be playing for the NFC West title and the top seed in the conference. Two weeks ago, the Seahawks overcame a 30-14 second-half deficit to pull out a 38-37 overtime thriller against the Rams. Seattle has a potent offense led by QB Sam Darnold (3,703 yards, 24 TDs), a solid runner in Kenneth Walker III (879 yards, 5 TDs) and standout wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (104 receptions, 1,637 yards, 10 TDs). The 49ers have been hot lately thanks to the play of QB Brock Purdy and do–everything running back Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey could be a 1,000-yard rusher and pass catcher this year. He will face a very good Seattle defense, but look for the 49ers to defend their home turf as they earn a playoff spot after finishing 6-11 in 2024. My pick, San Francisco 30, Seattle 27.
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