If you're a college football fan, 2022 ended with a lot on the line. For starters, the College Football Playoff officially began #3 TCU playing #2 Michigan at the CFP Semi Final Vrbo Fiesta Bowl followed by with #4 Ohio State playing #1 Georgia in the CFP Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Two other games took place with #9 Kansas State playing # 5 Alabama at the AllState SugarBowl, and Iowa playing Kentucky at the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. All in all, New Year's Eve offered us some outstanding games. Here's a recap in case you missed them.

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Roll Tide!

Alabama: 45 Kansas State : 20

If Alabama was upset with the playoff committee for not giving them the final spot, they certainly showed it on the field as they routed Kansas State, 45-20. Although they initially trailed 10-0, Alabama scored the next 35 points and never looked back, led by top draft prospect Quarterback, Bryce Young, who threw for more than 300 yards and 5 passing touchdowns. 2022 Big 12 Champions Kansas State simply couldn't put up a fight against an Alabama team who has been in six of the last eight CFP Championships and has set the precedent for excellence in college football. A down year for Alabama can still be considered to be a top year for many other programs, Alabama left their mark when the clock hit zero.

History Made

Iowa Hawkeyes : 21 Kentucky : 0

Iowa put up an impressive 21 points in the second quarter and that was all they needed, as they played complete football on both sides all game. In fact, in the process, Iowa made history–the shutout was the first ever in 24 years of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. The Hawkeyes defense dominated with two pick-six interception touchdowns. As they had been defensively strong all season, with the one outlier being Ohio State, Iowa's defense ended the season in fitting fashion.

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Cinderella Goes Dancing

TCU : 51 Michigan : 45

Coming into this season, TCU wasn't expected to compete at a high level, but they did just the opposite. This weekend, they did it again. 

The last time TCU took the field was the Big 12 Championship Game on December 3rd against Kansas State where they fell just short (literally) of winning in overtime by a score of 31-28. This time, the Horned Frogs were on the winning side even though coming into the game they were a touchdown underdog against Michigan. If you watched the game you wouldn't have known that at all–TCU got out to a quick lead and led 21-3 at halftime. Just as TCU had been in the Big 12 championship, Michigan didn't give up after one half. In fact, they went on a 13-0 run and cut it to a field-goal deficit at the beginning of the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, their luck came up short, as TCU, led by Heisman finalist quarterback Max Duggan, continued its dominance. Michigan had their shot to win down 51-45 with 45 seconds left. However, TCU's defense came up clutch and sealed the victory. 

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Dynasty Alert?

Georgia : 42 Ohio State: 41

What else needs to be said about this Georgia Bulldogs team? They trailed by 14 entering the fourth quarter. What happened next? They went on an 18-3 run to win 42-41, sealing the victory with 54 seconds left in the 4th quarter, when Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennet found wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for a 10 yard score. It was Bennet's second passing touchdown of the quarter. Ohio State quickly marched down the field into field goal territory, and attempted a field goal with a few seconds left, however it sailed left. Fate was sealed as the Bulldogs kept their season alive to improve to 14-0 in thrilling fashion. Though their defense didn't play as expected, Stetson Bennett truly shined when it mattered most. For the second straight season, Georgia will compete in the CFP Championship. It also goes without saying that Ohio State held their own all day and put up a valiant effort. Led by Heisman finalist CJ Stroud, the Buckeyes fell just short of an upset victory.

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* Originally published on January 2, 2023, by Nicholas Nathanson