The College Football Playoff (CFP) kicks off with a high-stakes matchup between No. 5 Oregon and No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. The game is set for Thursday, January 1st, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time (9 a.m. Pacific).
Where to Watch
The game will be nationally televised on ESPN. For viewers who have cut the cord, several streaming options are available:
- ESPN Unlimited: Offers all CFP games for $30 per month.
- Sling Orange: Carries ESPN for $46 per month.
- Fubo Sports: Includes ESPN in its $56 monthly package.
- DirecTV MySports: Provides ESPN access for $70 per month.
- YouTube TV: Streams ESPN for $83 per month.
- Hulu Plus Live TV: Also carries ESPN at $83 per month.
Key Teams and Context
Both Oregon and Texas Tech enter the playoff with strong records, each having suffered only one loss this season. The Ducks’ defeat came against top-ranked Indiana, a competitive result within the Big Ten. Texas Tech’s loss was to Arizona State, but notably occurred while their starting quarterback, Behren Morton, was sidelined due to injury.
This game is a crucial step toward the semifinals. The winner will face either Indiana or Alabama in the next round, making this an early but significant test for both teams. The Orange Bowl will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the home field of the Miami Dolphins.
The CFP is expanding next year, so this format with quarterfinals is a change. The competition is fierce, and these games are the first of a new era in college football.
Why This Matters
The expanded playoff format means more teams have a shot at the championship. The outcome of the Orange Bowl will set the tone for the rest of the tournament, and the winning team will carry momentum into the semifinals. For fans, it’s a chance to see top-tier college football action live, with multiple viewing options to suit their preferences.
The game is a must-watch for college football enthusiasts, and with numerous ways to tune in, there’s no excuse to miss the action.
