The Biggest Red Flags for the College Football Playoff Semifinalists

Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami are each two wins away from a national title, but all four teams have weaknesses that could be exploited.

Fernando Mendoza of Indiana celebrates a touchdown against Alabama in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

We’ve reached college football’s version of the Final Four. On Thursday, the Miami Hurricanes will face the Ole Miss Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl, and then on Friday, the Indiana Hoosiers will take on the Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl.

Before the College Football Playoff began in December, we looked at each of the 12 teams and gave reasons why they could become national champs. For the semifinalists, there are also legitimate concerns.

Here’s why each of the quartet could fail to hoist the national title trophy come Monday, Jan. 19.

No. 10 Miami: Lagging Offense

Third, ninth, 10th, 30th… one of these is not like the other, and that’s Miami’s offense compared with the other semifinalists. Indiana, Oregon, and Ole Miss all rank in the top 10 nationally in scoring this season, while Miami sits 30th, between the likes of Old Dominion and Navy. The passing game holds its water, as Miami is second in the nation in completion percentage (73.5 percent), but the run game lags behind. The Hurricanes are outside the top 70 teams in the country in both rushing yards per game (152) and yards per carry (4.3).