{"id":35332,"date":"2021-03-21T14:00:11","date_gmt":"2021-03-21T18:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=35332"},"modified":"2025-09-13T16:08:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T20:08:18","slug":"2021-college-football-64-team-tournament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2021\/03\/21\/2021-college-football-64-team-tournament\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 College Football 64-Team Tournament"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why should March get all the fun? There’s many reasons logisitically why a 64-team tournament for college football could not work. However, taking out the logistical challenges of this type of undertaking how entertaining would this be? Region by region, matchup by matchup we take you from 64 to one as we unveil our 2021 college football 64-team tournament.<\/p>\n

First Round<\/h3>\n

West Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>(1) Alabama vs (16) Texas Tech \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

After giving up two early touchdowns to the Red Raiders, the number one overall seed dominates after the first quarter. The Tide advance easily by defeating Texas Tech 42-14.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(8) Minnesota vs (9) Auburn \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Most fans were counting on an Iron Bowl rematch in the second round. However, Tanner Morgan<\/a> shreds the Tiger secondary with four touchdowns as the Golden Gophers advance 35-27.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(4) Oregon vs (13) Arkansas \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Razorbacks continue to improve under Sam Pittman. But, their inexperience shows on the big stage and the Ducks win this matchup 42-20. Oregon runs for 450 yards in the victory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(5) LSU vs (12) Tennessee \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Josh Heupel<\/a> has overachieved in his first season in Knoxville to get the Volunteers into the field of 64. Tennessee keeps it close for a half, but LSU wears them down for a 24-13 win.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(3) Cincinnati vs (14) Mississippi State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Finally, we have our first huge upset of the 2021 College Football tournament. The loss of defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman<\/a> is felt here as Mike Leach and company outscore Cincinnati 45-41.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(6) Penn State vs (11) Stanford \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Both Penn State and Stanford struggled in a crazy 2020 season. However, the Nittany Lions played better toward the end of the season. They take that momentum through a first-round win, 27-21.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(2) Iowa State vs (15) SMU \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Cyclones had their best season in school history in 2021. They capitalize off of that for a dominating 45-14 win over SMU.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(7) Arizona State vs (10) Kentucky \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

We have our second upset in the West region in this 7\/10 matchup. The Wildcats defense slows down the high-powered Sun Devil offense in a 17-13 triumph.<\/p>\n

East Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>(1) Clemson vs (16) West Virginia \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Tigers narrowly dodge the dreaded 16 seeded upset as they rally for the 38-35 win over the Mountaineers after a late turnover opened the door for Clemson to escape.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(8) Utah vs (9) TCU \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

TCU didn’t see the improvement that they expected in 2021. However, it all comes together for the Horned Frogs as they score the minor upset over Utah.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(4) Washington vs (13) Virginia Tech \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Hokies enter the tournament with Justin Fuente<\/a> needing a victory to save his job. And, they do just that in wrecking the Washington postseason for the second year in a row.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(5) Ole Miss vs (12) Kansas State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Rebels are rolling in the second year under Lane Kiffin. Even though Kansas State has been a giant killer in the Big 12, that doesn’t happen today as the Rebels roll.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(3) Indiana vs (14) BYU \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Hoosiers are one of the best teams in the Big 10 and they roll past the Cougars. Conversely, BYU had a season of struggles trying to replace Zack Wilson at quarterback.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(6) Coastal Carolina vs (11) Boise State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Speaking of quarterbacks, one of the best dual-threats in the country Grayson McCall<\/a> lead the Chanticleers to a thrilling victory in an instant classic over Boise State.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(2) Texas A&M vs (15) San Jose State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Texas A&M rolls into the tournament as one of the top teams in the country. They show exactly why as they steamroll San Jose State in the first round.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(7) Miami vs (10) UCLA \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

This is a matchup of two outstanding quarterbacks in D’Eriq King<\/a> and Dorian Thompson-Robinson<\/a>. King gets the edge as the Hurricanes advance to the next round.<\/p>\n

South Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>(1) Georgia vs (16) Florida State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

JT Daniels<\/a> capitalizes on the Heisman finalist season in Athens as the Bulldogs throttle the Seminoles in their opening-round matchup.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(8) Northwestern vs (9) Missouri \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Pat Fitzgerald<\/a>‘s club was much improved in 2020. But, Missouri can also lay that claim. The Wildcats win a close 24-21 decision.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(4) Notre Dame vs (13) Nebraska \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The biggest blue-blood matchup of the first round occurs here with Notre Dame facing off against Nebraska. However, the Irish dominate in what could spell the end of the Scott Frost<\/a> tenure in Lincoln.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(5) Wisconsin vs (12) California \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Badgers return to more consistency in 2021 and that shows as they win convincingly over the Golden Bears.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(3) USC vs (14) Nevada \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

PAC 12 Offensive Player of the Year Kedon Slovis<\/a> shines as USC wins the opener in a comfortable fashion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(6) Texas vs (11) Purdue \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Longhorns were up and down in Steve Sarkisian<\/a>‘s first year in Austin. But, they do enough to get a first round victory over the Boilermakers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(2) Ohio State vs (15) South Carolina \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

It’s evident that Shane Beamer needs time to right the ship in Carolina. The Buckeyes cruise.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(7) Oklahoma State vs (10) Memphis \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Memphis took a step back on offense with Brady White<\/a> moving on and they can’t outscore the Cowboys in this one.<\/p>\n

Midwest Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>(1) Oklahoma vs (16) San Diego State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Sooners struggle early on in this one, but find their groove in the second half for a convincing victory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(8) Army vs (9) NC State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Cadets enjoyed yet another tremendous season and complete that with a win over the Wolfpack.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(4) Florida vs (13) Colorado \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Gators weren’t quite as explosive on offense in 2021, but have enough to take care of the Buffaloes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(5) Louisiana vs (12) Boston College \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Louisiana obtained a high-seed due to their double-digit win total. They continue their success with a tight win over Boston College.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(3) Iowa vs (14) Appalachian State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

This was the biggest upset prediction of the first round. But, it was not to be as the Hawkeyes controlled from the opening kick.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(6) Liberty vs (11) UCF \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

This was perhaps the best Quarterback matchup of the first round. In a minor upset, Dillon Gabriel<\/a> outduels Malik Willis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(2) North Carolina vs (15) Michigan State\"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Sam Howell<\/a> shows why he was arguably the best quarterback in the country in 2021. He throws five touchdowns in the opening round romp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(7) Michigan vs (10) Pittsburgh \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

In our final game of the first round, we have a much improved Michigan team winning on a last minute field goal to advance.<\/p>\n

Round of 32<\/h3>\n

West Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>(1) Alabama vs (8) Minnesota \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Crimson Tide’s running game and defense too much as Alabama cruises into the Sweet 16.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(4) Oregon vs (5) LSU \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

LSU jumps out to a 17-point halftime lead. But, the Ducks come roaring back off of a late Tiger turnover to complete the improbable comeback.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(6) Penn State vs (14) Mississippi State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Nittany Lions defense is able to slow down Leach’s passing game with a 10-point win.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(2) Iowa State vs (10) Kentucky \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Breece Hall<\/a> runs for 185 yards as the Cyclones win comfortably to make it to the Sweet 16.<\/p>\n

East Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>(1) Clemson vs (9) TCU \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

TCU learns early on that the Clemson offense is on a different level as the Tigers cruise to a 24-point victory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(5) Ole Miss vs (13) Virginia Tech \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Cinderella slippers no longer fit as the Kiffin’s club gets to the Sweet 16.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(3) Indiana vs (6) Coastal Carolina \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Hoosiers follow up one of the best seasons in 2020 with an equally strong one this year. They outduel Carolina, 41-38.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(2) Texas A&M vs (7) Miami \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Hurricanes secure the biggest upset of the second round. King makes the most of his decision to come back with a monumental win.<\/p>\n

South Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>(1) Georgia vs (8) Northwestern \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Bulldogs show they are ready for the post season as they dominate the Wildcats, 42-10.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(4) Notre Dame vs (5) Wisconsin \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

A rematch of a regular season matchup won by Wisconsin. However, the Fighting Irish get the better part of the rematch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(3) USC vs (6) Texas \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Plenty of storylines here in one of the most appealing second-round matchups. The Longhorns get a goalline stand to come away with the upset victory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>(2) Ohio State vs (7) Oklahoma State \"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Cowboy defense struggles in this one as Master Teague<\/a> runs for over 200 yards and the Buckeyes win comfortably.<\/p>\n

Midwest Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Oklahoma vs (8) Army \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Sooners struggled a few years ago in a near monumental upset for Army. But, Oklahoma is more equipped defensively this time for a 31-10 victory.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(4) Florida vs (5) Louisiana \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

Louisiana gives the Gators everything they want. However, the depth in the trenches proves too much as Florida advances.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(3) Iowa vs (11) UCF \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

UCF becomes just the first double-digit seed to advance. Gabriel leads the Knights once again.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(2) North Carolina vs (7) Michigan \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

Carolina completes our Sweet 16 field as they complete a workmanlike effort over the Wolverines.<\/p>\n

Sweet 16<\/h3>\n

West Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Alabama vs (4) Oregon \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Crimson Tide put together their most complete game of the tournament with a 34-17 victory over the Ducks.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(2) Iowa State vs (6) Penn State \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

It’s the Cyclones and not the blue-blooded Nittany Lions that flex their muscles as Iowa State makes it to the Elite Eight.<\/p>\n

East Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Clemson vs (5) Ole Miss \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

Tiger quarterback DJ Uiagalelei continues to stay hot as the Tigers blitz Ole Miss 41-13.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(3) Indiana vs (7) Miami \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The dream postseason for the Hurricanes continue as they get another upset victory to head to the Elite Eight.<\/p>\n

South Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Georgia vs (4) Notre Dame \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

Notre Dame was out to prove that they could compete at the national level with a perenial giant. However, while the Irish make it more competitive Georgia comes out with the win.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(2) Ohio State vs (6) Texas \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Longhorns overachieved in this tournament compared to their regular season. That comes to an end as the Buckeyes handle their business with a 31-24 win.<\/p>\n

Midwest Region (64-team tournament)<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Oklahoma vs (4) Florida \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Sooners have the opportunity to exact some revenge against Florida in the playoffs. And, Oklahoma did just that in a 34-21 victory.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(2) North Carolina vs (11) UCF \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The magic continues for UCF as they pull another massive upset against the Tar Heels this time.<\/p>\n

Elite Eight<\/h3>\n

West Region<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Alabama vs (2) Iowa State \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Cyclones pride themselves on being one of the few FBS teams to not get blown out. That trend continues here, but Iowa State doesn’t have enough as Alabama punches its ticket to the Final Four.<\/p>\n

East Region<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Clemson vs (7) Miami \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

Clemson and Miami are two teams that are very familiar with each other. The Tigers have dominated each of the matchups against the Hurricanes. Nothing changes here as the Tigers win 49-21.<\/p>\n

South Region<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Georgia vs (2) Ohio State \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

Two historic programs collide in a game which is disappointing to see either team lose. But, the inexperience in a big game for the Buckeyes at the quarterback position comes back to bite them as the Bulldogs advance to the Final Four.<\/p>\n

Midwest Region<\/h4>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Oklahoma vs (11) UCF \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

An unexpected matchup here as the Sooners lock up with the Knights. After a back and forth first half, the Sooners take control of the second half to advance.<\/p>\n

Final Four<\/h3>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Alabama vs (1) Clemson \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

We knew that we would get this matchup at some point. Two of most dominant programs in the sport lock up once again. This time, Clemson gets the advantage in another class in a 28-24 win.<\/p>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Georgia vs (1) Oklahoma \"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

The Sooners return to the Final Four against a familiar opponent. The opportunity for revenge in one of the most dissapointing losses in Oklahoma football history was seized by the Sooners in a 31-28 win.<\/p>\n

National Championship<\/h3>\n

\"64-team<\/a>(1) Clemson vs (1) Oklahoma\"64-team<\/a><\/h4>\n

Clemson is back in familiar territory playing for a national championship. Comparatively, Oklahoma finally got over the hump and got their first win in the Final Four over Georgia. The offensive line for the Tigers and overall defensive performance for the Sooners which have been in question for both programs over the last few years have become a strength for both teams. However, the great offense for both teams are on display. But, Oklahoma will get the last laugh as Spencer Rattler<\/a> throws a game-winning touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaining to give Oklahoma their eighth national championship in program history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Why should March get all the fun? There’s many reasons logisitically why a 64-team tournament for college football could not work. However, taking out the logistical challenges of this type of undertaking how entertaining would this be? Region by region, matchup by matchup we take you from 64 to one as we unveil our 2021 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":669,"featured_media":34552,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1479,35574,2,35578,35581],"tags":[35,36,65,211,94,73,37,2478],"class_list":["post-35332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorials","category-alabama-crimson-tide","category-featured","category-georgia-bulldogs","category-oklahoma-sooners","tag-alabama-crimson-tide","tag-clemson-tigers","tag-georgia-bulldogs","tag-iowa-state-cyclones","tag-miami-hurricanes","tag-ohio-state-buckeyes","tag-oklahoma-sooners","tag-ucf-golden-knights"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35332","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/669"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35332"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35332\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78494,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35332\/revisions\/78494"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34552"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35332"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35332"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}