CFP Semifinals Breakdown: Ole Miss vs Miami, Big Ten Power Shift & Kentucky’s Historic Home Streak Ends

The College Football Playoff semifinals are here — and Sports IQ with Larry Smith delivers wall-to-wall insight, history, and perspective as four unlikely contenders chase a national title.Larry Smith and the Sports IQ team break down the Ole Miss–Miami semifinal from every angle, featuring expert voices from both programs and deep discussion on how today’s college football landscape is reshaping power, recruiting, and conference dominance.Evie Van Pelt (Founder & Publisher, RebelGrove.com) — On Ole Miss’s emotional playoff run, coaching upheaval, and what the Rebels’ breakthrough means for the program.Cole Thompson (SEC Unfiltered) — A wide-ranging look at the SEC vs Big Ten balance of power, roster construction through NIL and the portal, and why this CFP feels different.Adam Lichtenstein (Miami Sun Sentinel) — Inside Miami’s physical identity, trench dominance, and what must happen for the Hurricanes to reach the title game.Ole Miss’s stunning playoff surge amid coaching uncertaintyMiami’s defensive front and disciplined offensive approachHow NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping roster buildingBig Ten parity and the national power shift beyond Ohio State and MichiganWhy this CFP semifinal field represents true parity in college footballMatchup keys: pressure, time of possession, and quarterback efficiencyOn January 8, 1955, Kentucky’s NCAA-record 129-game home winning streak came to a shocking end. Georgia Tech stunned the Wildcats in Lexington, led by Joe Helms’ game-high 23 points — including the game-winning jumper with 11 seconds left. The 59–58 upset snapped a streak that still stands today.A reminder that no record is untouchable — and history always has a say.🎧 New episodes of Sports IQ with Larry Smith drop weekdays.📲 Follow the show and join the conversation on social media.