As Indianapolis readied itself to host the Semi-Finals, they finally thawed a bit from the record low temperatures and snow falls from earlier in the week. Indy did not benefit from the spring-like weather when they hosted the Super Bowl, but at least it was not the frigid conditions when they last hosted Football's Final Four when OSU fans flocked to town to see Maurice Clarett and the Buckeyes face Georgia, after USC played Oklahoma in the other semi-final in January 2003.
This year's Semi-Finals featured top seed Florida State versus Big Ten champion Michigan State, and a rematch of the Iron Bowl, Auburn and Alabama.
GAME 1: Florida State 38, Michigan State 14
Spartans green enthusiastically was the dominant color in Lucas Oil Stadium on Semi-Final Saturday. And they were bouncing with joy early in the game.
Michigan State drove 95 yards for a touchdown on its opening possession, topped by a 9 yard pass from Connor Cook to Tony Lippett.
Spartan fans cheered with delight, but soon there would be a dearth of MSU excitement, as the punting unit would get plenty of use as the Seminoles defense locked down, particularly the Michigan State rushing game.
The Seminoles' second punt to MSU was fumbled by the Spartans and recovered by FSU. Florida State drove and Jameis Winston scored from the 1 yard line, to tie the score at 7-7. Both teams were scoreless through the remainder of the half.
The third quarter featured two Michigan State punts sandwiching a Florida State touchdown drive on a pass from Winston to Devonta Freeman and FSU entered the last quarter with a 14-7 lead.
On the first play of the final frame, Karlos Williams ran it in from 3 and Florida State lead 21-7. After yet another MSU punt, Florida State drove again and Winston hit Kelvin Benjamin from 34 yards out, and was in complete control, 28-7. Spartans fans began to retreat to the damp outdoors, and Florida State coasted, 38-14 to advance to the championship, the fourth straight top seed that made the final game. But which team from the state of Alabama will join them in Pasadena?
GAME 2: Alabama 21, Auburn 13
Iron Bowl II served as top billing in the double feature. However, though an intriguing game, it was more mistake filled than classic, perhaps as both teams knew that not only state bragging rights, but a chance at the big prize.
Scoring started with two Cade Foster field goals after his initial miss, and Alabama held the 6-0 lead. Auburn also fumbled and missed a field goal attempt but then Nick Marshall ran it in from 1 yard out, and the Tigers held the 7-6 halftime lead.
After a Tiger turnover, Alabama took the lead back on a pass to Amari Cooper from A.J. McCarron, now up 13-7.
With about 4 minutes left in the game, T.J. Yeldon scored for Alabama, and they added the 2 point conversion, and lead 21-7. Auburn added a late TD, but missed the PAT and then Bama grabbed the onside kick, and Alabama advanced to the championship game 21-13.
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Updated tournament results:
FIRST ROUND:
In Cleveland:
7 Ohio State 35
9 South Carolina 40
In Tampa:
8 Missouri 41
10 Central Florida 40
BCS BOWLS (Quarterfinals):
Orange:
1 Florida State 34
8 Missouri 22
Rose:
4 Michigan State 24
5 Stanford 20
Sugar:
2 Auburn 31
9 South Carolina 22
Fiesta:
3 Alabama 45
6 Baylor 41
SEMI-FINALS in Indianapolis (January 11th):
1 Florida State 38
4 Michigan State 14
2 Auburn 13
3 Alabama 21
BCS Championship in Pasadena (January 25th):
1 Florida State
3 Alabama
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