'Twas the night before Playoff, when all through the nation, The fans were all gathered in wild expectation. The brackets were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that a trophy soon would be there.
The Sooners were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of Venables’ blitzes filled heads. At eight on a Friday, the lights will shine bright, As Alabama comes knocking to settle a fight. A rematch of Week 12! The Tide seeks to fly, But Ty Simpson sees blitzers wherever he’ll spy. The winner gets Indiana in the Rose Bowl’s sweet glow, But the Tide’s rushing game is still painfully slow. With Mateer at the helm and his hand feeling right, Oklahoma plans for a home-field delight.
Then out on the Saturday, what should appear? The Aggies and Canes as the noon hour draws near. In College Station, where the 12th Man will roar, Malachi Toney looks to add to his score. He catches the screens, he’s a YAC-machine king, But the Aggies’ run defense is a vulnerable thing. Marcel Reed must be careful, he must keep it clean, For the Miami pass rush is exceptionally mean. The victor heads off to the Cotton Bowl’s gate, Where the Ohio State Buckeyes in silence will wait.
By half-past the three, in the land of the Rebs, The Tulane Green Wave tries to untangle the webs. Ole Miss has no Kiffin, he’s gone to the Bayou, But Pete Golding’s defense says, "We will defy you." Chambliss throws deep—it’s a beautiful sight, Against a Wave secondary that’s prone to a fright. Jamauri McClure brings a spark to the ground, But the Rebels’ explosive plays simply abound. The Sugar Bowl beckons for the winner's next show, To face Georgia’s Bulldogs, the toughest of foe.
The nightcap arrives under Oregon skies, Where the Dukes of JMU hope for a prize. Alonza Barnett has a hot passing hand, But the Ducks are the giants that rule o’er the land. Dante Moore is a star, a first-round-pick dream, Leading the nation’s most balanced of team. The Dukes defend edges with discipline and pride, But there’s nowhere for underdogs truly to hide. The Red Raiders wait in the Orange Bowl sun, For the winner of this final first-round-play run.
The coaches are leaving, the transfers are set, The highest of stakes that a program can get. I heard Max and Dalton exclaim ‘ere the flight: "Happy Playoff to all, and to all a good fight!"
