It was a very up-and-down first round of the College Football Playoff, including multiple blowouts. The quarterfinals promise to be much more entertaining with some intriguing matchups. As we get deeper into the playoffs, the games will be a lot more competitive. The best teams will continue to rise to the top, as will the premier players in the field. 

With most contenders, several players have the chance to make or break their respective team’s chances. With help from fellow A to Z Sports College Football analyst Joe DeLeone, we made our selections for players who are the biggest keys for their teams winning in the second round and making a legitimate run. It was a list with a ton of talent and also played very impactful positions.

Here are the options DeLeone and I each selected from an impressive list. 

Ohio State RB Bo Jackson

“If Ohio State wants to beat Miami, it’s going to need to get its run game going early by feeding Bo Jackson. In Miami’s opening round win, they held Texas A&M to just 89 rushing yards because their front seven completely dominated. Ohio State’s offensive line will need to be prepared for a significant challenge, but they’ll need Jackson to step up. 

In the Big Ten Championship, Jackson was held to under 100 yards but averaged 4.9 ypc. The Buckeyes need to lean on him to keep pressure off of Sayin. Otherwise, Miami could get more opportunities to produce game-altering sacks. Jackson had proven to be the spark that Ohio State needed to have a more balanced offense when they turned to him in the middle of the year. Maintaining that mentality and avoiding an over-reliance on throwing the ball are underrated keys to advancing to the next round.” -DeLeone

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza 

“It is super cliché to select a quarterback as the biggest key for a team to win, but Mendoza literally makes or breaks the chances for a championship for the Hoosiers. Indiana has a talented team, so this isn’t saying that Mendoza makes them a good team, but we have seen him make some huge plays in the biggest moments of several big games. The 6-5, 225-pound pocket passer just won the Heisman Trophy for a reason. If Indiana is going to win a championship this season, it’ll be because their quarterback makes a few clutch plays. No. 15 holds the key to a title run.” – Roberts 

Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

“The Red Raiders’ defense has thrived with massive performances from its star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Not only has he been a tackling machine, but he’s also generated momentum-shifting turnovers at key moments. 

“Texas Tech is squaring off with an elite rushing offense that is 23rd in the country in EPA/rush and averaging 217.1 rush yards per game.
Rodriguez will need to be an impactful playmaker against the run to help keep the Ducks’ rushing attack in check. Additionally, if he’s able to produce one of his patented turnovers in a close game, it could be what shifts the tide of a close game.” – DeLeone

Georgia RB Nate Frazier 

“When Georgia is able to run the football well, this is an offense that can be dangerous. You know that the Bulldogs are always going to play solid defense under head coach Kirby Smart, but the running game has been maddeningly inconsistent over the last couple of seasons. You can throw Chauncey Bowens into this conversation, but Frazier adds a big-play ability that this team needs. The 5-10, 205-pound runner managed to rush for 861 yards and seven total touchdowns in 13 games. If Frazier can go on a heater down the stretch, he is talented enough to be the main catalyst to win a championship.” – Roberts

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Joe DeLeone