On November 23, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney stirred the pot by taking a jab at the 12-team College Football Playoff, declaring, “We basically have an SEC-Big Ten Invitational.” His words resonate as we look ahead to the upcoming quarterfinals, where the dominance of these two conferences is on full display.
The Road to the Semifinals
If predictions hold true, the final four teams will likely consist solely of SEC and Big Ten representatives. The Big Ten is already guaranteed at least one spot in the semifinals, thanks to the matchup between No. 1 Oregon and No. 8 Ohio State in the iconic Rose Bowl on January 1. This game is part of a thrilling triple-header that includes the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl featuring No. 4 Arizona State against No. 5 Texas, and the Allstate Sugar Bowl with No. 2 Georgia facing No. 7 Notre Dame. Will the SEC sweep all their games?
The action kicks off on New Year’s Eve with a showdown between No. 6 Penn State and No. 3 Boise State at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. With the lower seed favored in three of the four games, the stakes are high. If the favorites emerge victorious, we could see a semifinal lineup dominated by Big Ten and SEC teams. Invitation only, right?
Quarterfinal Matchups to Watch
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State (-11)
Set for Tuesday, December 31, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, this matchup has all the makings of a classic. The Nittany Lions are a perfect 7-0 straight up in the Fiesta Bowl, showcasing a defense that stifled SMU to just 253 total yards in their first-round victory. Penn State ranks sixth in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing only 100.5 yards per game.
But can they contain Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who racked up 192 yards and three touchdowns against Oregon earlier this season? The Broncos are also undefeated in their Fiesta Bowl history, boasting a 3-0 record. Can they upset the Nittany Lions, or will Penn State’s dynamic duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both averaging over 6.0 yards per carry, prove too much for Boise State’s defense?
Pick: Penn State wins 31-21 and FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas (-14)
On Wednesday, January 1, at 1 p.m. on ESPN, Arizona State will face Texas in what promises to be an electrifying contest. This significant spread may seem daunting for the Sun Devils, but they have a chip on their shoulder. Sam Leavitt has thrown three touchdown passes or more in five of Arizona State’s last six games, and running back Cam Skattebo is ready to challenge Texas’s defense with his impressive 1,568 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.
Texas, however, is no slouch. They rank second in the nation for opposing quarterback passer ratings, and their rush defense is ninth in the FBS. Can Arizona State slow down the Longhorns? The Sun Devils have forced 22 turnovers this season, which could be pivotal.
Pick: Texas wins 38-21 and COVERS the spread.
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State (-2.5)
This highly anticipated rematch is set for January 1 at 5 p.m. on ESPN. The Ducks narrowly edged the Buckeyes 32-31 back on October 12, leaving both teams hungry for redemption. Ohio State is riding high after a dominant 42-17 win against Tennessee in the first round. Will Howard’s performance was impressive, throwing for 125 yards and two touchdowns, but can they replicate that success against Oregon?
On the flip side, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel was on fire in their previous matchup, throwing for 177 yards and two touchdowns on deep passes. With both teams having made adjustments since their last encounter, expect a fierce battle. Ohio State has a perfect record of 3-0 in postseason matchups against the Ducks, but can they maintain that streak?
Pick: Oregon wins 31-28 in an UPSET.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia (-1.5) vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
The Sugar Bowl, scheduled for January 1 at 8:45 p.m. on ESPN, promises to be a defensive showdown. Georgia narrowly defeated Notre Dame in their last two meetings, and both teams are ready to clash once more. With backup quarterback Gunner Stockton stepping in for the injured Carson Beck, the pressure is on him to perform against a formidable Irish defense.
Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard will look to exploit Georgia’s defense, leveraging a strong running game featuring backs who average over 6.0 yards per carry. Will Georgia establish their ground game effectively?
Pick: Georgia wins 24-17 and COVERS the spread.
As we gear up for these thrilling matchups, the excitement is palpable. The College Football Playoff is here, and with it comes the promise of unforgettable moments and fierce competition. Which teams will rise to the occasion, and who will secure their spot in the semifinals? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football fans are in for a treat this postseason!
