The College Football Playoff semifinals are set to showcase some of the sport’s most storied programs in thrilling matchups that promise to captivate fans. With the championship game scheduled for January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, anticipation is building for these pivotal contests.
Defensive Powerhouses Collide
What makes these semifinals even more exciting is the presence of four of the top-five scoring defenses in the FBS. As teams prepare to clash, the battle on the defensive front will be just as crucial as the offensive fireworks expected from star players.
Notre Dame vs. Penn State: A Historic Clash
No. 7 Notre Dame (13-1) will face off against No. 6 Penn State (13-2) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup is particularly intriguing as the Irish and Nittany Lions have not met since their home-and-home series in 2006-07. The quarterback duel between Drew Allar and Riley Leonard is one to watch, as both signal-callers have the potential to lead their teams to a national championship berth.
Notre Dame’s success has been largely attributed to its ability to capitalize on turnovers, boasting a remarkable plus-18 turnover ratio for the season. This was evident in their 23-10 quarterfinal victory against Georgia. Meanwhile, Penn State has also excelled in this area, holding a plus-10 turnover ratio. The Nittany Lions will likely employ a straightforward game plan that leverages their two-headed rushing attack featuring Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, both of whom have surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season.
Ohio State vs. Texas: A Blueblood Showdown
On Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET, No. 8 Ohio State (12-2) will take on No. 5 Texas (13-2) in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. This blueblood matchup is generating buzz, especially after Ohio State emerged as the betting favorite for the national championship following impressive victories over No. 9 Tennessee and No. 1 Oregon. Texas, too, has made its mark by defeating No. 12 Clemson and No. 4 Arizona State. The game will feature quarterbacks Will Howard and Quinn Ewers, both of whom are eager to prove their mettle on this grand stage.
Ohio State’s offensive strategy has been aggressive, led by offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. The Buckeyes have been explosive, outscoring their opponents 35-0 in the first quarter of their last two games. Jeremiah Smith has been a standout player, with Howard throwing for 146 yards and two touchdowns on just four passes of 20 yards or more against Oregon. However, Texas will present a formidable challenge with its active front seven, highlighted by linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who has tallied 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss this season.
Key Matchups and Player Performances
In the Notre Dame vs. Penn State matchup, the performance of All-American tight end Tyler Warren will be crucial. Warren has emerged as Drew Allar’s favorite target, racking up 10 catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs. How will Notre Dame’s defense, particularly linebacker Xavier Watts, manage to cover him? Watts has been impressive, earning Sugar Bowl MVP honors with 17 tackles and an interception in two playoff games.
On the offensive side, will Notre Dame’s Leonard be able to generate a passing attack? He has completed 67.9% of his passes in two playoff games, averaging 145.5 yards. However, the Irish’s strength lies in their running game, featuring Leonard alongside running backs Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams, all of whom average over 6.0 yards per carry. The question remains: Can Penn State contain this potent rushing attack?
For the Ohio State vs. Texas game, Quinn Ewers will need to step up his performance after a mixed bag in recent games, with a completion percentage of 60.9% and six touchdowns against five interceptions over his last four outings. Can he connect with his receivers against a staunch Ohio State secondary led by unanimous All-American Caleb Downs? The Longhorns will also look to tight end Gunnar Helm, who has been a reliable target, especially in high-pressure situations.
Predictions and Expectations
As the teams prepare for these monumental clashes, predictions are flying. For the Capital One Orange Bowl, the Irish are favored by two points. Given their strong track record when favored by seven points or less, they may just edge out the Nittany Lions in a nail-biter. Expect a close game, perhaps decided by a last-minute field goal.
Pick: Notre Dame 23, Penn State 20
In the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Ohio State is favored by six points. With their explosive offense and a solid defensive showing, they are poised to advance to the national championship game.
Pick: Ohio State 31, Texas 21
As these teams vie for a spot in the championship, fans can expect high-stakes drama, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments. The road to the national title is paved with challenges, but the excitement is palpable as we gear up for these epic showdowns.
