There are just four teams left in the College Football Playoff’s first-ever 12-team bracket, and the excitement is palpable! The quarterfinals wrapped up last week, and in a surprising twist, all four conference champions that enjoyed a bye through the first round were eliminated. The teams that remain standing are No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Penn State, No. 7 Notre Dame, and No. 8 Ohio State.
The Nittany Lions, Buckeyes, and Fighting Irish all showcased their dominance, each securing double-digit victories over their opponents. However, the Longhorns faced a much tougher battle, needing double overtime to edge out Arizona State. This thrilling contest highlighted the unpredictable nature of this year’s playoffs, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
What’s Next in the College Football Playoff?
As we move forward, the College Football Playoff continues to build momentum. With the expansion to a 12-team format, the journey to the national championship is only halfway through. In years past, a national champion would have already been crowned by this stage, but now, the excitement is just beginning.
Sporting News is here to keep you updated with everything you need to know about the upcoming semifinal matchups. The stakes are high, and each game promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
Upcoming Semifinal Matchups
The semifinal matchups are set, and fans are eagerly anticipating these thrilling contests. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Semifinals
- No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State (Cotton Bowl)
- No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Orange Bowl)
Both matchups are expected to be highly competitive, with each team bringing its unique strengths to the field. Who will rise to the occasion and secure their spot in the championship game?
College Football Playoff Bracket
Here’s a look at the full bracket for the 2024 College Football Playoff:
Quarterfinals
- No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State (Rose Bowl)
- No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Sugar Bowl)
- No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State (Fiesta Bowl)
- No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas (Peach Bowl)
The journey through the playoffs has been nothing short of exhilarating, with each game showcasing the talent and determination of these elite programs.
College Football Playoff Schedule
As the playoffs progress, here’s a breakdown of the schedule for the remaining games:
Quarterfinals Results
| Date | Bowl Game | Matchup | Location |
| Dec. 31 | Fiesta Bowl | Penn State 31, Boise State 14 | Glendale, AZ |
| Jan. 1 | Peach Bowl | Texas 39, Arizona State 31 (2OT) | Atlanta, GA |
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl | Ohio State 41, Oregon 21 | Pasadena, CA |
| Jan. 2 | Sugar Bowl | Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10 | New Orleans, LA |
Semifinals Schedule
| Date | Bowl Game | Matchup | Location | Time | TV Channel |
| Jan. 9 | Orange Bowl | Penn State vs. Notre Dame | Miami | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
| Jan. 10 | Cotton Bowl | Texas vs. Ohio State | Dallas | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
How to Watch the College Football Playoff
The excitement of the College Football Playoff is not to be missed! All remaining games will be broadcast on ESPN, with streaming options available through ESPN+ and Fubo. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the thrilling matchups that await!
The trio of semifinal games will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, so gather your friends and get ready for an unforgettable night of college football action.
When does the College Football Playoff end?
As we look ahead, here are the important dates to remember:
- Start Date: Dec. 20, 2024
- End Date: Jan. 20, 2025
The national champion will be crowned on Monday, Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King Day) in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The anticipation is building, and fans can hardly wait to see which team will emerge victorious!
With so much at stake, the excitement of the College Football Playoff is reaching new heights. Who will take home the coveted national championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the journey has been nothing short of spectacular!
