COLUMBUS, Ohio – As the clock wound down in the thrilling matchup between No. 8 Ohio State and No. 9 Tennessee, Lt. General Richard Clark watched intently from behind the end zone at Ohio Stadium. His observation, “Another blowout,” echoed the sentiments of many fans, yet it didn’t seem to dampen his spirits.
This past weekend marked the debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff, and it certainly sparked conversations. While some teams like No. 9 Tennessee, No. 10 Indiana, No. 11 SMU, and No. 12 Clemson faced tough losses, averaging a staggering 19.3 points per game, the debates raged on social media. Would Alabama, South Carolina, or Ole Miss have fared better in the first round? It’s a question worth pondering.
Success of the New Format
Despite the lopsided scores, the new playoff format proved to be a resounding success. Sure, there are calls for adjustments in seeding to align with the College Football Playoff rankings, and many fans are advocating for the second round to be played on campus. However, the excitement generated by this new setup is undeniable.
Take a look at the upcoming quarterfinal matchups, and you’ll see why this format is working. The chalk prevailed in the first round, setting the stage for some electrifying contests ahead.
Quarterfinal Matchups to Watch
The quarterfinals promise to deliver thrilling action. Here’s what’s on the schedule:
| DATE | BOWL | MATCHUP | TIME | TV |
| Dec. 31 | Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (quarterfinal) | No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (quarterfinal) | No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas | 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential (quarterfinal) | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State | 5 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Allstate Sugar Bowl (quarterfinal) | No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN |
Exciting matchups are set to unfold. For instance, the Fiesta Bowl features No. 3 Boise State, who is 3-0 in this bowl, against No. 6 Penn State, a team with a perfect 7-0 record in the Fiesta Bowl. Who can forget the legendary “Statue of Liberty” play from Boise State’s stunning upset over Oklahoma in 2007?
Intriguing Storylines
As we look closer at the matchups, intriguing storylines emerge. Arizona State, one of the hottest teams in the FBS, faces a daunting challenge as a two-touchdown underdog against Texas in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Will star running back Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns this season, find a way to break through Texas’s tough defense? And what about quarterback Quinn Ewers? It’s time he gets the respect he deserves.
The Rose Bowl presents a classic Big Ten clash between Oregon and Ohio State. This rematch of their nail-biting October game, which ended 32-31, promises to be another high-scoring affair. With two of the FBS’s most efficient passers, Dillon Gabriel and Will Howard, fans can expect fireworks.
And then there’s the Sugar Bowl, which features No. 2 Georgia against No. 7 Notre Dame. With quarterback Gunner Stockton stepping in for Carson Beck, the Bulldogs will look to establish a ground game against the Irish’s formidable defense. This matchup has all the makings of a classic defensive battle, especially with two former defensive players, Kirby Smart and Marcus Freeman, at the helm.
Setting the Stage for Unforgettable Action
Are we getting ahead of ourselves? Perhaps a little, but here’s the reality: the chalk winning in this playoff is akin to having four Elite Eight matchups in college basketball. Those games are typically nail-biters, and this quarterfinal round has the potential to deliver that same level of intensity.
Moreover, this playoff format allows college football to shine during New Year’s Day, a time when the NFL isn’t in the spotlight. The excitement surrounding these matchups could rival the intensity of the NFL divisional playoffs, and that’s something every college football fan should be thrilled about.
So, while some may fret over the blowouts of the first round, it’s essential to remember that all remaining teams have two losses or fewer. They’ve earned their spots in this playoff, and the upcoming games promise to be nothing short of spectacular.
With the stage set and the excitement building, college football fans have every reason to be optimistic about what’s to come. The playoffs are just getting started, and the best is yet to come!
