The countdown to the national championship game is on, as the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff has reached its highly anticipated semifinals. This week, the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl will determine which two elite teams will compete for the coveted title. With so much on the line, fans are in for a thrilling ride!
Exciting Matchups Await in the Semifinals
The Orange Bowl will feature a showdown between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 6 Penn State. Notre Dame secured its spot in the final with a nail-biting 27-24 victory over Penn State, showcasing their resilience and determination. Meanwhile, the Cotton Bowl will see No. 5 Texas take on No. 8 Ohio State, a matchup that promises to be explosive, especially with Ohio State looking nearly unbeatable at this stage.
But let’s not forget the incredible journey that led us here. This postseason has been nothing short of exhilarating. Penn State made a statement by dominating Boise State on New Year’s Eve, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse. Texas had a heart-stopping double-overtime win against Arizona State on New Year’s Day, while Ohio State delivered a crushing defeat to top-seeded Oregon. And let’s give credit to Notre Dame for overcoming No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, proving that you don’t need a conference affiliation to shine in January.
How to Watch the Semifinal Games
For fans eager to catch all the action, the semifinals will be broadcast on ESPN. The Orange Bowl will air on Thursday, January 9, while the Cotton Bowl follows on Friday, January 10. If you’re looking for a way to watch without cable, you’re in luck!
CFP free live streams: How to watch semifinal games without cable
- TV channels: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo
You can stream both games live on Fubo, which offers a free trial, allowing you to experience the excitement before committing. For a limited time, new subscribers can get their first month for as low as $49.99, a fantastic $30 savings. With Fubo, you’ll have access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 other top channels of live TV and sports.
Semifinal Game Schedule
Here’s a quick look at the upcoming games:
Orange Bowl: Thursday, Jan. 9
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 6 Penn State 24 | — | — |
Cotton Bowl: Friday, Jan. 10
| Matchup | Time | TV/Live stream |
| No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
National Championship: Monday, Jan. 20
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Texas/Ohio State vs. Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Listen to the Games Live
For those who prefer to catch the action on the radio, SiriusXM has you covered! Fans can listen to live broadcasts of the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl. Each team’s broadcast will be available, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the excitement.
Here’s the lineup for the radio broadcasts:
| Matchup | Time (ET) | SiriusXM channels |
| Penn State vs. Notre Dame (Thurs., Jan. 9) | 7:30 p.m. | 81 (Notre Dame), 84 (PSU) |
| Texas vs. Ohio State (Fri., Jan. 10) | 7:30 p.m. | 81 (Ohio St.), 84 (Texas) |
Plus, you can enjoy a free month of SiriusXM, giving you access to live NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL games, along with college sports and much more. Stay informed with the latest news and analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Championship
As we gear up for these thrilling matchups, the excitement is palpable. The semifinals promise to deliver nonstop action and unforgettable moments for college football fans. With Notre Dame already in the final, the stakes are high for Texas and Ohio State. Who will emerge victorious and earn the right to compete for the national championship?
Stay tuned, and get ready for a week filled with heart-stopping plays, strategic showdowns, and the kind of drama that only college football can deliver!
