The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff bracket has reached an exciting climax, narrowing down to four formidable contenders vying for the championship title. The stage is set for an electrifying semifinal showdown, with each team showcasing their prowess in the earlier rounds.
Semifinal matchups are here
In a thrilling quarterfinal round, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State all secured their spots in the semifinals with commanding victories. Meanwhile, Texas pulled off a nail-biting win over Arizona State in a double-overtime thriller. The top four seeds—Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State—have already been eliminated, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and uncertainty about who will emerge as the champion.
Now, the Longhorns will clash with the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl, while the Nittany Lions are set to face the Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl. With such high stakes, these matchups promise to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition.
College Football Playoff schedule: Dates and times
Mark your calendars! The semifinal games are scheduled for Thursday, January 9, and Friday, January 10, both kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET. Here’s a quick look at the matchups:
- Thursday, Jan. 9: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
- Friday, Jan. 10: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State
The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the College Football Playoff national championship game, set for Monday, January 20.
How to watch the semifinals
For those wondering how to catch all the action, both semifinal games will be broadcast on ESPN. If you’re a cord-cutter, you can stream the games live on Fubo, which is currently offering a free trial.
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo
Fubo is a great option for sports enthusiasts, providing access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 channels of live TV. Plus, for a limited time, you can snag your first month for just $49.99, a $30 savings!
Recap of the playoff journey
Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we got here. The journey began with the first round of the playoffs, where teams fought hard to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
First Round Results
On Friday, December 20, Notre Dame defeated Indiana 27-17. The following day, Penn State triumphed over SMU with a score of 38-10, while Texas took down Clemson 38-24. Ohio State also made a statement, beating Tennessee 42-17.
The quarterfinals were equally thrilling. On December 31, Penn State showcased their strength against Boise State, winning 31-14. The next day, Texas edged out Arizona State in a dramatic double-overtime victory, 39-31. Ohio State continued their dominance, defeating Oregon 41-21, and Notre Dame stunned Georgia with a 23-10 win.
Excitement builds for the semifinals
With the semifinals just around the corner, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eagerly discussing potential outcomes and strategies, while players are focused on their game plans. Will Penn State’s defense hold up against Notre Dame’s dynamic offense? Can Texas find a way to outmaneuver Ohio State’s strong lineup?
These questions only add to the thrill of the playoffs, as each team brings its unique strengths and strategies to the field. The unpredictability of college football is what makes it so captivating, and this year’s playoff has been no exception.
Related links for fans
As we gear up for these monumental matchups, fans can stay informed and engaged with all things College Football Playoff. Whether it’s ticket information, game previews, or player stats, there’s plenty to explore.
BUY CFP TICKETS NOW: Penn State vs. Notre Dame | Texas vs. Ohio State | Championship
The countdown to the semifinals is on, and the energy surrounding these games is electric. College football fans, get ready for an unforgettable experience as the best teams in the nation battle it out for a chance at the coveted national championship title!
