Author: Max McClean
The second round of the College Football Playoff has come and gone, and the intensity has only amplified as we look ahead to the semifinals. In a stunning turn of events, all four teams that earned first-round byes—Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State—were eliminated over the weekend. This unexpected shakeup has left the path to the championship wide open. With no clear favourite remaining, any of the four remaining teams now has a legitimate shot at taking home the first 12 team playoff National Championship.
The semi finals kick off on Thursday with No. 7 Notre Dame taking on No. 6 Penn State in Miami for the Orange Bowl.On Friday, the spotlight moves to the Cotton Bowl, where the surging No. 8 Buckeyes will face their former quarterback, Quinn Ewers, and the formidable No. 5 Texas Longhorns in what promises to be a high-stakes and thrilling showdown
No.6 Penn State vs. No.7 Notre Dame-Orange Bowl Jan 9 7:30pm
Both teams took care of business in stress free fashion this weekend. Penn State delivered a commanding 31-14 victory over Boise State, shutting down Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty, holding him to just 104 yards. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, led by Marcus Freeman showcased their resilience in the Sugar Bowl. Behind a stellar special teams effort and a steady offense led by quarterback Riley Leonard, the Irish ran the ball all over Georgia, securing a crucial win to advance.
Penn State’s defense was able to contain Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty to just 104 yards, anchored by projected top-five draft pick Abdul Carter, the Nittany Lion defense ranks fifth nationally, allowing 15.8 points per game. However, among the remaining teams, they trail the field, Ohio State leads the nation, surrendering just 12.1 points per game. Notre Dame ranks second, allowing 13.6 points per game. Texas, third overall, conceding 14.5 points per game. Abdul Carter’s impact on this game is pivotal, but head coach James Franklin revealed that Carter will be a game-time decision Thursday, adding uncertainty to a Penn State defense already behind the eight ball.
The Notre Dame offense is led by fifth-year quarterback Riley Leonard, who has taken significant strides this season, particularly on the ground. In the Sugar Bowl, Leonard showcased his versatility, throwing for only 90 yards and one touchdown but making up for it with 80 rushing yards. His ability to protect the football was key, as he avoided turnovers and was sacked just once. Notre Dame was able to minimize mistakes and let Georgia beat themselves at the Sugar Bowl.
Penn State’s offense will have to deliver against Marcus Freemans impressive defense. Quarterback Drew Allar has done a great job getting the ball to his playmakers all season. Running back Kaytron Allen has been a standout performer, rushing for 1,026 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Fellow back Nick Singleton has done just the same, tallying 1,015 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. Together, Allen and Singleton form a dynamic backfield duo, similar to Montgomery and Gibbs for the Detroit Lions. Penn State’s offensive success will hinge on their rushing attack and finding creative ways to the ball to swiss army knife Tyler Warren to create scoring opportunities.
Penn State's defense will have to be even better this week as they go up against Riley Leonard’s dual threat attack. They always say“Defense wins championships,” and I believe Penn State will live up to this mantra and will beat this dynamic Notre Dame team.
Penn State 24-14
No.5 Texas vs. No.8 Ohio State-Cotton Bowl Jan 10 7:30pm
Texas narrowly escaped with a hard-fought victory in their last game, with Matthew Golden coming up clutch on a critical 4th-and-13, keeping the Longhorns' season alive. In last week’s game of the week preview, we highlighted Golden's ability to break free and make crucial plays when his team needed him most. That moment arrived in spectacular fashion, as Golden got open, allowing Texas to continue their march toward a national championship. Meanwhile, Ohio State has been firing on all cylinders, picking up a win in dominant fashion, 41-21 over Oregon. This performance was a stark contrast to their one-point loss earlier in the season, as they took full control of the game from the start and aired the ball out.
Aside from last game against ASU the Longhorns' secondary has been solid. Ranked third in passing yards allowed per game, allowing just 166.1. Furthermore Texas has limited big plays, holding opponents to a mere 5.5 yards per pass attempt, first in the nation. This is critical to note as Will Howard and Chip Kelly will be trying to get the ball to Jerimiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka as they did against Oregon.
Emeka Egbuka and Jerimiah Smith have been dynamic for Ohio State this season. Egbuka opted not to go to the NFL last cycle, and that bet seems to be paying off, Egbuka has posted 70 receptions for 896 yards and 10 touchdowns, Egbuka is now projected to go in the first round of the NFL draft. Smith, meanwhile, has been everything he was supposed to be as a five star out of highschool. In his true freshman season he has recorded 70 receptions for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a two touchdown 187 yard game just last week. Chip Kelly’s decision to lean on the passing game early last week allowed quarterback Will Howard to get the ball in the hands of his elite receiving corps.
Jeremiah Smith wasn't the only receiver going off last week, Texas receiver Matthew Golden hauled in seven receptions for 149 yards, averaging an impressive 21.3 yards per catch, and a crucial touchdown. Golden’s highlight moment came on a pivotal 4th-and-13, where he saved the season, caraling a touchdown to keep his team in it. Golden has been Quinn Ewers main target all season, racking up 56 receptions for 936 yards and nine touchdowns.
The game hinges on whether Texas’ third-ranked pass defense can neutralize the explosive big-play ability that Ohio State thrives on. If the Longhorns can replicate their season-long dominance—holding opponents to a nation-best 5.5 yards per pass attempt—they have a legitimate chance to contain Emeka Egbuka and Jerimiah Smith. However, I believe Will Howard and the Buckeyes’ offense will establish their rhythm early. As a Michigan fan, I’ve been reluctant to back the Buckeyes, but it’s hard to deny the impact Egbuka and Smith will have.
