There were great storylines throughout the second week of the College Football Playoff. Jerimiah Smith ran wild over the Oregon Ducks and essentially almost single-handedly ended that game by halftime himself. The star freshman wide receiver was the MVP of the game, and it’s a good thing it wasn’t Will Howard because security wouldn’t have let him on the stage to accept the award anyway. Cam Skattebo put ASU on his back for an incredible fourth-quarter comeback against Texas to force double overtime and an all-time classic. Meanwhile, Penn State and Notre Dame showed their detractors exactly why they deserved to be in the College Football Playoff.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Recap
- Penn State 31, Boise State 14 (Fiesta Bowl): The Nittany Lions showcased their dominance, overpowering Boise State with a robust offensive line and a staunch defense. Quarterback Drew Allar connected on deep throws all night and looked wicked sharp all night long. Meanwhile, their defense absolutely brick-walled Ashton Jeanty early forcing two fumbles, and throwing the Broncos offense off schedule from the first snap.
- Texas 39, Arizona State 31 (2OT) (Peach Bowl): In a thrilling double-overtime battle, quarterback Quinn Ewers silenced critics by delivering clutch performances, including a decisive 28-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-13. This victory propels Texas into the semifinals, reviving memories of their historic triumphs.
- Ohio State 41, Oregon 21 (Rose Bowl): The Buckeyes dominated the top-seeded Ducks, with quarterback Will Howard throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Despite a post-game hiccup where Howard was initially blocked from the celebration stage, the team’s performance was nothing short of stellar. Jerimiah Smith seems to be impossible to defend, good luck with that kid.
- Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10 (Sugar Bowl): The Fighting Irish triumphed over the Bulldogs, highlighted by Jayden Harrison’s record-setting 98-yard kickoff return. Quarterback Riley Leonard contributed both through the air and on the ground, leading Notre Dame to their 12th consecutive win.
College Football Playoff Semifinal Preview
- Orange Bowl (Jan. 9): No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre DameThis matchup features two historic programs with a balanced offensive and defensive prowess. Notre Dame enters as a slight favorite, with odds favoring them by 1.5 points and an over/under of 46.5. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- Cotton Bowl (Jan. 10): No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio StateBoth teams are riding high after impressive quarterfinal victories. Ohio State, despite being the lowest seed remaining, is currently favored to win the national championship. The game will commence at 7:30 p.m. ET.
As the semifinals approach, fans can anticipate high-stakes action featuring some of college football’s most storied programs. With the potential for historic achievements and intense rivalries, the upcoming games are poised to deliver unforgettable moments. The College Football Playoff certainly got off to a slow start, but these semi-final games are shaping up to be great games.
