In the first round of the College Football Playoff, teams seeded 5-8 emerged victorious, continuing their winning streak into the second round. Surprisingly, none of the top four teams, which had received first-round byes, advanced to the final four, showcasing the unpredictability of the playoffs.
The upcoming semifinals are set to feature No. 6 Penn State facing off against No. 7 Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, while No. 5 Texas will take on No. 8 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. The underdog, Ohio State, is now the favorite to win it all, with odds of 11-10 according to the BetMGM Sportsbook.
These matchups guarantee that a team with a rich history and a prominent name will claim the championship trophy when the 12-team playoff concludes in Atlanta on Jan. 20. Additionally, the Penn State-Notre Dame matchup presents an opportunity for either James Franklin or Marcus Freeman to become the first Black coach to win a title at the highest level of college football.
Despite the excitement surrounding the expanded tournament, the games have lacked high-level competition, with most playoff matchups resulting in double-digit victories. The exception was the thrilling two-overtime win by Texas over Arizona State.
Looking at the four contenders, No. 5 Texas boasts a perfect record against teams other than Georgia, with standout performances from receiver Matthew Golden and quarterback Quinn Ewers. Penn State, ranked sixth, aims to bounce back from a loss to Oregon, with tight end Tyler Warren making a significant impact. Notre Dame, at No. 7, overcame early-season odds to secure a spot in the semifinals, led by special teams coach Marty Biagi and quarterback Riley Leonard. Ohio State, seeded eighth, seeks redemption after a tumultuous season, with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith shining in the playoffs.
As the semifinals approach, college football fans eagerly anticipate the crowning of a new champion in this exciting and unpredictable playoff season.
