College Football Playoff: Penn State and Texas Secure Semifinal Spots
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, the college football world was already buzzing with excitement. The Penn State Nittany Lions made a statement by becoming the first team to secure a spot in a College Football Playoff semifinal. Their impressive 31-14 victory over Boise State in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating playoff season.
Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns had to dig deep to overcome a resilient Arizona State team. It took double overtime, but Texas emerged victorious with a 39-31 win on New Year’s Day. This hard-fought victory earned them a spot in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, where they will face the formidable Ohio State Buckeyes on January 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
As Penn State awaits the winner of the Notre Dame vs. Georgia matchup in the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 9, the anticipation is palpable. The College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl was postponed until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday due to a tragic truck attack in New Orleans, which resulted in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.
While we wait for Penn State’s opponent to be decided, let’s dive into an early look at the semifinal showdown between Texas and Ohio State. This matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of titans, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State
When: January 10, 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Texas Longhorns (13-2)
What we learned in the quarterfinals: The Texas Longhorns have been on a rollercoaster ride with their offensive identity over the past six weeks. From dominating on the ground in their final regular-season games to struggling in the SEC championship, and then back to rushing dominance against Clemson, Texas has shown flashes of brilliance. However, their ground game faltered against Arizona State, raising questions about which version of their rushing attack will show up against Ohio State. Offensive tackle Cameron Williams could be a key factor if he’s healthy enough to play, potentially making a significant impact. Regardless, Texas needs to put together a complete offensive performance to have a shot at victory.
X factor: TE Gunnar Helm. Texas’ offense, under the guidance of Steve Sarkisian, heavily relies on its tight ends, and Helm has been a standout performer. In the win over Arizona State, he made three crucial catches for 56 yards, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Helm also shone in the opening-round win against Clemson, with six catches for 77 yards and a score. Sarkisian praised Helm’s versatility, emphasizing the importance of a good tight end in their system.
How Texas wins: Texas boasts the No. 1 defense in the country for a reason, and they demonstrated their defensive prowess against Arizona State. To secure a win against Ohio State, the Longhorns must dominate the line of scrimmage and put pressure on Will Howard. Michigan provided a blueprint for success by overpowering the Buckeyes on both sides of the ball. Texas has the potential to replicate that success, but their offensive line must step up to the challenge, especially after struggling against Arizona State’s smaller defensive front.
Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2)
What we learned in the quarterfinals: Ohio State’s offense, led by the unstoppable Jeremiah Smith, is a force to be reckoned with. In their Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, Smith was a standout performer, catching five passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. His speed and skill make him one of the best players in college football. Ohio State’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with running back TreVeyon Henderson averaging double-digit yards per carry and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka adding a 42-yard touchdown grab. The Buckeyes’ performance was a reminder of their potential to be unstoppable.
X factor: RB TreVeyon Henderson. Texas’ defense may focus on stopping Smith, but this could open up opportunities for other Ohio State players, including Henderson. While he hasn’t been flashy this season, Henderson’s consistency is crucial. In Pasadena, he recorded his first 100-yard game of the season, showcasing his potential to complement Ohio State’s potent air attack.
How Ohio State wins: Ohio State’s recipe for success is clear: replicate their dominant performance against Oregon. The confidence gained from avenging their loss to the Ducks should propel them forward. A healthy dose of Smith will be essential, and their defense, which leads the playoff teams in sacks, must pressure Quinn Ewers. Quarterback Will Howard will play a pivotal role, needing to replicate his Rose Bowl performance with no crucial mistakes and effective connections with Smith.
Originally Written by: ESPN
