College Football Playoff 2024: Quarterfinals Preview
As the College Football Playoff made its on-campus debut this weekend, the excitement was palpable, starting with the snow-covered fields in South Bend. The scenes were nothing short of spectacular, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating quarterfinal round. This next phase of the playoff journey will see four games played at traditional postseason sites: the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Peach Bowl. Much like the first round, the quarterfinals will span two days, offering fans a feast of football action.
First up, we have No. 3 Boise State making its first-ever CFP appearance in a game that holds a special place in their history—the Fiesta Bowl. It was here, 18 years ago, that the Broncos captured the nation’s attention with their unforgettable win against Oklahoma. This time, they’ll face No. 6 Penn State, a team known for its formidable defense.
On New Year’s Day, the slate begins with perhaps the most surprising CFP entrant: Arizona State. The Sun Devils, under the guidance of Coach Kenny Dillingham, defied expectations by winning the Big 12 and earning the No. 4 seed. They’ll be making their first appearance in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl since 1970, facing off against No. 5 Texas. Following that, the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential will feature the No. 1 seed Oregon, the nation’s only undefeated team this season. The day concludes in New Orleans, where No. 2 seed Georgia, the only team in the CFP field to have won a national championship in the past four seasons, will face No. 7 Notre Dame at the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
With ten teams still in the hunt for a national championship, following a season filled with unpredictability, let’s dive into the first two quarterfinal matchups and what to expect on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 3 Boise State
When: Dec. 31, 7:45 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Penn State Nittany Lions (12-2)
What we learned in Round 1: Penn State’s elite defense was on full display in their 38-10 win over SMU, where they intercepted Kevin Jennings three times in the first half, returning two for touchdowns. While this victory was encouraging, it was also aided by SMU’s own mistakes. The Nittany Lions did what they were supposed to do, but the win didn’t necessarily prove they can overcome a top-tier opponent. The good news is, they’ll have another chance to prove themselves against Boise State.
X factor: QB Drew Allar. Allar’s performance has been a mixed bag over the past two years. While he wins and doesn’t turn the ball over, the downfield threat has yet to fully materialize. In these playoffs, and possibly against Boise State, Allar will need to change the dynamic and win some battles downfield.
How Penn State wins: The Nittany Lions need to force the game into Maddux Madsen’s hands, as Boise State’s magic is largely created by tailback Ashton Jeanty. If Penn State can replicate their defensive performance from Round 1, they have a good chance of advancing.
Boise State Broncos (12-1)
Key player: RB Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty has had a phenomenal season, rushing for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns, finishing second in the Heisman voting. He needs 132 yards to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
X factor: QB Maddux Madsen. Madsen’s ability to protect the football will be crucial against Penn State. The Broncos will need complementary football to support Jeanty and avoid third-and-long situations.
How Boise State wins: The Broncos need to avoid falling behind early, as they did against Oregon. If they can keep the game close and avoid turnovers, they’ll have a puncher’s chance against Penn State.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State
When: Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Texas Longhorns (12-2)
What we learned in Round 1: Texas demonstrated their versatility by adapting their game plan to advance. Despite a shaky start from Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns’ running game took over, with two 100-yard rushers against Clemson.
X factor: TE Gunnar Helm. Helm’s ability to catch crucial passes and soften up defenses makes him a key player for Texas. His presence will be vital in keeping Arizona State’s defense on their toes.
How Texas wins: By running the ball effectively and shutting down Cam Skattebo, Texas can control the game and force Arizona State to play from behind.
Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2)
Key player: RB Cam Skattebo. Skattebo’s impressive season, with 1,568 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, makes him a key player for the Sun Devils. His performance will be crucial against Texas.
X factor: DB Xavion Alford. Alford’s consistency and ability to limit opposing offenses make him a crucial player for Arizona State’s defense.
How Arizona State wins: Arizona State needs to match Texas’s physicality and force Ewers into making mistakes. Keeping Texas’s defense off-balance will be key to their success.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Georgia
When: Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-1)
What we learned in Round 1: Notre Dame’s defense is championship-caliber, with stars at all three levels. Their offense, while not always fluid, has the potential for big plays, as demonstrated by Jeremiyah Love’s 98-yard touchdown.
X factor: WR Jordan Faison. Faison’s ability to make key receptions and his postseason performance make him a crucial player for Notre Dame’s offense.
How Notre Dame wins: The Irish need to pressure Georgia’s quarterback and maintain offensive balance. Special teams play will also be crucial in securing a victory.
Georgia Bulldogs (11-2)
Key player: QB Gunner Stockton. With Carson Beck likely sidelined, Stockton will need to step up in his first start. His ability to manage the game and avoid mistakes will be crucial for Georgia’s success.
X factor: RB Trevor Etienne. Etienne’s versatility as a runner and receiver makes him a key player for Georgia’s offense. His ability to support Stockton will be vital against Notre Dame’s defense.
How Georgia wins: Georgia’s defense needs to rise to the occasion and control Notre Dame’s running game. Forcing turnovers and maintaining a strong defensive presence will be key to their success.
Originally Written by: ESPN
