College Football Playoff 2024: Quarterfinals Preview and Reactions

College Football Playoff 2024: Quarterfinals Preview and Reactions

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, Indiana. 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.

Leading the charge is No. 3 Boise State, making its first CFP appearance in a game that holds a special place in the hearts of Broncos fans—the Fiesta Bowl. It was here, 18 years ago, that Boise State captured the nation’s attention with an unforgettable win against Oklahoma. This time, they’ll face No. 6 Penn State, a team eager to prove its mettle on the national stage.

The New Year’s Day lineup kicks off with perhaps the most surprising entrant in the CFP: Arizona State. The Sun Devils, under the guidance of Coach Kenny Dillingham, defied expectations by winning the Big 12, earning the No. 4 seed. They’ll be making their first appearance in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl since 1970, squaring off against No. 5 Texas. Following this clash, the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential will feature a highly anticipated rematch between No. 1 seed Oregon, the nation’s only undefeated team, and No. 8 Ohio State. 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 after 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 the defense shone, the game also highlighted SMU’s execution issues. The Nittany Lions’ fans created a formidable atmosphere in Happy Valley, but that won’t be an advantage in the rest of the playoff. Coach James Franklin, who had a 5-21 record against top-12 teams at Penn State before this playoff, managed to secure a significant win. However, the victory over SMU, despite their No. 11 ranking, didn’t fully prove Penn State’s ability to overcome top-tier opponents. The good news is, they’ll have another chance to prove themselves.

X factor: QB Drew Allar. Allar’s performance has been a mixed bag over the past two years. While he wins and avoids turnovers, the downfield threat hasn’t materialized as expected. With Andy Kotelnicki calling plays, the offense’s explosiveness has improved, but Allar needs to force defenses to respect the vertical threat and win battles downfield, especially against Boise State.

How Penn State wins: The blueprint for beating SMU won’t work against Boise State, but the basic framework remains. Boise State’s magic lies with tailback Ashton Jeanty, so Penn State must force the game into Maddux Madsen’s hands and capitalize on potential QB mistakes. Stopping Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, will be crucial for Penn State’s defense.

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. Jeanty is a versatile player, capable of getting tough yards, breaking long runs, and catching passes, all while being the focal point of opposing defenses.

X factor: QB Maddux Madsen. Jeanty’s performance is a given, but Madsen’s role is crucial. In the Mountain West, Jeanty’s dominance minimized the need for a strong passing game, but against Penn State, Madsen must protect the football and rise to the occasion. His regular-season performance, with 29 touchdowns and just three interceptions, must continue against the Nittany Lions.

How Boise State wins: In their three-point loss to Oregon, Boise State stayed competitive throughout, earning credibility with the selection committee. The key is not falling behind early, allowing Jeanty to remain involved. Boise State must avoid third-and-long situations and maintain possession to have a fighting 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 showcased its adaptability, with Quinn Ewers starting strong before the running game took over. The Longhorns had two 100-yard rushers against Clemson, with Jaydon Blue adding explosiveness to the offense. This Texas team can shift gears and adapt to different challenges.

X factor: Texas tight end Gunnar Helm. Helm is a reliable target for Ewers, catching a touchdown pass and making key first-down catches. His presence over the middle softens defenses, creating opportunities for the rest of the offense. Helm is now first in Longhorns history in catches by a tight end and second in yards and touchdowns by a tight end in a season.

How Texas wins: Texas must run the ball effectively and contain Cam Skattebo. The Longhorns’ pass defense was tested by Clemson, but Arizona State may lack the weapons to exploit it. By controlling Skattebo and feeding their running backs, Texas can stifle the Sun Devils and control the game’s tempo.

Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2)

Key player: RB Cam Skattebo. Skattebo’s emergence was a highlight of the season, finishing fifth in the Heisman voting. He rushed for 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 506 yards and three touchdowns receiving. Skattebo’s performance in the Big 12 championship game, where he scored three touchdowns, was outstanding.

X factor: DB Xavion Alford. Alford, an All-Big 12 first-team selection, has been a standout on defense. He played the fourth-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 and allowed just seven receptions. Teams have learned to avoid throwing his way, making him a key player in Arizona State’s defensive strategy.

How Arizona State wins: Arizona State must match Texas’s physicality and force Ewers into mistakes. Skattebo’s performance is crucial, but Texas’s defense is formidable. The Sun Devils’ offensive line must protect Sam Leavitt, allowing him to make plays and keep Texas off-balance.

Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon

When: Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2)

What we learned in Round 1: Ohio State proved its championship potential by dominating Tennessee. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Will Howard, was unstoppable, with receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka making big plays. Defensively, Cody Simon set the tone with a physical performance.

X factor: Jeremiah Smith. Smith was a key player in Ohio State’s victory over Tennessee, igniting the scoring with a 37-yard touchdown. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s game plan focused on getting Smith involved, and his presence makes Ohio State’s offense more dangerous.

How Ohio State wins: Ohio State must pressure Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who had a clean pocket in their first meeting. The Buckeyes’ pass rushers, Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, must disrupt Gabriel’s rhythm to secure a victory.

Oregon Ducks (13-0)

Key player: QB Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel has been instrumental in Oregon’s success, leading the team to an undefeated season. His performances against Ohio State and in the Big Ten title game were crucial, and he’ll need to replicate that success in the Rose Bowl.

X factor: DE Jordan Burch. Burch has been a force on Oregon’s defense, tallying 8.5 sacks despite missing four games. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense could be a game-changer for the Ducks.

How Oregon wins: Oregon must replicate its success against Ohio State, focusing on explosive plays, discipline, and winning the turnover battle. The Ducks must be better on defense to secure a victory in this highly anticipated rematch.

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 every level. Xavier Watts, Jaiden Ausberry, and Rylie Mills led a dominant performance against Indiana. Offensively, Jeremiya Love’s 98-yard touchdown was a highlight.

X factor: WR Jordan Faison. Faison has become a reliable target for Riley Leonard, making multiple catches in every game he’s played. Notre Dame will need contributions from Faison to challenge Georgia’s defense.

How Notre Dame wins: Notre Dame must pressure Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, replicating their defensive success against Indiana. The Irish need offensive balance and improved consistency on the ground to secure a victory.

Georgia Bulldogs (11-2)

Key player: QB Gunner Stockton. With Carson Beck likely sidelined, Stockton will make his first start in the Sugar Bowl. Stockton’s high school career was impressive, and he’ll need to step up for Georgia to succeed.

X factor: RB Trevor Etienne. Etienne’s return from injury was impactful, and he’ll be a key player for Georgia’s offense. His ability to catch passes and block will be crucial against Notre Dame’s defense.

How Georgia wins: Georgia’s defense must rise to the occasion with Stockton under center. The Bulldogs need to control Notre Dame’s running game and force turnovers to secure a victory.