The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are set, featuring No. 5 Texas, No. 8 Ohio State, No. 7 Notre Dame, and No. 6 Penn State. This lineup emerged after all top-four seeded conference champions were eliminated in the quarterfinals, raising questions about the current playoff structure.
In the quarterfinals, Ohio State delivered a commanding 41-21 victory over top-seeded Oregon in the Rose Bowl, showcasing a potent offense led by quarterback Will Howard and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Notre Dame’s defense was instrumental in their win against Georgia, effectively pressuring the quarterback and controlling the game’s tempo.
Penn State demonstrated dominance with a strong offensive line and a defense that overpowered Boise State, leading to a decisive victory.
Texas, despite facing challenges, secured a double-overtime win against Arizona State, highlighting their resilience and depth.
Analysts have re-ranked the semifinalists based on recent performances:
1. Ohio State Buckeyes: Their impressive victories, particularly against Oregon, position them as the frontrunners.
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A robust defense and effective game management make them formidable contenders.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions: Consistent performances and a strong offensive line contribute to their high ranking.
4. Texas Longhorns: Despite vulnerabilities, their resilience keeps them in the championship race.
The semifinals are scheduled for January 9, 2025, with Ohio State facing Texas in the Cotton Bowl and Notre Dame meeting Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Winners will advance to the national championship game on January 20 in Atlanta.
The unexpected elimination of top seeds has sparked discussions about potential reforms to the CFP structure, including the reconsideration of automatic byes and the overall tournament size, to ensure a fairer and more competitive playoff system.