The College Football Playoff quarterfinals provided a thrilling showcase of talent, drama, and surprises. The standout question from the weekend: Can anyone stop Ohio State?
After dismantling Tennessee in the opening round, Ohio State surged to a 34-0 lead against previously unbeaten Oregon in the Rose Bowl, eventually cruising to a commanding 41-21 victory. This resurgence follows a month-long transformation since losing to Michigan for the fourth consecutive year, reigniting the Buckeyes’ championship ambitions.
Ohio State now turns its attention to Texas, which relied on late-game heroics from Quinn Ewers to narrowly escape Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The Longhorns, leading 24-8 in the fourth quarter, needed double overtime to secure a 39-31 win. To challenge the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl, Texas will need a much more consistent performance than what they showed against the Sun Devils.
Meanwhile, Penn State showcased defensive dominance in their 31-14 victory over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. The Nittany Lions, having outscored playoff opponents 69-24 thus far, are set to face Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish overcame Georgia 23-10 in a Sugar Bowl delayed by a tragic attack in New Orleans. Notre Dame capitalized on Georgia’s mistakes, scoring 17 points in a 54-second span across the second and third quarters to seal the win.
The national semifinals will commence on January 9, with Ohio State emerging as the favorite for the championship. Before looking ahead, let’s delve into the winners and losers from the quarterfinals:
Winners
Ohio State
Oregon was simply no match for the Buckeyes. After losing to the Ducks 32-31 in the regular season, Ohio State returned with one of the most electrifying offensive performances in Rose Bowl history. The Buckeyes amassed 500 total yards on 8.8 yards per play, led by quarterback Will Howard’s stellar 319 passing yards and three touchdowns without a single interception.
The dynamic backfield duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith stole the show with 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns, averaging an astounding 26.7 yards per catch.
Not to be outdone, the defense dominated with eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss, becoming the first team to hold Oregon under 300 yards since Utah’s 2021 Pac-12 championship game performance. This dominance has cemented Ohio State as the team to beat in the playoff.
Ryan Day
Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day has silenced critics after yet another loss to Michigan by masterminding an extraordinary playoff run. Entering the 12-team tournament, Day faced mounting pressure to deliver postseason success. With two resounding wins, he has not only redeemed himself but also elevated the Buckeyes to juggernaut status.
However, the stakes remain high. Anything short of a national championship could reignite doubts among the OSU faithful. For now, Day deserves credit for leading Ohio State to its best football in years.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl stands as its most significant win in recent memory. The Fighting Irish validated the gamble taken three years ago to appoint Marcus Freeman as head coach. Despite offensive struggles, they capitalized on critical Georgia mistakes, including a late-second-quarter strip sack and a fumble that led to touchdowns.
Notre Dame’s special teams also shined, with a kickoff return touchdown opening the second half. However, concerns linger: quarterback Riley Leonard averaged just 3.8 yards per attempt, while the receiver corps struggled against Georgia’s secondary. The running back duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price managed just 51 yards on 13 carries. Despite these flaws, Notre Dame’s opportunistic play and strong defense propelled them to the semifinals.
Penn State
Penn State’s defense played a pivotal role in containing Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty, who endured his toughest game of the season. Even with star edge rusher Abdul Carter sidelined due to an arm injury in the first half, the Nittany Lions adjusted effectively.
While the offense showed inconsistencies, particularly with play-calling in short-yardage situations, the running game came through at key moments. Nick Singleton’s 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealed the victory. Despite some nitpicks, Penn State enters the semifinals with momentum and a formidable defense.
Quinn Ewers
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered one of the finest performances of his career during a thrilling double-overtime victory against Arizona State. Facing immense pressure, Ewers orchestrated a flawless final drive in regulation and threw two critical touchdowns in overtime, including a jaw-dropping 28-yard strike on fourth down to force the second extra period.
While the Longhorns’ performance was far from perfect, Ewers’ composure and playmaking ability give Texas hope as they prepare for their showdown with Ohio State.
Losers
Oregon
Oregon entered the playoffs as the top seed and the only unbeaten team in the Bowl Subdivision but left the quarterfinals with more questions than answers. Despite their regular-season win over Ohio State, the Ducks were outclassed in every aspect of the Rose Bowl.
Oregon’s offense was stifled, managing fewer than 300 yards for the first time since 2021. While their season included impressive victories over playoff teams like Boise State and Penn State, this playoff exit will lead to soul-searching in Eugene as the program seeks to build on its regular-season dominance.
Georgia
Georgia’s self-inflicted wounds sealed their fate in the Sugar Bowl. Playing without starting quarterback Carson Beck, backup Gunner Stockton performed admirably, completing 18 of 29 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. However, key mistakes—including two costly fumbles and a critical offsides penalty—undermined their efforts.
Despite these errors, the more concerning issue was Notre Dame’s clear superiority. For a team that has been a perennial playoff contender, this loss will sting as Georgia reflects on missed opportunities and prepares for next season.
Arizona State
Arizona State exceeded expectations by reaching the Peach Bowl but fell just short of a monumental upset against Texas. Senior standout Cam Skattebo delivered a remarkable performance with 143 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards, and even a touchdown pass. Despite his efforts, the Sun Devils couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities.
Controversy also marred the loss, as officials missed a potential targeting call on Texas defensive back Michael Taafe late in regulation. While the defeat is disappointing, Arizona State’s performance sets them up as favorites in the Big 12 next season.
Ashton Jeanty
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty entered the Fiesta Bowl with a chance to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record but fell just short. Though he managed 104 yards against Penn State’s stout defense, it marked his lowest output of the season. More notably, the Heisman runner-up failed to find the end zone for the first time all year.
Despite the disappointment, Jeanty’s season remains one of the most remarkable in FBS history, and his legacy as one of the best college running backs is secure.
Looking Ahead
As the College Football Playoff semifinals approach, Ohio State stands as the team to beat. With dominant performances on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes have regained their juggernaut status. Texas, Notre Dame, and Penn State all have paths to victory but must elevate their games to match Ohio State’s intensity and execution.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season. Will Ohio State cap off its resurgence with a national championship, or will another team rise to the occasion and pull off the upset? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.
