College Football Playoff Semifinals Preview: Notre Dame vs. Penn State, Ohio State vs. Texas
The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff has reached its familiar semifinal stage, with four college football powerhouses still battling for a shot at the national championship. Following a thrilling quarterfinal round, the playoff has now moved on to the semifinals, where traditional blue-blood programs will meet at the Orange and Cotton Bowls on January 9 and 10. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming matchups:
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State
Location: Cotton Bowl, Arlington, Texas
Date: January 10, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
History Lesson
These two programs are among the most storied in college football, ranking in the top five for all-time wins. Despite their historical prominence, Texas and Ohio State have only met three times. Their first encounter came in a 2005-06 home-and-home series. Texas triumphed in Columbus with Vince Young leading the Longhorns to a national championship, while Ohio State got revenge in Austin the following season. The teams also met in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, where Texas won on a last-minute touchdown pass from Colt McCoy to Quan Cosby.
First Look
Both teams started the season ranked in the top four, with Ohio State briefly remaining in that mix until a stunning loss to Michigan in their regular-season finale. However, that defeat seemed to fuel the Buckeyes, who rebounded in a big way. Ohio State dominated Tennessee 42-17 in the first round of the playoffs and then demolished Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl, including a 34-0 first-half blitz. Quarterback Will Howard has been near-perfect in the postseason, having not been sacked in two CFP games, while freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been explosive, posting 13 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns.
In contrast, Texas’ path to the semifinals has been rockier. The Longhorns eked out a 38-24 win over Clemson in the first round before surviving a dramatic Peach Bowl showdown against Arizona State, which went into double overtime. Quarterback Quinn Ewers played hero in the win, throwing for 322 yards and three touchdowns, including a crucial fourth-down conversion in the final minutes of regulation. While Texas’ running game has been inconsistent—racking up 292 yards against Clemson but only 53 against Arizona State—it remains a key to their offense.
The key matchup here will be Ohio State’s potent offense, led by Howard and Smith, against Texas’ top-ranked pass defense, which is anchored by Jim Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron. Can the Longhorns slow down Ohio State’s aerial attack? And on the flip side, can Texas find consistency in its rushing game against a Buckeyes defense that ranks in the top five nationally?
Line: Ohio State -6.5
Why We’re Excited
This is a clash of college football giants with championship aspirations. Both teams entered the season as national title contenders, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With high-powered offenses and staunch defenses, this is a true heavyweight matchup that promises fireworks.
No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
Location: Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Florida
Date: January 9, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
History Lesson
Both Penn State and Notre Dame are college football blue bloods. The Fighting Irish are fourth on the all-time wins list, while the Nittany Lions sit at eighth. Historically, the two teams have been competitive, with a balanced 9-9-1 record in their meetings. Their last home-and-home series was in 2006 and 2007, with both teams winning on their home turf. Penn State’s 1982 victory in South Bend was a key moment in its run to a national title, while Notre Dame’s win in 1988 helped propel it to its most recent championship. The teams also had a memorable upset in 1990 when Penn State stunned Notre Dame on the road.
First Look
Both programs come into the semifinals with solid campaigns. Penn State’s defense has been one of the best in the nation, but they’ll face a challenge against Notre Dame’s balanced offensive attack, led by quarterback Sam Hartman. Hartman, who transferred from Wake Forest, has been efficient throughout the season, guiding the Irish through a demanding schedule. Meanwhile, Penn State has leaned on its strong defense and solid rushing game, particularly with running back Nicholas Singleton.
Notre Dame’s offense will need to stay balanced and avoid becoming one-dimensional, as the Nittany Lions’ defense has been stingy against both the run and pass. For Penn State, quarterback Drew Allar has shown flashes of brilliance but will face a Notre Dame secondary that can lock down opponents. The game could hinge on which team can dictate the tempo—whether it’s Notre Dame’s high-powered offense or Penn State’s rugged defense.
Why We’re Excited
With a history of close, hard-fought games, this matchup is sure to deliver plenty of drama. Both teams have a rich tradition and a deep talent pool, making this a classic college football clash. The winner moves one step closer to the national championship, and the intensity will be palpable.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff semifinals feature matchups that are as historic as they are thrilling. With national title implications on the line, expect both games to feature high stakes and plenty of drama as these blue-chip programs battle it out for a spot in the championship game on January 20 in Atlanta.
