“So, who you got for Monday’s game?” This is the type of question you’ll likely hear at work over the coming days, and do you really want to be the person who sheepishly replies, “Uhhh… Michigan?” Perhaps you’ve been trying to watch less TV this college football season, or maybe you’re just not even much of a football fan. Well, not to worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick rundown of the most recent CFP games.
It all started with twelve teams. The top one of each major conference automatically moved to the second round, while the other eight teams battled it out to move on. Then began the four quarter-final bowl games, culminating in the following scores, respectively: Texas vs. Arizona State 39-31, Ohio State vs. Oregon 31-21, Penn State vs. Boise State 31-14, Notre Dame vs. Georgia 23-10.
Orange Bowl
On Jan. 9, the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions met in Miami Gardens, Florida. The first half of the game was mostly back-and-forth with small mistakes on both sides. Finally, just over two minutes before halftime, Penn State was able to break through Notre Dame’s tight defense to generate the first touchdown of the game.
Upon the start of the game’s second half, it was clear that the Irish had changed tactics. Right off the bat, led by a long reception and impressive drive by Aneyas Williams, Notre Dame secured a touchdown, Then, another one. Yet, after this, in spite of solid Irish defense, the Lions came roaring back, taking a 24-17 lead.
Now, we’re down to 4:51 left on the clock. It is second down for Notre Dame. Quarterback Riley Leonard gets the ball, glances around, and throws it over 25 yards straight to Jaden Greathouse, who pushes all the way down to a touchdown. 24-24. And then, with 33 seconds left, the Irish intercept the ball. Twelve seconds on the clock, Irish kick, and score. Final score: 27-24. Man oh man, what a game.
Cotton Bowl
This year’s Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns Cotton Bowl took place on Jan. 10, in Arlington, Texas. Almost from the start, Ohio State came out looking as dynamic as ever. They dominated the first half, scoring a touchdown and fiercely denying Texas many opportunities to advance. Thirty seconds before halftime, the Longhorns’ Jaydon Blue was finally able to connect on a long pass from near the 20-yard line to tie the game up 7-7.
Not to be outdone, the Buckeyes quickly charged back, with TreVeyon Henderson running the course of over 80 yards to put Ohio State back on top. The touchdown trade continued, resulting in a 21-14 Ohio lead by the seven-minute mark. The Longhorns pushed back, getting as close as the one-yard mark away from a tie. Alas, after several strategic blunders, Quarterback Quinn Ewers was stripped of the ball, and Ohio’s Jack Sawyer ran all of 82 yards to secure the Buckeyes’ win. In the end, even the aura of Matthew McConaughey on the sidelines was not enough to put Texas over the top.
Two bowls, two contests; two wins, two losses. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes will now advance to the championship game. A victory here would be Ohio State’s first in 11 years, or Notre Dame’s in 37, and their first under the current CFP playoff model. Who will win? Here are the current betting odds, if you’re wondering. Regardless, it is almost certain to be an exciting matchup. May the best team win.
