The inaugural round of the expanded College Football Playoff has concluded, showcasing the sport's best moments despite one-sided scores. Notre Dame, Penn State, Texas, and Ohio State emerged victorious in their respective matches, setting up quarterfinal matchups that promise thrilling encounters. The playoff games, held on campuses for the first time, highlighted the significance of home-field advantage and defensive prowess.

The Impact of Home-Field Advantage

The expanded playoff format introduced home-field advantage, which played a crucial role in the first round. Teams leveraged their home crowds to dominate opponents. Notre Dame's historic stadium, Penn State's massive crowd at Beaver Stadium, Texas's roaring fans in Austin, and Ohio State's electrifying atmosphere in Columbus all contributed to decisive victories.

Notre Dame's victory over Indiana in South Bend was bolstered by an enthusiastic crowd that overwhelmed the Hoosiers. Similarly, Penn State's 38-10 triumph over SMU saw the Nittany Lions' fans creating noise that disrupted the Mustangs' offense. In Austin, Texas fans spurred their team to an early lead against Clemson. Ohio State's home crowd quickly regained its usual rowdy self, even with a significant number of Tennessee supporters present. These environments proved pivotal in securing wins for the home teams.

Defensive Dominance and Running the Ball

Strong defensive performances were a common thread among the winning teams. Notre Dame's defense stifled Indiana's potent offense, holding them to just 17 points. Penn State's unit not only prevented SMU from finding rhythm but also scored two touchdowns via interceptions. Texas' defense made a critical stop on fourth-and-goal, dashing Clemson's comeback hopes. Ohio State's top-ranked defense smothered Tennessee early, allowing their offense to build a commanding lead.

Running the ball became a key strategy as temperatures dropped and stakes rose. Notre Dame, Penn State, and Texas excelled in rushing yards, demonstrating the effectiveness of ground attacks in high-pressure situations. Ohio State, while primarily relying on passing plays, also utilized running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins to punctuate scoring drives. This blend of strategies showcased the importance of versatility and adaptability in football tactics.