The stage is set for an exhilarating semifinal round of the College Football Playoff, with no conference champions left in the competition. The remaining four teams have demonstrated their prowess by hosting and winning their initial playoff games. Notably, all favorites have emerged victorious in the first two rounds, maintaining a perfect 8-0 record. One exception was No. 4 Arizona State, which managed to cover the spread despite losing to Texas in a thrilling double-overtime match.
This article provides an early analysis of the upcoming Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl matchups, where the final four contenders will vie for a spot in the national championship game on January 20th in Atlanta. We delve into the performances, injuries, and key players that could influence these critical matches. Additionally, we examine the betting lines and odds for each team's chances of claiming the national title.
The Battle for Defensive Dominance in the Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl promises to be a clash of titans as Notre Dame faces off against Penn State. Both teams boast formidable defenses but are grappling with significant injuries. Notre Dame secured its most significant bowl victory in three decades by defeating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Irish capitalized on halftime momentum, scoring 17 points within a minute to establish a commanding lead. Meanwhile, Penn State successfully neutralized Boise State's standout rusher Ashton Jeanty in the Fiesta Bowl.
Injuries may play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this matchup. Notre Dame's edge defender Rylie Mills suffered a season-ending injury, and Howard Cross III sustained an ankle injury during the Georgia game. On the other side, Penn State's star defensive end Abdul Carter missed the second half of the Fiesta Bowl due to a shoulder injury. Despite these setbacks, both teams remain committed to showcasing their defensive strengths. The opening line favors Notre Dame by 1.5 points, reflecting their recent performance and resilience.
Ohio State's Dominance and Texas' Resilience in the Cotton Bowl
The Cotton Bowl features Ohio State as a substantial favorite over Texas, with the Buckeyes favored by 6.5 points. Ohio State has been nothing short of dominant in the playoffs, outscoring opponents 83-38 thus far. Their overwhelming performance against Oregon, leading 31-0 midway through the second quarter, underscores their offensive firepower. In contrast, Texas faced a rollercoaster ride, relinquishing a 24-8 lead to Arizona State before ultimately prevailing in double overtime.
Texas's run game proved pivotal in their first-round win over Clemson but struggled against Arizona State. Ohio State's defensive front dominated Oregon and poses a formidable challenge for the Longhorns. However, Texas possesses the tools to counter Ohio State's passing game, making this matchup unpredictable. The national champion odds place Ohio State as the frontrunner (+110), followed closely by Texas (+350) and Notre Dame (+350). Penn State, despite having the longest odds (+450), remains a viable contender. The potential rematch between Ohio State and Penn State adds another layer of intrigue to the championship race.