In the final stages of the College Football Playoff, we witnessed a 5-3 record in the quarterfinals. With only two games left—Penn State versus Notre Dame and Ohio State versus Texas—the excitement builds as college football fans gear up for an intense weekend of playoffs. This event marks the beginning of a five-game football festival, leading into three days of NFL wild card action. Here’s an in-depth look at the matchups and predictions for these crucial games.

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in what promises to be a tightly contested game. Both teams boast formidable defenses and dynamic running backs, making the difference likely to come down to the quarterbacks. Drew Allar of Penn State is expected to outshine Riley Leonard of Notre Dame with his superior downfield passing ability. The game's outcome hinges on this key matchup, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.

Quarterback play will be the deciding factor in this clash. Drew Allar has demonstrated exceptional talent in deep passes, which could prove pivotal. Both teams have elite defensive units and explosive running games, but Allar's connection with Tyler Warren might make all the difference. A late touchdown from Allar to Warren could propel Penn State to a narrow victory, potentially finishing the game at 20-17. Fans can expect a low-scoring affair, hitting the under 45.5 points.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns

The Ohio State Buckeyes are favored to dominate the Texas Longhorns in their upcoming playoff game. Since their loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes have transformed into a more cohesive and powerful team. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s standout receiver, has been nearly unstoppable in recent matches. If Will Howard gets enough time to throw, Ohio State’s offense should overpower Texas’s inconsistent defense. This game is expected to showcase Ohio State’s dominance, resulting in a double-digit victory.

Ohio State’s resurgence since the Michigan defeat has been remarkable. Jeremiah Smith’s performances against Tennessee and Oregon have been nothing short of spectacular. Texas, on the other hand, has faced less rigorous competition throughout the season, with their best SEC win being against Vanderbilt. The Longhorns’ lack of exposure to top-tier opponents may hinder their performance in this high-stakes playoff. Expect Ohio State to capitalize on their strengths, winning by a significant margin, possibly 38-24. This outcome would not only cover the spread but also push the total over 53.5 points.