As the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff unfolds, only four teams remain in contention for the ultimate prize. After an intense round of quarterfinal matches, Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, and Notre Dame have secured their spots in the semifinals. The matchups are set with Texas facing Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on January 10, while Penn State will battle Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl on January 9. This article delves into the strengths and challenges each team faces as they vie for the championship.

Texas vs. Ohio State: An Uphill Battle for the Longhorns

The Longhorns' journey to the Cotton Bowl has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Despite a promising start in the Peach Bowl, where they led Arizona State 17-3 at halftime, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Cam Skattebo's resurgence and a pair of missed field goals by Bert Auburn nearly cost Texas the game. Although they emerged victorious, the Longhorns now face a formidable opponent in Ohio State, who demonstrated their dominance against Oregon. To advance further, Texas must deliver a flawless performance on both offense and defense.

The path ahead for Texas is undoubtedly more challenging. In their previous encounter, the Longhorns showcased resilience but also exposed vulnerabilities. Ohio State, on the other hand, appeared to be firing on all cylinders during their decisive win over Oregon. The Buckeyes' ability to balance both their running and passing games, along with their defensive prowess, presents a significant hurdle for Texas. For the Longhorns to prevail, they need to capitalize on their strengths while mitigating weaknesses, particularly in special teams and maintaining consistency throughout the game.

Penn State and Notre Dame: Clash of Titans in the Orange Bowl

Penn State enters the Orange Bowl with two distinct halves of play. In the first half, quarterback Drew Allar has been unstoppable, leading the charge with precision passes and a robust running game. However, the second half often sees a drop-off in performance, partly due to injuries like that of standout defender Abdul Carter. If Allar can maintain his early-game form and if Carter returns closer to full strength, Penn State stands a strong chance of advancing. Conversely, Notre Dame's defensive prowess was on full display against Georgia, suggesting a tough test for Penn State's offense.

Notre Dame's victory over Georgia highlighted their defensive capabilities, especially through key plays like RJ Oben’s strip-sack and Jayden Harrison's kickoff return touchdown. Moving forward, the Fighting Irish will need to improve their offensive output to match Penn State's firepower. Meanwhile, Penn State must address their tendency to falter in the second half, particularly in dealing with blitzes, which could be exploited by Notre Dame. Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling showdown in the Orange Bowl.