USATSI
The first round of the College Football Playoff concluded on Saturday with (8) Ohio State defeating (9) Tennessee 42-17 to set up an intriguing showdown in the Rose Bowl against Oregon on New Year’s Day in Pasadena.
The common theme of the first round of the expanded CFP was home teams taking care of business. (7) Notre Dame cruised to a 27-17 win over in-state foe (10) Indiana on Friday to set up a showdown with Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia will be without quarterback Carson Beck after the star quarterback was injured in the SEC title game against Texas.
No. 6 Penn State made a statement against (11) SMU to set up a showdown against (3) Boise State. (5) Texas held off a late rally from (12) Clemson in Austin and will face (4) Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Here are the opening lines for the 2024-25 College Football Playoff quarterfinal round, which begins the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 31:
(6) Penn State (-10) vs. (3) Boise State — Tuesday, Dec. 31 (7:30 p.m. ET): Running backs are back in style, and this game will feature plenty of talented rushers. Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty putting together one of the greatest seasons by a running back in the modern era. The Heisman Trophy runner-up will face a stout Penn State defensive line led by All-American Abdul Carter. Penn State has a dynamic 1-2 punch in the backfield with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton.
(5) Texas (-13.5) vs. (4) Arizona State — Wednesday, Jan. 1 (1 p.m. ET): This will mark only the second all-time meeting between the programs. Texas defeated Arizona State…
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