Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Big 12 eliminated, Oregon blown-out, and more
This New Year’s, we witnessed an action-packed quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoffs unfold. In a week where the lower seeds rolled and SEC floundered, we’ll break down who survived and who was eliminated. Here’s what went down over the past few days:
Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State
Spoiler: Boise State and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty struggled greatly when facing off against teams better than UNLV and Utah State. Big shocker!
Penn State’s defense suffocated Jeanty, holding him to just over three yards per carry. Without being able to rely on Jeanty to move the chains consistently, Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen was forced to take on more responsibility through the air. Unfortunately for the Broncos, this led to three costly interceptions from Madsen and an inability to establish any offensive rhythm. On the other side of the football, PSU’s Drew Allar, Nick Singleton and Tyler Warren faced little resistance marching down the field against the Broncos, dropping 34 points against the MWC champs.
It’s not all rainbows and happiness for the Nittany Lions. Superstar edge-rusher Abdul Carter suffered an apparent left arm injury and was forced to leave the game. It’s unclear if he will be available for Penn State in the semi-finals.
Penn State will prepare to face Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl next Thursday night.
Peach Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State
The Peach Bowl was easily the most exciting game of the round. This matchup had a little bit of everything: double overtime, a Big 12 team looking to upset a former Big 12-now-SEC powerhouse and nonstop drama throughout regulation.
For much of the game, it looked like Arizona State might be out of it, as the score stood at 17-3 in Texas’ favor at halftime. However, the Sun Devils rallied in the second half, courtesy of running back Cam Skattebo.
Before the Peach Bowl, Skattebo talked his talk, telling the media that he thinks he’s the best back in the country. After an incredible performance, he’s left little doubt that he’s correct.
Skattebo finished the game with 143 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns, 99 receiving yards, and a 44-yard passing touchdown. Now THAT’S a stat line! This guy can seriously do it all. Just look at this play.
Led by Skattebo, Arizona State would score two touchdowns and two-point conversions in the fourth quarter to claw back into the game and tie it up.
Texas had multiple chances to ice this game after quarterback Quinn Ewers led the Longhorns on lengthy drives, but two costly missed field goals by UT’s Bert Auburn sent the game to overtime.
After both teams scored in the first OT period, Texas would score on the very first play of 2OT and ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw a pick on the Sun Devil’s chance to tie it up, sealing a Longhorns win.
Many Buffs fans may have been rooting for the Big 12 to find success in the College Football Playoff, and Arizona State and Cam Skattebo gave them plenty to be proud of. Texas will now move on to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl next weekend.
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
The Buckeyes entered this game with a chip on their shoulder and it showed from the opening snap. Despite traveling to the West Coast to face an undefeated Oregon team and playing without the benefit of a bye round, Ohio State looked like the best team in the country.
In fact, Ohio State was favored heading into this matchup, and they proved why. This game was never particularly close, as the Buckeyes sustained their momentum throughout and left the Rose Bowl with an emphatic 41-21 victory.
OSU true freshman Jeramiah Smith solidified his status as one of the best receivers in college football, taking over the first half and finishing with 187 yards receiving and two touchdowns. The Buckeyes running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins proved to be worth every penny Ryan Day spent on them, combining for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State’s defense also shined, as they were after Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel all night, sacking him 8 times in Pasadena.
As the time-honored tradition goes, the Ducks have choked away one of their best teams in school history and will sit out and watch the rest of the playoffs unfold. A quick reminder that the Colorado Buffaloes have more national championships than Oregon (1:0) and also more Heisman winners. (2:1)
Oregon football! Rooted in substance!
(Yes, I’m taking my opportunity to get in some cheap shots at Dan Lanning’s expense.)
Ohio State’s next test will be against Texas, a matchup in which the Buckeyes are expected to be favorites.
Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
Many people consider Georgia’s recent run of success to be one of the most dominant stretches in college football history, with their defense often being the hallmark of their victories. That’s why it was shocking to see Notre Dame’s offense manage well over 100 rushing yards against them in a playoff game.
Notre Dame looked dominant throughout the contest, playing a complete game on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Riley Leonard led the offensive charge with an efficient passing performance and an unexpected 80 rushing yards. On defense, the Fighting Irish were impenetrable, holding Georgia to just 10 points.
Granted, Georgia was without starting quarterback Carson Beck and some sideline shannanigans by walk-on cornerback Parker Jones erased a likely touchdown from the board for the Dawgs, but that doesn’t change the fact that they were dog-walked by the Irish in the Superdome.
This game was a testament to how far Notre Dame has come in just a few months. From losing to Northern Illinois earlier in the season to competing in the semi-finals, their turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. Now, they’ll have a chance to compete for a National Championship. Catch their next game on January 9th, when they take on Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
by Jacob.Thompson
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