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Recapping the wild semi-final round of the 2024 college football playoff
The last couple of days brought us the College Football Playoff semi-finals, and what a round it was. Both games were absolute nail-biters, with one being decided by a late field goal and the other tied well into the fourth quarter. Now that the dust has settled, we officially know who will face off in the 2024 National Championship. Let’s recap these two thrilling games:
Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
This game started out slow, with neither team putting points on the board in the first quarter. It was a defensive slugfest early on, and at halftime, Penn State clung to a narrow 10-3 lead. By the end of the third quarter, the score was knotted up at 10-10, setting the stage for a dramatic final period. If you’re only planning to watch the highlights of this game, skip straight to the fourth quarter—this is where all the action happened.
In the first half, Penn State’s defense was the story. They stifled Notre Dame’s attempts to establish any rhythm, while tight end Tyler Warren helped the Nittany Lions score 10 points. However, the tide turned dramatically in the second half, with Notre Dame’s offense finding its groove. Riley Leonard, the Irish’s steady quarterback, led the charge, spreading the ball around effectively and showcasing the team’s depth. But it was star running back Jeremiyah Love who stole the show, pounding the Penn State defense and leading the way to sustained drives.
Notre Dame scored an impressive 27 points in the second half after being completely shut out in the first. The key difference in this game, however, was quarterback play. Penn State’s Drew Allar struggled mightily, completing just over 50% of his passes and throwing one interception (although it could have been three or four if not for some fortunate penalties). In contrast, Leonard wasn’t perfect, but he made clutch throws downfield, something Penn State could never quite manage.
Notre Dame’s resilience and second-half adjustments proved too much for Penn State, and they earned their spot in the National Championship with a final score of 27-24.
Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas
This matchup featured two teams trending in very different directions. Ohio State has been steamrolling their competition in recent weeks, while Texas has struggled against weaker opponents. The Buckeyes came into the game as touchdown favorites, and the betting public clearly believed in them, with 82% of the money riding on Ohio State. They delivered, showing why they were the team to beat.
Ohio State boasts an embarrassment of riches in terms of talent, with at least six future NFL players on their roster. Key playmakers like safety Caleb Downs, defensive end Jack Sawyer, and running back TreVeyon Henderson all stepped up in big moments. Although Jeremiah Smith, their top offensive weapon, was relatively quiet, the Buckeyes still found ways to exploit Texas.
The game was tightly contested for most of the night. Texas showed resilience, rallying from a double-digit deficit to bring the game within striking distance late in the fourth quarter. With the clock winding down, the Longhorns seemed poised to force overtime, driving deep into Ohio State territory. But when it mattered most, Ohio State’s defense came through.
Jack Sawyer, the Buckeyes’ premier pass rusher, delivered the play of the game—and perhaps the season. With Texas threatening to score, Sawyer broke through the line, sacked the quarterback, and scooped up the ensuing fumble, returning it for a touchdown. This scoop-and-score sealed the victory for Ohio State, sending their fans into a frenzy and etching Sawyer’s name into Buckeye lore.
Ohio State’s dominant 28-14 win now sets up an exciting showdown in the Cotton Bowl against Notre Dame.
Looking Ahead
With the semi-finals in the books, all eyes now turn to the 2024 National Championship. Notre Dame and Ohio State will face off in what promises to be a clash of titans. Both teams have showcased their strengths in different ways: Notre Dame with their adaptability and second-half heroics, and Ohio State with their overwhelming talent and defensive dominance.
The National Championship game is set for January 20th, and it’s shaping up to be one for the ages. Be sure to tune in as these two storied programs battle it out for college football’s ultimate prize.
by Jacob.Thompson
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