The U.S. loves a good comeback story and prides itself on being a place where people thrive when ...

The U.S. loves a good comeback story and prides itself on being a place where people thrive when given a second chance.Finally, that practice has reached the college football world, with the 12-team playoff providing a safety net that's allowed both title-game combatants, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>, to right themselves after shocking and embarrassing losses.Losing at home to 27.5-point underdog Northern Illinois - a game in which Notre Dame paid the MAC program $1.4 million to travel to South Bend - would usually be a deal breaker for a run at a playoff spot. The betting markets acted accordingly, dropping the Fighting Irish title odds to +10,000 after they previously sat at +1,700.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, the thing about a 12-team playoff is you need to find 12 teams to fill it. The Fighting Irish not only staved off elimination by laying waste to the rest of the schedule, but they also secured a first-round home game.Nobody batted an eye at Ohio State's one-point loss at undefeated Oregon in October since the Buckeyes were still firmly in control to win the Big Ten title and book a playoff berth regardless of whether the field was four or 12.Then came the Michigan game.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765485/cropped_GettyImages-2187576513.jpg?ts=1736918039" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765485/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187576513.jpg?ts=1736918039 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765485/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187576513.jpg?ts=1736918039 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765485/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187576513.jpg?ts=1736918039 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765485/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187576513.jpg?ts=1736918039 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765485/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187576513.jpg?ts=1736918039 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>The annual rivalry contest between the two Big Ten powerhouses to end the regular season is often one of the most hotly contested affairs. The Wolverines had won three in a row to coincide with the 'team up north' taking back control of the conference and winning the national title last year. However, the latest version of "The Game" was shaping up to be a three-hour Buckeyes therapy session, with one of the worst Michigan teams in recent memory going to Columbus as a 19.5-point underdog.In perhaps the most bewildering display of the season, the Wolverines completely flummoxed the high-flying Ohio State offense. Despite Davis Warren throwing for just 62 yards and two interceptions, Michigan pulled off the unthinkable with a 13-10 road win capped by an on-field melee as the Wolverines attempted to plant a school flag at Ohio Stadium.That setback was head coach Ryan Day's fourth straight loss to the Wolverines, a virtual death sentence for his employment in a previous era. But not in the new 12-team world, as the veteran coach got his chance for redemption with a spot in the postseason.Still, stunning losses by previous future champions aren't an entirely new phenomenon. Ole Miss took down No. 4 Florida as a three-touchdown underdog in 2008, prompting the famous Tim Tebow "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL2FJKX9ZXQ">promise</a>" in the postgame press conference.However, that was the Gators' first and only loss of the season, and they booked their spot in the title matchup with an upset of No. 1 Alabama in the SEC championship. A top-ranked win in the conference title game isn't something Notre Dame will ever benefit from as an independent. That lack of data points on the Fighting Irish resume didn't matter with the 12-team field.Clemson fell at home to Pitt as 20-point favorites in 2016 in the College Football Playoff era, but that was the Tigers' only loss. The ACC was also held in higher esteem at that point than it is now. Clemson still grabbed the No. 4 seed and then shutout Ohio State 31-0 in the semifinal before putting both hands on the trophy with a thrilling 35-31 win over Alabama in the championship.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764583/cropped_GettyImages-2193182623.jpg?ts=1736484478" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764583/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193182623.jpg?ts=1736484478 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764583/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193182623.jpg?ts=1736484478 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764583/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193182623.jpg?ts=1736484478 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764583/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193182623.jpg?ts=1736484478 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764583/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193182623.jpg?ts=1736484478 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Day and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman deserve immense credit for getting their teams off the mat and keeping them focused on the task at hand.The Fighting Irish didn't just beat everybody on their schedule since Week 2; they flat-out embarrassed them. A seven-point win over Louisville was the only single-digit victory until their semifinal triumph versus Penn State.Following the Michigan setback, Ohio State immediately went to work re-establishing itself as the most explosive team in college football by crushing its postseason competition. Despite facing the toughest path in the bracket, the Buckeyes won their three playoff games by an average of 19.6 points.The incredible rebound by both teams has reminded the nation of something that's been lost in sports in recent years: failure isn't necessarily a bad thing. Temporary setbacks are opportunities to learn, grow, and improve in the long run.It's refreshing to see college football adopt a playoff system that can reward that.

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Title-game matchup highlights safety net of 12-team CFP

The Cotton Bowl had a tough act to follow after Notre Dame's thrilling win over Penn State on Thu...

The Cotton Bowl had a tough act to follow after Notre Dame's thrilling win over Penn State on Thursday, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> were up to the task with an exciting College Football Playoff semifinal of their own Friday in Arlington.The final score shows a two-touchdown victory for the Buckeyes, but the Longhorns were very much in the mix until a late defensive score sealed the deal.Here are the top takeaways from Ohio State's victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Defensive line ate Texas' lunch</h3>The theme of Ohio State's campaign has been its defense absolutely working the opposition, and the Cotton Bowl proved to be no different. The offense - mostly Jeremiah Smith - has stolen the headlines throughout the Buckeyes' romp through the playoff, but it's the defense that has consistently been the best in the country since the season kicked off.Holding Tennessee's 15th-ranked offense to under 20 points in Round 1 was impressive, but the Duck hunt on Oregon in the quarterfinal was on another level. Ohio State sacked Dillon Gabriel an outrageous eight times en route to another blowout. That defense traveled to Texas and delivered once again.Four sacks, four quarterback hurries, nine tackles for loss, and a goal-line stand capped by a strip-sack, scoop, and 83-yard touchdown that will forever live in program lore.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A DEFENSIVE MASTERCLASS 😱 Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/OhioStateFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OhioStateFB</a>'s defense make four game-changing goal line stops 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/B1GFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#B1GFootball</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> <a href="https://t.co/vxDwwhq7eI">pic.twitter.com/vxDwwhq7eI</a>— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/1877962143267508524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Buckeyes were able to get after Quinn Ewers throughout the contest without blitzing, moving the quarterback off his spot repeatedly. That essentially took away any deep passing threat with the line unable to keep Ewers upright for any length of time. Even when Texas moved the ball late in the fourth, the nation's best red-zone defense flexed its muscles.A run for no gain, a run for a loss of 7, and an incomplete pass is how you turn first-and-goal on the 1-yard line to fourth-and-goal from the 8. That set the table for Jack Sawyer's moment of brilliance.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
texas had 1st &amp; goal on the 1 and ended up giving up a touchdown— Jay Cuda (@JayCuda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayCuda/status/1877927401532891266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Other dudes delivered on offense</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764761/cropped_GettyImages-2193345656.jpg?ts=1736571400" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764761/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193345656.jpg?ts=1736571400 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764761/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193345656.jpg?ts=1736571400 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764761/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193345656.jpg?ts=1736571400 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764761/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193345656.jpg?ts=1736571400 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764761/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193345656.jpg?ts=1736571400 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>We've gushed about Smith for the opening two rounds, and with good reason given his outrageous line of 13 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns. However, the Longhorns' game plan was clearly to neutralize Smith and make the other Buckeyes beat them. The first part of that was a smashing success, with Smith grabbing just one ball. The problem is that the drop-off from Smith to the rest of the offense just isn't that significant, with five-star prospects and high-profile transfers littering the depth chart.TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 175 total yards and scored all three offensive touchdowns. Carnell Tate took full advantage of the attention on Smith, grabbing a season-high seven catches for 87 yards.That depth - as well as the combo of Chip Kelly's play-calling and Will Howard's decision-making - delivered time and again on the most important drive of the game. With the score tied in the fourth quarter, Ohio State went 88 yards in 13 plays and took almost eight minutes off the clock. Howard, Judkins, and Emeka Egbuka did the heavy lifting to put the Buckeyes up for good.Smith gives the Buckeyes an extra gear that no other team has. However, Friday reminded us that the attention needed to shut down the star freshman comes at a cost.<h3>Texas stood tall in 3rd </h3>Ohio State is the best third-quarter team in the nation - leading the entire FBS in both offense and defense. Texas? Not so much. The Longhorns are 65th in the country in scoring in that period and haven't won a third quarter since Oct. 12 versus Oklahoma.The offense went for 90 yards with a sparkling 4-for-4 conversion rate on third down. That was a big improvement from the one third-down conversion in the opening half. The defense intercepted Howard once, stopped the Buckeyes on both their third-down attempts, and held them to only 11 yards rushing.That third-quarter push not only kept the Buckeyes from running away after the one-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to end the first half gave them all the momentum, but it put Texas in position to potentially pull off the upset in the fourth.<h3>CFP semis were electric</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764762/cropped_GettyImages-2193354120.jpg?ts=1736571545" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764762/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193354120.jpg?ts=1736571545 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764762/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193354120.jpg?ts=1736571545 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764762/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193354120.jpg?ts=1736571545 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764762/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193354120.jpg?ts=1736571545 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764762/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193354120.jpg?ts=1736571545 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Steve Limentani/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Sure, there were some duds in the early rounds of the 12-team playoff, but there's no question the semifinals delivered electric finishes on consecutive nights. Both the Orange and Cotton Bowl saw heavyweights figuring each other out early before exploding in the second half for some highly entertaining football.All four teams in the semifinals were in the top eight of The Associated Press' preseason poll and widely considered to be among the nation's best throughout the season.There are a few tweaks that would be beneficial to the CFP format moving forward - notably a change to how the first-round byes are handed out. However, it's tough to see the first year in the new bracket-style system as anything but a resounding success.

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CFB wrap-up: Takeaways from the Cotton Bowl 

The opening two rounds of the 12-team College Football Playoff were filled with one-sided blowout...

The opening two rounds of the 12-team College Football Playoff were filled with one-sided blowouts, but the Orange Bowl delivered an absolute banger between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/521" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/521">Penn State</a> on Thursday.An electric back-and-forth final quarter eventually saw the Fighting Irish advance to the title game on a Mitch Jeter field goal with 8 seconds to play.Here are three takeaways from a classic matchup between two of the biggest programs in the sport.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Of course Notre Dame got the turnover</h3>Flash all the advanced statistics you can, but at the end of the day the goal of the defense is fairly simple: Get the ball back for the offense as fast as you can. Nobody in the country does that better than Notre Dame - a team that entered Thursday night with 31 takeaways on the season. It should come as no surprise that the biggest play of the Orange Bowl came on a diving interception by Christian Gray in the final minute of the game.Gray took advantage of Drew Allar's late throw across the middle to get the ball back for a game-winning field goal attempt just three plays after Notre Dame was forced to punt. While the final stats show just one takeaway for the Fighting Irish on Thursday, the defense had two end zone interceptions called back because of penalties. The ball-hawking defense shone once again as it has all season, and that ended up being the difference to book the national title spot.<h3>Allar, passing attack exposed again </h3>It's no secret Penn State wants to do two things on offense each game: Run the ball with either Nicholas Singleton or Kaytron Allen and find Tyler Warren - and only Tyler Warren - in the passing attack. The Nittany Lions accomplished both tasks Thursday with those three combining for 301 of the team's 331 yards of total offense. However, it was when Allar looked elsewhere that the game-changing play happened.The junior passer has traditionally been very protective of the ball with just nine career interceptions entering the game. However, the 10th one won't be forgotten anytime soon. Pinned deep in the Penn State zone, Allar attempted to engineer a game-winning field goal drive but committed the cardinal sin for quarterbacks: throwing a pass late across the middle.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Notre Dame picks off Drew Allar late in the fourth 😳 <a href="https://t.co/F0SZvM5fFa">pic.twitter.com/F0SZvM5fFa</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1877568140026015964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Allar certainly has plenty of skills that have caught the NFL scouting community's attention. However, the lack of standout wide receiving talent on the offense has severely hampered him in big-time contests.Allar completed a combined 24-of-43 passes for just 281 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions in the losses to Ohio State and Notre Dame this season. Of those 24 passes, only three were caught by wide receivers - none in Thursday's contest. That's not a misprint, the Nittany Lions did not have a wide receiver catch a pass against the Irish.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
James Franklin on having no receiver catch a single pass: "We tried a couple early on and weren’t able to convert them - tightly contested coverage. They are a man coverage team. That’s one of the storylines of the game."— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) <a href="https://twitter.com/RossDellenger/status/1877578697474986325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>For Penn State's offense to take the next step in 2025, a couple of gamebreakers outside have to be on head coach James Franklin's shopping list in the portal.<h3>Freeman flipped the switch at half</h3>Insert the iconic "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaqdK6JPpcg">Not gonna lie, they had us in the first half</a>" video here because that's exactly how if felt for Notre Dame as the teams hit the locker rooms in Miami.Penn State had dominated both lines of scrimmage in the opening 30 minutes, rushing for 141 yards while holding the Irish to just 15 on the ground. Oh, and Notre Dame had also watched two offensive linemen go down with injury, and Leonard was in the medical tent being evaluated for a concussion.Whatever Irish head coach Marcus Freeman hit the team with in the locker room at halftime worked wonders, as the script was flipped over the final 30 minutes. Notre Dame piled up 261 total yards of offense and converted an impressive 6-of-9 attempts on third down. On defense, it was able to slow the Allen-Singleton duo on the ground, holding them to just 3.9 yards per carry after getting torched for 5.4 in the first half. That put the ball in Allar's hands and we've already covered how that ended up deciding the game.Freeman should be commended on the depth he's built on the roster. The offensive line has been decimated by injuries - with guys that were seventh and eighth on the opening-day depth chart thrust into major roles - but was still productive against a strong Penn State front.

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CFB wrap-up: Takeaways from the Orange Bowl

Two coaches with excellent resumes that lack significant standout wins meet in the Orange Bowl wi...

Two coaches with excellent resumes that lack significant standout wins meet in the Orange Bowl with James Franklin's<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/521" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/521"> Penn State</a> against Marcus Freeman's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>.Franklin and the Nittany Lions took care of business as heavy favorites against SMU and Boise State to reach the College Football Playoff semifinal. Notre Dame comfortably overwhelmed Indiana before dusting off backup quarterback Gunner Stockton and Georgia last week.However, the path traveled won't matter to whoever gets the win Thursday in Miami, and their reputation will be changed forever with the victory.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's how the Orange Bowl breaks down.<h3>Penn State</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764223/cropped_GettyImages-2190967029.jpg?ts=1736317142" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764223/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190967029.jpg?ts=1736317142 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764223/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190967029.jpg?ts=1736317142 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764223/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190967029.jpg?ts=1736317142 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764223/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190967029.jpg?ts=1736317142 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764223/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190967029.jpg?ts=1736317142 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>When they have the ballMany teams have complicated playbooks featuring intricate systems that must be drilled to perfection. All Penn State's offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has to do is walk into the locker room and write, "Run the ball, throw it to Tyler Warren," on the wipe-off board before leaving.Drew Allar is a projected first-round NFL draft pick whenever he decides to make that move, but the best thing the star quarterback is doing right now is turning around and handing the ball to Nicholas Singleton or Kaytron Allen. That dynamic rushing duo has been running wild in the playoffs with an outrageous 7 yards per carry for Penn State. Allar has also flashed plenty of ability using his legs, giving the defense something to think about on read-option plays.When the defense stacks the box to stop the run, Allar picks them apart with his favorite target in Warren. The nation's top tight end flexed his talent with six catches for 66 yards and two massive touchdowns against Boise State in the quarterfinals. The Nittany Lions' other top pass-catching options include Harrison Wallace and Omari Evans, but this is essentially a run-first, find-Warren-second offensive attack.When they don'tThere seems to be one goal for Penn State when the offense doesn't have the ball: get it back immediately. The Nittany Lions have been turnover-forcing machines in the playoff, recording three interceptions against both SMU and Boise State. Pass-rushing maestro Abdul Carter absolutely pops off the screen, constantly causing havoc for the opposition. He missed the second half of the quarterfinal win, but his recent social media activity suggests he'll play Thursday.While the opportunistic secondary and Carter get the headlines, the Nittany Lions really are a stout defense at every level that thrives on putting teams in long passing downs. Penn State ranks 17th nationally in rushing defense, an important statistic considering Notre Dame's run-heavy attack.Why they will winNotre Dame's closest games this season have come when the opposition slows the running attack. Riley Leonard is an exceptional runner at the quarterback position, but he's had issues in clear passing situations. If you take away Jeremiyah Love's 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana, the Irish have rushed for just 3.5 yards per carry in the playoffs. If they can hold them to that number, the Nittany Lions will force Leonard to beat them through the air. That bodes well for Penn State.Why they won'tHave you seen Franklin's record against top opposition? The longtime Penn State coach is 1-14 versus top-five teams in his time with the program - essentially the only bone of contention the fan base has with him. Franklin's offensive units tend to shrink in the big moments, with production grinding to a halt and the defense forced to stand up.One sign that should bring hope on that front is the offensive explosion in the Big Ten title game loss to Oregon. That showed the potential for the offense to thrive against a top team that we hadn't seen often in recent years. However, the Ducks were just shredded by Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, so perhaps that defensive unit wasn't as dominant as we thought. The stout Notre Dame defense stands tall, the offense goes back into its shell, and Franklin again can't get the team to rise to the occasion in a big game.<h3>Notre Dame</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764224/cropped_GettyImages-2192318931.jpg?ts=1736317259" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764224/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192318931.jpg?ts=1736317259 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764224/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192318931.jpg?ts=1736317259 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764224/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192318931.jpg?ts=1736317259 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764224/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192318931.jpg?ts=1736317259 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764224/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192318931.jpg?ts=1736317259 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Sean Gardner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>When they have the ballOnly three teams in the country ripped off more running plays of at least 30 yards this season. While the approach is a physical style, the Notre Dame offense actually lives off explosive plays. Love has game-breaking speed every time he touches the ball - just ask Indiana - and Leonard is elite at avoiding pressure and finding space to run.Love's health is a question heading into Thursday's game, but all signs point to him playing against the Nittany Lions. Whether he's 100% or the Irish need a healthy dose of Jadarian Price, you can be sure that Penn State will stack the box like it did against Ashton Jeanty and Boise State. That'll put the onus on Leonard to be effective through the air when called upon.There's no superstar receiver on the Irish, but the wideout group is probably rated higher than Penn State's. Jordan Faison is the chain-moving possession receiver, while Clemson transfer Beaux Collins is an excellent red-zone threat for Leonard.When they don'tThe video sessions in the buildup to the game for both teams will certainly feel like looking in the mirror. We already talked about Penn State's ability on defense to get in the backfield and force turnovers, and that's exactly where Notre Dame thrives as well.The Irish lead the nation with 31 takeaways this season, a total featuring a healthy split of 18 interceptions and 13 fumbles. Notre Dame isn't just content with a turnover either, as the team immediately has eyes for the end zone once it gains control. Freeman's defense has scored an incredible five pick-6s on the campaign, including three over 75 yards.There's plenty of talent across the board for Notre Dame, but Xavier Watts is the most dangerous man in the back end for the Irish. Watts has six interceptions this season after leading the nation with seven in 2023.Why they will winKnowing how to stop Penn State and being able to do it are two very different things. However, there's no defense in the country better equipped to slow the running game and cover Warren than the Irish. If Notre Dame can plug up the running holes and make Allar look for his wideouts, that could lead to plenty of opportunities for the defense to grab a turnover or two.Penn State will likely implement the same defense on Notre Dame as it did on Boise State - stack the box and force the quarterback to win through the air. Leonard isn't the best passer, but he's certainly more accomplished than the Broncos' Maddux Madsen. If Leonard rises to the occasion with a strong showing early, the defense will be forced to adjust, and the running lanes will open for the Irish.Why they won'tPenn State's defense limits the running game, forcing Leonard to be a passer and deal with the Nittany Lions' ferocious pass rush. That gives the defensive backs license to gamble, and Leonard throws an interception for the fourth time in his last five starts against Power conference competition.Allar shows why he's the apple of many NFL scouts' eye with a standout performance - significantly better than what Notre Dame has seen in the playoffs from Kurtis Rourke on a torn ACL and Stockton making his first career start. The Irish defense can only bend so much before breaking without turnovers to stop drives.

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Orange Bowl preview: Penn State vs. Notre Dame

Two of the biggest programs in college football are pitted against one another in the Cotton Bowl...

Two of the biggest programs in college football are pitted against one another in the Cotton Bowl with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> entering as the hottest team in the country and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> limping in off a double-overtime thriller versus Arizona State.You can expect a very pro-Longhorns crowd at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, but that won't matter if the Buckeyes show the same form as when they throttled Tennessee and Oregon.Ryan Day's outfit is almost a touchdown favorite, and Steve Sarkisian's team faces the unlikely role of underdog for the national semifinal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's how each team breaks down ahead of Friday's game.<h3>Ohio State</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763182/cropped_GettyImages-2192066976.jpg?ts=1735771824" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763182/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192066976.jpg?ts=1735771824 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763182/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192066976.jpg?ts=1735771824 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763182/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192066976.jpg?ts=1735771824 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763182/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192066976.jpg?ts=1735771824 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763182/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192066976.jpg?ts=1735771824 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>When they have the ballOhio State's offensive weapons are the types that make you send thoughts and prayers to the opposition's defensive coordinator. At this point, you are almost hoping they choose to beat you by running the ball with the star duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyeon Henderson instead of letting the alien that is Jeremiah Smith do the work through the air. Smith has 16 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs alone.The Buckeyes are averaging 8.1 yards per play in the playoffs with Will Howard throwing for an absurd 11.4 yards per attempt. How outrageous are those numbers? Both would lead the nation by a wide margin despite the fact they have been against Tennessee and Oregon and not including games against small schools from Group of 5 conferences.Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has thrown aside the methodical approach and focused on explosive plays in the playoffs - a strategy that has worked devastatingly. Ohio State scored four touchdowns of at least 40 yards in the first half vs. Oregon, something that hadn't been done against a No. 1 team this century.When they don'tAs good as the offense is for Ohio State, the defense has been the more reliable unit the entire season. Only Oregon has sniffed the 20-point mark against the Buckeyes, and the Ducks' offense is significantly more dangerous than any remaining team in the playoffs.The defensive line is the engine that powers the defense with Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, and Ty Hamilton all opting to return to Columbus for one more season instead of jumping to the NFL. The results have been what you would expect when pro talent returns to the college ranks. Ohio State is third nationally with 47 sacks on the season - with linebacker Cody Simon emerging as a pass-rushing terror late in his college career.Buoyed by the stars returning in droves, the Buckeyes didn't need much help defensively, but they still brought in the biggest name on the offseason transfer portal market. Caleb Downs joined from Alabama and immediately solidified his place as the best defensive back in the sport with a standout season.All told, the Buckeyes enter this contest as the best defense in the country with game-wreckers at all three levels.Why they will winDid you watch the Tennessee and Oregon games? Both opponents were undoubtedly top-10 teams, yet the Buckeyes made them look like high school squads from the opening kickoff. After failing to out-physical Michigan with a power running approach, Day and Kelly seem to be leaning into the "Oh, right, nobody can guard our receivers" approach on offense and lighting up the scoreboard.Texas' defense is stout, but Clemson exposed the secondary at times to keep things close in Round 1. If the Tigers were able to experience success on the road in Austin, it's scary to think what Ohio State could do. The Buckeyes field the most talented roster left in the postseason, and it seems only a poor game plan or bad execution could knock them out before the final.Why they won'tDid you watch the Michigan game? If you are looking for an example of self-sabotage dooming the Buckeyes, flip on a recording of the Wolverines' debacle. Ohio State seemingly forgot the enormous talent difference it held on the outside and tried to pound the ball into the teeth of a very strong defensive line. It ended with one of the most embarrassing losses in recent memory for the Buckeyes. Day has done wonders to flip the narrative around him and the program in the ensuing two games, but the potential is still there for questionable coaching decisions to have adverse affects on the program.<h3>Texas</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/cropped_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>When they have the ballSarkisian is one of the best play-callers in the sport, something that's been evident in how Texas has opened each of its two playoff games. The Longhorns have moved the ball comfortably out of the gates en route to outscoring Clemson and Arizona State 45-13 in the first halves. Sarkisian's brilliance is often in his simplicity as he attacks the worst part of the opposition's defense time and again. That saw a whopping 292 rushing yards against the Tigers in the opening round - with running backs Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner combining for more than 250.It was Quinn Ewers' time to shine against Arizona State, with the former Ohio State quarterback throwing for 322 yards and three scores in the overtime win. The Longhorns have plenty of receiving talent - notably standout tight end Gunnar Helm - but it's receiver Matthew Golden who has shone brightest in the playoffs.While the skill position players get the shine, the offensive line is the best thing about Texas when it has the ball. All-American Kelvin Banks anchors that unit, and the hopeful return of tackle Cameron Williams will only strengthen what PFF ranks as the <a href="https://premium.pff.com/ncaa/teams/2024/REGPO">best line in the nation</a>.When they don'tTexas' defense thrives on creating havoc to give its ball-hawking secondary multiple chances at turnovers. Only BYU has more interceptions on the season than the Longhorns with Andrew Mukuba and Thorpe Award-winner Jahdae Barron posting five apiece. Up front, it's five-star freshman Colin Simmons' world and the offense is just living in it. The highly touted recruit is 20th in the nation in sacks and has generated at least four pressures in four of his past five games.The Longhorns thrive in putting teams in third-and-long situations and letting the pass-rush hunt to pressure the quarterback. That gives the stellar duo of Makuba and Barron plenty of chances for game-changing interceptions. Given Ohio State's receiver talent, this will be the toughest test of the season for the Longhorns' secondary. However, with multiple injuries on the Buckeyes' offensive line, Simmons and crew could have a chance to get to Howard and force some ill-advised throws.Why they will winOhio State's defense is exceptional, but it relies heavily on generating pressure without having to send extra men. Most teams simply cannot handle the talent of the defensive line, but Texas stands the best chance to do so given its dominant offensive line. Oregon held the Buckeyes without a sack and only two tackles for loss in its October victory, a performance the Longhorns could repeat in Arlington. With Ewers given plenty of protection, he should be able to pick apart the secondary and move the ball on the offensive side.It's borderline impossible to stop Smith, but Barron is as good as any corner in the country. If he can limit the explosive plays Ohio State has lived on in the playoffs, that should keep things right in range for a Texas upset.Why they won'tHave you watched Ohio State in the playoffs? Certain NFL defensive units might struggle to slow down the electric Buckeyes. The Longhorns probably don't have the offensive weapons to keep up in a shootout with Ohio State, so it's imperative the defense plays its best game of the year. Given that Clemson moved the ball through the air on Texas, it's very hard to see the Longhorns limiting the Buckeyes over a 60-minute game.

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Cotton Bowl preview: Texas vs. Ohio State

TGL finally made its debut Tuesday after weather destroyed the event facility last year.  The fir...

TGL finally made its debut Tuesday after weather destroyed the event facility last year.The first match pitted Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Matthew Fitzpatrick of New York Golf Club against The Bay's Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark, and Ludvig Aberg.The presentation was excellent at the start, with the fast-paced format and advanced production value resulting in an entertaining product, but the energy dropped significantly throughout the two-hour show, partly because of a blowout win by The Bay Golf Club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here are the top takeaways from our first look at the simulator golf league.<h3>Indoor short-game shots are HARD</h3>Tune into a weekly PGA TOUR event and you'll see short-game wizardry from the world's best on every hole. But take these fellas inside and things look eerily similar to what you might see on a Saturday at your local public track. The first five short-game shots from the play around the real green at the SoFi Center left a lot to be desired, and multiple shots from Fowler and Schauffele finished well outside of the expected range. Meanwhile, Lowry, Clark, and Aberg all stuffed full wedges hit into the screen to a couple feet. It will be interesting to see if future teams opt to layup for full wedges into the screen instead of challenging the green and being left with a difficult pitch.<h3>All hail King Ludvig</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764203/cropped_GettyImages-2192897481.jpg?ts=1736310384" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764203/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192897481.jpg?ts=1736310384 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764203/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192897481.jpg?ts=1736310384 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764203/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192897481.jpg?ts=1736310384 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764203/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192897481.jpg?ts=1736310384 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764203/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192897481.jpg?ts=1736310384 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brennan Asplen/TGL / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>College or pro, North America or Europe, and now inside or outside. If golf is being played, Aberg is likely going to be dominating the proceedings. There's no doubt that Aberg was the star performer from the opening night of TGL. He got things going in style by pouring in a birdie on No. 1 to register the first point in TGL history, and he peppered flag sticks and drained lengthy putts in a dominant showing. The simplicity of his swing is often described as robotic, so it's no surprise that he's thriving in a tech-based simulator golf league.<h3>Shot clock rules</h3>The best thing about the entire presentation Tuesday night was arguably the 40-second shot clock. The entire event seemed like a race and highlighted just how slow professional golf can be on a week-to-week basis. There was very little time between shots, with the constant action a welcome change from what we usually see on TOUR. The shot clock forced players to have club in hand and a strategy already prepared when it was their turn. It would be tougher to implement outdoors, but the TOUR should absolutely look into getting a shot clock for their events to tighten up the broadcast.<h3>We need more interaction with players</h3>One thing was clear from the broadcast - the players seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, the broadcast didn't involve them enough. The first hour saw Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy join the booth, and while there's no doubt about what the pair adds to a broadcast, their appearances resulted in fewer interactions with players. That hurt the flow of the broadcast significantly and cut out some fun chatter with Schauffele and Lowry.Speaking of hurting the broadcast, no more DJ Khaled interviews. That rule needs to be applied to all future golf presentations. It does nothing for the product and simply grinds the action to a halt.The start of the broadcast was excellent, with the lightning-quick alternate-shot format and interactions with the players providing very entertaining content. Future weeks should focus on that.<h3>New York stinker</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764204/cropped_GettyImages-2192897718.jpg?ts=1736310436" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764204/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192897718.jpg?ts=1736310436 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764204/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192897718.jpg?ts=1736310436 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764204/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192897718.jpg?ts=1736310436 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764204/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192897718.jpg?ts=1736310436 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764204/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192897718.jpg?ts=1736310436 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Brennan Asplen/TGL / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>You can add NYGC's dismal TGL debut to the list of New York sports failures, right behind "The Butt Fumble," the Yankees' collapse in the 2004 ALCS, and essentially anything the Mets have done over the past 30 years.TGL's top-ranked player, Schauffele, led the way, but NYGC was ultimately a mess Tuesday night. Fowler looked particularly rusty, while Fitzpatrick was booed for missing the green with a wedge early on. The match was never in doubt with The Bay racing out to a 6-0 lead, and things were settled long before the end of the broadcast. The lopsided nature of the match took away from the second hour of the event.<h3>More Xander on the mic</h3>His play wasn't quite as sharp as it's been over the past year, but Schauffele was the most entertaining player of the night. Whether it be the all-DMX soundtrack blaring while he pounded the driver into the screen, or his constant joking about whether to throw the hammer, there was a heightened sense of anticipation whenever he stepped to the mat. We've heard for years from TOUR players that Schauffele is incredibly funny and often the life of the party. That's something TGL can lean on going forward.

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Takeaways from TGL's long-awaited debut

It was ugly, it was physical, it was low scoring, and it was ... a Georgia loss?  Recent college ...

It was ugly, it was physical, it was low scoring, and it was ... a Georgia loss?Recent college football seasons would suggest there's no better team in the country than the Bulldogs to win that style of game. Yet it was Notre Dame that outdid the SEC champs Thursday in the Sugar Bowl to post arguably the program's biggest win in the last 30 years.The overall statistics aren't flattering - Riley Leonard's 90 passing yards are the lowest by a winning team in College Football Playoff history. However, three things stood out to help the Fighting Irish secure the win and book a semifinal date with Penn State.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Win the trenches</h3>Notre Dame physically dominated Kirby Smart's Georgia team on the line of scrimmage. You can count on one hand - maybe even just one finger - how many times that's happened during Smart's tenure with the Bulldogs. The Irish have sent plenty of linemen to the NFL in recent years, but the program would always seemingly fail to assert itself physically when given a chance against an SEC opponent. That didn't seem to bode well for a quarterfinal matchup against arguably the most physical team in college football over the last eight years.But Notre Dame didn't get that memo, immediately getting after quarterback Gunner Stockton in his first career collegiate start and forcing a fumble out of bounds. The final number for the Irish's vaunted defense was four sacks, nine tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.The biggest matchup in Notre Dame's history since the 1988 national championship was undoubtedly the 2013 BCS title game versus Alabama. That contest was over mere seconds after it started, with the Crimson Tide physically dominating en route to a 42-14 win. Thursday showed that this Notre Dame team is a far cry from that outfit and can physically stack up against anybody in the country.<h3>Force turnovers</h3>Notre Dame has played 14 games on the season and has forced at least one turnover in 13 of those. The one without a takeaway? The shocking home loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2. Simply put, you're going to have a bad time if you let the Irish take the ball away.That was highlighted most prominently on a lethal pass rush late in the second quarter that essentially decided the game.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Notre Dame forces another Georgia fumble and finds the end zone on the next play! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> <a href="https://t.co/95Vy8yS1Wj">pic.twitter.com/95Vy8yS1Wj</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1874950481396600922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The sack and fumble recovery gave the Irish incredible field position, and they wasted no time cashing in that chance. The ensuing touchdown pushed Notre Dame to a 13-3 lead at half - a shocking turn considering it was tied 3-3 just minutes earlier. That puts the Irish at 148 points scored off turnovers this campaign - 42 more than the next-best team at the FBS level.That turnover was one of two forced by Notre Dame on the night, while the offense kept control of the ball and didn't let Georgia get a takeaway.<h3>Make plays on special teams</h3>Georgia has shown its resolve numerous times this season in erasing deficits, including the Bulldogs' last game out in the SEC championship. The second-half plan Thursday started by forcing a quick Notre Dame punt to flip the field and get Georgia on track. Well, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth, and you can consider this Notre Dame's haymaker.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Notre Dame takes the opening kick of the second half to the house‼️ <a href="https://t.co/7nPR29xTnV">pic.twitter.com/7nPR29xTnV</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1874956336884015596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 98-yard touchdown was certainly the highlight of the special teams unit, which dominated all night. They nearly blocked multiple punts and repeatedly kept the Bulldogs pinned.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with his team after a 23-10 victory against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Irish blueprint: How Notre Dame took down Georgia in Sugar Bowl

College Football Wrap-Up recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examine...

College Football Wrap-Up recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.<h3>Nobody beats this version of Ohio State</h3>The College Football Playoff might as well be renamed the Ohio State redemption tour at this point. The Buckeyes haven't been content in just beating Tennessee and Oregon, as they've blown the doors off the competition thus far and made it clear they'll be national champions if they keep this form up.Ohio State embarrassed the Ducks in the Rose Bowl, racing to an astonishing 34-0 lead in the opening two quarters. It was domination on both sides of the football against the only undefeated team in the nation - one that had beaten the Buckeyes earlier in the season by a single point.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>OffenseRyan Day and Chip Kelly clearly read all your social media posts asking - begging, really - for the offense to feed Jeremiah Smith. After Smith had just five catches in the loss to Michigan, the star freshman has exploded for 16 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the two playoff games since. Unleashing Smith has benefitted the entire offense, opening plenty of holes for explosive plays in both the running game and aerial attack.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prior to today, the AP No. 1 team had not allowed 4 offensive TDs of 40+ yards in an entire game this century. Ohio State had 4 in the first half alone against Oregon. <a href="https://t.co/r55jD4QHIb">pic.twitter.com/r55jD4QHIb</a>— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaSTATS/status/1874612415431922099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Buckeyes totaled 500 yards on just 57 plays, a remarkable 8.8 yards every time they snapped the ball. You can't stop the plethora of weapons Ohio State presents, and it'll be points every drive if the play-calling matches the talent.DefenseOhio State barely breathed on Dillon Gabriel in the October matchup between the teams, posting zero sacks and two tackles for loss in the setback. Wednesday was the complete opposite, as the Buckeyes dominated with an eight-sack performance that helped hold the Ducks to minus-23 rushing yards.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Oregon is sacked 6+ times in a game for 1st time since they took 7 vs Washington State 9/20/2014— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshDubowAP/status/1874621855509954854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Cody Simon, J.T. Tuimoloau, and Jack Sawyer wrecked Oregon's entire offensive plan, combining for six sacks and eight tackles for loss. With no running game and virtually zero protection for Gabriel, it was a Duck hunt all day for the Buckeyes' defense.Texas is next up in a blockbuster semifinal to be played in Arlington at the Cotton Bowl - a venue that gives the Longhorns significant home-field advantage. However, they could play the game in Steve Sarkisian's backyard, and it wouldn't matter if this version of the Buckeyes makes the trip south.<h3>Playoff Texas has multiple personalities</h3>The College Football Playoff has revealed that when Texas takes the field, it isn't one team but two: the dominant one we see each first half and the "hang on for dear life" outfit that plays the second.The first-half Longhorns have outscored Clemson and Arizona State by a combined 45-17 margin while piling up a whopping 7.15 yards per play on offense. That Texas team can win the national title regardless of opposition.However, games don't end after 30 minutes, and whatever the coaching staff is doing in the locker room at the break clearly ain't working. The Longhorns were outscored 35-17 during the second half of their opening playoff games, and they allowed over 7 yards per play to the Tigers and Sun Devils compared to just 4.6 in the first half. That Texas team can lose to just about anybody in the postseason, a possibility that nearly played out Wednesday in Atlanta.Overtime kept the two-team narrative alive, with the Longhorns trailing 31-24 and needing to convert on fourth-and-13 to force a second extra frame. Of course, Quinn Ewers tossed a touchdown on Texas' next offensive play, and an interception four plays later put the school in the semifinals.The good news for the Longhorns is that the program finds itself in the CFP semis for the second year in a row. The bad news? Unless first-half Texas plays the full game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, it'll be another semifinal exit in 2025.<h3>Skattebo the GOAT</h3>Turns out, Cam Skattebo knew what he was talking about when he told reporters in the build-up to the Peach Bowl that nobody could stop him.Skattebo spent New Year's Day like many people in their early 20s around the country: trying to <a href="https://x.com/ChrisKarpman/status/1874587088483700921">rally after vomiting</a>. Despite the Arizona State star battling dehydration and exhaustion on the sideline throughout the Peach Bowl, he still delivered a performance for the ages by rushing, catching, and throwing the ball.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
CAM SKATTEBO APPRECIATION POST 😈 143 rushing yards 😈 99 receiving yards 😈 42 passing yards 😈 2 rushing TDs 😈 1 passing TD <a href="https://t.co/buoe8r4euj">pic.twitter.com/buoe8r4euj</a>— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooSports/status/1874584319252963471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Texas has five-star recruits all over the defensive roster, while Skattebo received one Division I offer out of high school. The Longhorns knew Skattebo was getting the ball time after time Wednesday and still couldn't stop it. His 143 yards rushing, 99 receiving, and 42 passing gave him an insane total of 284 on the night.The idea of a Cinderella seemed dead through five games of the first 12-team CFP - we even <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3175759" href="https://thescore.com/news/3175759">wrote as much</a> after Penn State's victory over Boise State on New Year's Eve. But Skattebo and Arizona State laughed in the face of that idea just 12 hours later. They didn't end up pulling off the upset, but the legend of Skattebo is forever etched in college football history.<h3>Penn State defense sticks to plan</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763199/cropped_GettyImages-2191408896.jpg?ts=1735779180" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763199/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191408896.jpg?ts=1735779180 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763199/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191408896.jpg?ts=1735779180 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763199/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191408896.jpg?ts=1735779180 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763199/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191408896.jpg?ts=1735779180 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763199/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191408896.jpg?ts=1735779180 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Ashton Jeanty still cracked the 100-yard mark - because, of course, he did - but Penn State's defensive plan was a smashing success Tuesday night. The Nittany Lions sold out essentially every play to stop Jeanty, with the All-American running back needing 30 carries to get his 104 yards. Many of those runs required him to break multiple tackles just to return to the line of scrimmage, as the defense swarmed an overmatched Boise State offensive line throughout.Jeanty would be a superstar on any team in any league at the college level, but it was clear the offensive line hadn't faced a top-20 run defense all season. That left it up to quarterback Maddux Madsen to solve the Penn State defense. He battled respectably with over 300 yards passing but threw three interceptions when forced to take chances he normally wouldn't have to press on.Penn State's defense through two playoff contests should have the fan base fired up for the semifinal matchup against Notre Dame or Georgia. Both teams are limited in the passing game, a scenario that will again allow the Nittany Lions to stack the box and make the quarterback beat them.<h3>The offense ... not so much</h3>While Penn State's defense stuck to a plan, the offense seemed bored with pounding the run and moving the ball at will for the entire game. The Nittany Lions opened by establishing its dominance on the ground, running the ball 10 times in the first 13 plays and scoring two touchdowns.It was clear from the jump that the duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton would be too much to handle, yet Penn State only handed the ball to either on nine of its next 30 plays. Allen and Singleton would finish the game with a combined 221 yards rushing - both averaging over 7 yards per carry.Penn State's lack of a game-breaker at wide receiver is a major weakness on offense. Tyler Warren is the best tight end in the country, but the wideout position features several good options who fall short of being elite. However, Allen and Singleton are arguably the best running back duo in the playoff. Moving forward, the plan for the Nittany Lions should revolve around those two, with Warren mixed in.

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CFB Wrap-Up: Takeaways from CFP quarterfinals

Every March, a Cinderella team emerges from a lesser-known conference to make a captivating run i...

Every March, a Cinderella team emerges from a lesser-known conference to make a captivating run in basketball's NCAA Tournament.College football had a chance to capture some of that magic Tuesday as the playoff expanded to 12 teams and let a Group of 5 champion in the field with a bye.Well, it ain't March, this isn't basketball, and the Fiesta Bowl showed why it'll be significantly more difficult for the college football world to bring similar upsets to those we see annually during March Madness.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Boise State's history as a plucky underdog is well-documented, particularly in previous Fiesta Bowls. However, a playoff game with elevated stakes is a much taller task than a Power conference matchup with a team probably disappointed to be there.There were no illusions from the jump that Penn State would sell out to stop star running back Ashton Jeanty on defense. The Nittany Lions repeatedly stacked the box to hold the Heisman finalist to just 4 yards on three carries on the opening drive. That essentially dared Maddux Madsen to beat them through the air if Boise State wanted to move the ball. The first-year starter should get credit for doing so at times, but three interceptions certainly didn't help the cause.Perhaps we shouldn't have been overly shocked by Jeanty's struggles to move the ball Tuesday against the seventh-best defense in the nation. The average ranking of the rushing defense he saw this year was 91st. Outside of the two games against UNLV, Jeanty didn't face a top-50 rushing defense all season. Before you shout 'Oregon!,' the Ducks are 55th at stopping the run and allowed 297 yards on the ground to Penn State last time out. Jeanty still topped the 100-yard mark with 104, but it took him 30 carries, and he produced his worst output on the schedule.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763104/cropped_GettyImages-2191990926.jpg?ts=1735705281" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763104/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191990926.jpg?ts=1735705281 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763104/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191990926.jpg?ts=1735705281 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763104/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191990926.jpg?ts=1735705281 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763104/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191990926.jpg?ts=1735705281 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763104/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191990926.jpg?ts=1735705281 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Jeanty's brilliance is without question, but a single individual dominating on a field with 22 players is a different challenge than a basketball court with 10. A shooter can get hot and torch the higher-rated opponent - see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7k4vg-cyIc">Jack Gohlke versus Kentucky, 2024</a> - but even Jeanty needs plenty of help from his offensive line.Penn State's offense looked unstoppable in the opening quarter, with questionable play-calling perhaps the only thing that slowed it down the rest of the way. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton torched the opposition for 221 yards on a gaudy 7.6 yards per carry for the game. However, the duo only combined for 29 carries, while Drew Allar threw 25 times. Had the Nittany Lions pounded the run more, the final margin could've been even more jarring.We knew Penn State would be bigger, faster, and stronger across the field, and that's what was on display over the 60 minutes of game action Tuesday. It was never more evident than when Tyler Warren grabbed his second touchdown of the contest, the nation's top tight end somehow pulling in a pass despite perfect coverage.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Allar to Tyler Warren, great catch for a TD <a href="https://t.co/kQ0BFEBuiQ">pic.twitter.com/kQ0BFEBuiQ</a>— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/1874290122273022122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>While the game was played within 10 points for a large stretch, it never seemed like Boise State would threaten once Penn State bottled up Jeanty.Maybe 13.5-point underdog Arizona State will prove us wrong in Wednesday's opening game, but Tuesday sure made it look like the upsets will remain in March on the NCAA sports calendar for the foreseeable future.

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) celebrates a defensive stop during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal playoff game between the Boise State Broncos and the Penn State Nittany Lions on Tuesday December 31, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

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Penn State reminds us Cinderella doesn't play football

The College Football Playoff first round is done and dusted, with New Year's Eve and New Year's D...

The College Football Playoff first round is done and dusted, with New Year's Eve and New Year's Day setting the backdrop for some intriguing quarterfinal matchups.There's plenty at stake for the six remaining teams playing Wednesday, but one standout narrative exists for each as they attempt to advance to the semifinals and beyond.Notre Dame: Show it belongs in the big-time<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Blow the dust off a history book, and it's clear Notre Dame is one of the most successful programs in college football history. However, most of that work was done long ago, with 1988 representing the last claimed national title. Current coach Marcus Freeman was a 2-year-old when the Fighting Irish were last atop the sport. While there have been plenty of wins - especially over the past 15 years - Notre Dame has failed time and again when facing the behemoths of the sport.The proving ground doesn't get any bigger than Georgia in the playoffs. The Irish should actually feel fairly comfortable with a Bulldogs team they've faced twice since 2017, with a pair of narrow losses by a combined seven points. Win, and the Irish can rightfully claim their place back among the nation's elite. Lose, and it's yet another missed chance against a top opponent to end a season that also featured a home loss to Northern Illinois.Ohio State: Ryan Day's job security<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749096/cropped_GettyImages-2177321915.jpg?ts=1728426286" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749096/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177321915.jpg?ts=1728426286 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749096/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177321915.jpg?ts=1728426286 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749096/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177321915.jpg?ts=1728426286 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749096/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177321915.jpg?ts=1728426286 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749096/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177321915.jpg?ts=1728426286 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jason Mowry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>It sounds outrageous that a coach in the quarterfinals could be facing a must-win for his job security, but normal isn't a word we would use to describe Ryan Day's situation at Ohio State. The first-round Tennessee blowout provided a momentary respite from the endless criticism of Day following the stunning Michigan loss. However, should the Buckeyes fall to Oregon, the dam might just break for good on Day's tenure in Columbus.Sure, his 67-10 overall record is sparkling, but a New Year's Day defeat would make him 0-6 in his last six games against Michigan and Oregon. While the Ducks' losses alone might be forgivable, the glaring problem with the team up north certainly isn't. The veteran coach told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAF0CpPPDD0">Joel Klatt of Fox Sports</a> that the two goals this season were winning the rivalry game and the national championship ... in that order. He's already 0-1 in that pursuit, and a second setback to Oregon would mean he's unsuccessful on both fronts.Ohio State put $20 million toward the roster this season to bring back future NFL pros and dominate recruiting in both the transfer portal and high school ranks. Both Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles are making at least $2 million as coordinators - ranking among the highest-paid assistants in the country. That type of investment certainly isn't for a three-loss team that didn't make the Big Ten title game or the CFP semis.Or the Buckeyes could play like they did against Tennessee, run the table, and win the program's ninth national championship. No pressure, Ryan.Oregon: Pursuit of perfectionOregon has been the lone constant throughout the chaotic 2024 season. Each time the Ducks have taken the field, they've walked off as a winner, despite a few close calls along the way. The closest was the one-point triumph over Ohio State - a game that could have ended very differently had Will Howard put his backside on the ground one second earlier.Dan Lanning's been nothing short of brilliant in his three seasons with the program, and the Rose Bowl presents a perfect opportunity to flex his coaching chops. The first matchup with the Buckeyes was as even as it gets, with two fumbles by the visitors essentially the deciding factor. What type of adjustments will Lanning's Ducks make for Wednesday to ensure the game is decided long before the final clock hits zero?Three more wins and the Ducks won't only complete the first perfect season in the 107-year history of the program but also become the first team to win 16 games in a college football season.Texas: Final step toward being "back"Raise your hand if you imagine ESPN's Joe Tessitore yelling "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4fXeywF0d0">Texas is back</a>!" every time the Longhorns win a big game. There have been plenty of those in the past two seasons as Steve Sarkisian's revived the former powerhouse program. The Longhorns have been blessed with a very comfortable path to the semis and made no mistake with a double-digit win over Clemson in Round 1. The quarterfinal actually sets up as an even easier matchup on paper, with Texas almost a two-touchdown favorite in the neutral-site contest.Sarkisian is the only coach from last year's semifinal still with the same program following Nick Saban's retirement, Jim Harbaugh's move to the NFL, and Kalen DeBoer's departure to Alabama. There'll be no question who the top program in the nation has been over the past two years should Sarkisian complete the playoff push and follow up last year's semifinal appearance with a national title. That's a pretty strong argument that the Longhorns are back.Oh, and Tessitore happens to be on the call for Wednesday's game.Georgia: Kirby Smart legend status<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743306/cropped_GettyImages-2168849151.jpg?ts=1725139284" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743306/w220xh124_GettyImages-2168849151.jpg?ts=1725139284 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743306/w320xh180_GettyImages-2168849151.jpg?ts=1725139284 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743306/w640xh360_GettyImages-2168849151.jpg?ts=1725139284 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743306/w768xh432_GettyImages-2168849151.jpg?ts=1725139284 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743306/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2168849151.jpg?ts=1725139284 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>There's no question Kirby Smart is already a legend in the state of Georgia, but a third national title in the last four years would cement the 49-year-old's legacy across the entire sport. Only 15 men have won that many NCAA football championships in history. That shrinks to just five in the last 50 years as the sport changed drastically. Should he finish the job this time around, it would be his most impressive feat in his time with Georgia.The Bulldogs are still loaded with talent, but it's a fair argument to call them the weakest of Smart's teams in the past five years. Georgia has further been handicapped by the absence of starting quarterback Carson Beck after elbow surgery following an injury in the SEC title game. That means Smart will go into battle against Notre Dame with Gunner Stockton making his first career start.If Smart can somehow claim a third national title with a backup quarterback, his name belongs in any conversation of the top coaches in the last half-century of college football.Arizona State: Justify the recordArizona State posted a combined 6-18 record in 2022 and '23 before its sparkling 11-2 mark this season. College Football Playoff, meet Cinderella. There's no question the Sun Devils are the plucky underdogs that neutral fans can get behind. Now the monumental task is upon Kenny Dillingham and the Big 12 champs: Keep the slipper on the foot and make sure the ball doesn't end Wednesday.Arizona State is playing with house money at this point, with virtually nobody expecting the Sun Devils to knock off Texas. They have an identifiable star in Cam Skattebo who plays an appealing style of football, but the Longhorns' run defense is one of the top units in the playoff. The 2024 season has been full of chaos, so perhaps there's one final shocker on hand in Atlanta.

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What's at stake for each team in CFP quarters

There were six games in the opening weekend of last year's NFL playoffs. Five ended in blowouts w...

There were six games in the opening weekend of last year's NFL playoffs. Five ended in blowouts won by at least 14 points.Nobody stormed to a television set or raced online to demand drastic format changes and moan about a team's inclusion.The NBA playoffs last year featured eight opening-round series, with only one going to seven games. Half of them didn't even get past five contests. Somehow, the league is running the same formula back out this year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The dirty secret seemingly nobody complaining about the first weekend of the 12-team College Football Playoff wanted to acknowledge Saturday is that the opening round of playoff formats often underwhelm due to a large talent discrepancy between the teams involved. The Stanley Cup Playoffs might be an exception, but that's because playoff hockey is the single most insane thing legally conducted on the planet.Sure, the four first-round games we watched this weekend were largely uncompetitive and presented a less-than-stellar product. However, that's probably what we should've expected given the matchups.Curt Cignetti did his best to convince you that <a href="https://x.com/CollegeGameDay/status/1870246917596135493">beating the shit</a> out of the No. 25 team in the Week 9 Coaches Poll made Indiana some sort of juggernaut, but the Hoosiers showed multiple times this season that they struggle against top competition. Friday's loss to Notre Dame was no surprise, but that doesn't mean Indiana should've been banished from the tournament field.SMU won 11 games this season but had already lost its two toughest contests - to BYU and Clemson - on the schedule. Penn State wasted no time asserting its dominance at home, housing two pick-6s off Kevin Jennings in the opening half. There's a reason the Nittany Lions were favored by more than a touchdown at home.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761780/cropped_GettyImages-2191000362.jpg?ts=1734837971" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761780/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191000362.jpg?ts=1734837971 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761780/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191000362.jpg?ts=1734837971 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761780/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191000362.jpg?ts=1734837971 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761780/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191000362.jpg?ts=1734837971 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761780/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191000362.jpg?ts=1734837971 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Clemson is an unlikely Cinderella given its history in the CFP, but the Tigers wouldn't have been in the field without Miami collapsing in the season finale at Syracuse. They were completely overmatched by Texas in a comfortable victory despite an early touchdown and a late rally.The night cap offered the most hope for a competitive game given the pedigree and similar talent levels of Tennessee and Ohio State. The Buckeyes apparently didn't get that memo, racing out to a 21-0 lead and utterly dominating the Volunteers despite the fact the Tennessee faithful filled almost half of Ohio Stadium.Blowouts haven't been limited to the 12-team CFP field, either. Twelve of the 20 semifinals in the history of the format were won by at least 14 points even after some outstanding semifinal games over the final two years of the four-team playoff.Maybe we thought the expansion of the football field would make things more like the NCAA basketball tournament. However, there are 32 opening-round games each March Madness - you're bound to see a couple of upsets given that many chances.That's not to say the CFP format is perfect. The easiest change is to no longer give the highest-ranked conference champions a top-four seed and a first-round bye. That would've given Texas and Penn State the weekend off and forced Boise State and Arizona State into road games. It's an easy change to make for next season and beyond when the playoff expands to 14 teams.Our advice to those disappointed with this weekend's display is to be patient.Oregon gets a rematch with Ohio State after the two played a thrilling one-point contest earlier this season. Georgia - arguably the best team in college football for the past five years - faces the hottest team in the country in Notre Dame. If you want an actual Cinderella story, how about an Arizona State team that won just three games last year facing a 2023 semifinalist in Texas. The fourth contest will see the nation's best offensive player, Ashton Jeanty, chase history against a stout Penn State defense.Don't worry, college football fans - the blockbuster matchups are on their way.

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 21: A view of the scoreboard during the fourth quarter between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and Penn State Nittany Lions in the Playoff First Round Game at Beaver Stadium on December 21, 2024 in State College, Pennsylvania.

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CFP opening round had blowouts, and that's OK

College Football Wrap-Up recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.<h3>Penn State shows home field matters</h3>SMU faced arguably the toughest road test of the opening round - a school from Dallas playing in 20-degree temperatures with over 100,000 Penn State fans screaming for three hours. The Mustangs didn't just fail that test - they never had a chance.We highlighted in our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161279" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161279">CFP preview piece</a> earlier this week that SMU needed to hit explosive plays against Penn State. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, it was the Nittany Lions who hit explosive plays at Beaver Stadium.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kevin Jennings opened the game by throwing not one but two pick-6s to immediately spot Penn State a 14-0 lead. Not all pick-6s are the fault of the quarterback. However, it's fair to pin both of these on Jennings, especially the backbreaking second interception that came in Penn State territory.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ANOTHER PICK-SIX FOR PENN STATE 😱 THE CROWD IS GOING WILD IN HAPPY VALLEY 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/pxw89CKvXE">pic.twitter.com/pxw89CKvXE</a>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1870531359418003706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Jennings and Co. were clearly having issues with noise throughout the game, as indicated by three interceptions and a whopping 11 tackles for loss. The home favorites took it from there, putting SMU in a crock pot and slowly roasting the visitors for a dominant 38-10 victory.The second half was played for official purposes, but the game was long done before the final whistle. Penn State rested its starters in the final quarter.James Franklin's team certainly has flaws, but there are two things we trust with the Big Ten runner-ups: their rushing attack and defense. Both shone bright Saturday. The running-back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 160 yards and three touchdowns on just 25 carries.The reward for the Nittany Lions is Ashton Jeanty and Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, a contest in which the 6-seed should be heavy favorites over No. 3. Jeanty needs just 131 yards to break Barry Sanders' all-time single-season rushing record, a number he's hit in every game this year. However, Penn State has yet to allow that many to a single player this season, and you can be damn sure it doesn't want to be on the wrong side of history.<h3>Run Texas, run</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761758/cropped_GettyImages-2190993123.jpg?ts=1734829824" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761758/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190993123.jpg?ts=1734829824 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761758/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190993123.jpg?ts=1734829824 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761758/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190993123.jpg?ts=1734829824 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761758/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190993123.jpg?ts=1734829824 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761758/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190993123.jpg?ts=1734829824 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jack Gorman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>We implored Texas earlier in the week to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161279" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161279">run the dang ball on Clemson</a>. Whew buddy, did Steve Sarkisian do exactly that Saturday.The Longhorns coach once again showed he's one of the sport's best play-callers, calling an eye-popping 48 rushing plays that resulted in 292 yards and four touchdowns.How rare is it for Texas to run the ball 48 times? The Longhorns rank 63rd in attempts per game with 36. Only Army and Air Force topped 48 rushing attempts per contest this season, and they both employ triple-option attacks. Clearly, Sarkisian saw a massive mismatch with Clemson's run defense and repeatedly took advantage. The main benefactors were Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner, who combined for 256 yards rushing and four touchdowns.Texas' dominant ground game limited the number of times the offense had to lean on Quinn Ewers, which is a very productive strategy for the Longhorns. His 24 passing attempts were the lowest of the season against Power conference competition.Ewers is certainly talented but is now up to 10 interceptions this season after another one versus Clemson. The Longhorns arguably possess the country's best defense; it's virtually impossible to consistently drive down the field against them. Avoiding turnovers ensures the opposition won't have the benefit of a short field.Texas' blueprint to progress through the bracket is clear: Run the ball, avoid turnovers, and let the defense dominate. Arizona State knows it's coming in the Peach Bowl. Let's see if the Sun Devils can do something to alter what seems like the inevitable.<h3>Ohio State hits the easy button</h3>The biggest easy button in college football might belong to Ohio State with Jeremiah Smith. The true freshman receiver is arguably the biggest offensive weapon in the country not named Ashton Jeanty, which is what made the Buckeyes' decision not to throw him the ball in the final 25 minutes of their loss to Michigan even more baffling. However, Ohio State rectified that issue in a big way Saturday, and, not surprisingly, the school cruised to victory.Smith hauled in six catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-17 blowout win over Tennessee. Will Howard had his most impactful game as a Buckeye, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly seemed very content to let Howard open it up and throw from the jump - a strategy that promptly led to a 21-0 lead. With the passing attack opening up lanes in the run game, the Buckeyes comfortably moved the ball for 150 yards on the ground and four touchdowns.Ohio State's defense had no interest in this being close, relentlessly pressuring Nico Iamaleava from the first play of the night. Four sacks, six tackles for loss, and countless pressures later, and the Vols barely topped the 100-yard passing mark in the game. That type of performance left zero questions about whether the Buckeyes' defense is good enough to win the national title.The win sends Ohio State west for another battle against Oregon after the two played arguably the game of the year in October. Smith had nine catches for 100 yards and a score in the first edition. Don't be shocked if those numbers increase on New Year's Day.<h3>SMU still deserved to be there</h3>First off, let's pour one out for the wealthy SMU donors whose private jets were diverted from State College to Williamsport, forcing them to shuttle a bus to Beaver Stadium and arrive an hour late. Hopefully that party bus was rocking because the game was essentially over by the time they arrived.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Several jets carrying SMU donors were diverted from the State College airport to Williamsport. They’re in a shuttle (party bus!) en route to the game &amp; will arrive an hour after kick. Photo by donor Bill Armstrong (bottom left). There's Craig James on right, drink cup raised. <a href="https://t.co/p8zyL8EXAg">pic.twitter.com/p8zyL8EXAg</a>— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) <a href="https://twitter.com/RossDellenger/status/1870527953962213496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Fair or unfair, the Mustangs got the Indiana treatment throughout the game as social media exploded with complaints over their inclusion in the CFP as an at-large team. We can debate forever over whether Alabama, Miami, or Ole Miss is better than SMU - that's exactly what those fanbases will do - but this game shouldn't change how you feel about the Mustangs' inclusion.It's fine if you don't think an 11-2 team that lost its conference championship and had zero wins over AP top-20 opponents should make the CFP. But that resume also describes the Nittany Lions, who just beat the Mustangs by 28.The playoff has largely yielded blowouts, whether it's four teams playing or 12. Twelve of the 20 previous CFP semifinals were decided by at least 14 points, yet most of the losing teams were rarely told that they shouldn't have been involved.<h3>Tigers are who we thought they were</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761769/cropped_GettyImages-2191001048.jpg?ts=1734833798" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761769/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191001048.jpg?ts=1734833798 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761769/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191001048.jpg?ts=1734833798 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761769/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191001048.jpg?ts=1734833798 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761769/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191001048.jpg?ts=1734833798 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761769/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191001048.jpg?ts=1734833798 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Insert Denny Green's classic clip yelling, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmQbk5h86w">The Bears are who we thought they were</a>," and swap the animal for a Tiger. That's what the college football world should be yelling about Clemson after Saturday's loss to Texas.The Tigers were undoubtedly one of the country's top programs the majority of the past decade. Dabo Swinney's outfit remains very good in 2024, but Texas supplied the latest evidence that Clemson is no longer elite.The Tigers found themselves in Austin playing a CFP game largely because Miami gagged away a bid with a shocking season-ending loss to Syracuse. Credit should be given to Swinney and Clemson for upsetting SMU in the ACC title game to grab the automatic berth, but the Mustangs showed Saturday that they also aren't among the country's best teams.Clemson has now dropped all three of its games against the SEC this season by a combined score of 89-44. The Tigers lost badly to both Georgia and Texas, while South Carolina won at Death Valley on a late touchdown.The most jarring drop-off has been defensively, where Clemson used to rank among the nation's best. The three SEC teams ran all over the Tigers, averaging an outrageous 242 yards per game. That number would be third worst in the nation across an entire season.Clemson will remain one of the top ACC teams next season with Florida State dropping off and Miami losing Cam Ward to the NFL. The Tigers could very well be in the CFP once again with a conference champion berth. However, we shouldn't expect them to be a serious player in the tournament until we see otherwise.<h3>Tennessee needs help for Nico</h3>Tennessee enters the offseason with one major objective: do everything it can to improve the passing game. That means weapons at receiver and an upgraded offensive line to protect Nico Iamaleava. The Volunteers' passing attack again looked awful against a top opponent, with Iamaleava barely topping 100 yards on the night.Iamaleava spent most of the game running for his life from a vicious Ohio State pass rush. His receivers did very little to help him when he had time to throw, recording countless drops. It was clear Iamaleava was gun-shy by the third quarter, as he opted to tuck and run on multiple occasions instead of airing it out.Tennessee suffered three losses and a narrow win over Alabama in its four toughest games this season. During that stretch, Iamaleava completed just 54% of his throws and averaged 155 yards passing per game. That's not good enough to compete on the national level.Josh Heupel's most successful offensive seasons with the Volunteers had the offense blowing up scoreboards thanks largely to explosive receivers such as Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman. Bringing in talent like that to help Iamaleava is a must for next season.

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CFB Wrap-up: Takeaways from Saturday's CFP games

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti defended his decision to punt from Notre Dame territory despite ...

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti defended his decision to punt from Notre Dame territory despite trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter in the Hoosiers' College Football Playoff loss Friday.Down 20-3 and having just blocked a Notre Dame field-goal attempt, Cignetti opted to punt on fourth down from the Fighting Irish 48-yard line with 12 minutes to play instead of going for it to try to keep the drive rolling.He was frank following the game when asked about the decision, citing the struggling offense as his reason for the call.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I didn't want to punt, but we were doing nothing on offense. And our defense was fighting. That was the only positive that I could draw was that our defense was still fighting, because offense was doing nothing." Cignetti said after the game, per <a href="https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1870338055841939835">Awful Announcing</a>. "I didn't want to go fourth-and-10, you're just wishing and hoping, you have nothing to base it on that you can convert fourth-and-10 at that point."There's still time if you punt to win the game. So that was the reason why. I didn't want to do it, but I felt like it was the best move."While many questioned the choice, there's no debate the offense looked dreadful up until that point for Indiana. That was the team's third drive in the second half, with the offense totaling 5 yards on 11 plays over that span.It was a long night for Indiana, with Notre Dame beating the Hoosiers comfortably in South Bend. While the 27-17 scoreline doesn't look terrible for the visitors, two touchdowns in the final minutes hide the reality that the Hoosiers looked overmatched throughout the affair.The Hoosiers moved the ball well against a prevent defense in the dying minutes, finding the end zone twice after putting up a total of 152 yards over the first 55 minutes of game action.

SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 20: Indiana Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti yells at a referee during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 20, 2024, during the CFP First Round playoff game at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

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Cignetti explains late punt: 'Offense was doing nothing'

The first game of the 12-team College Football Playoff is officially in the books, with Notre Dam...

The first game of the 12-team College Football Playoff is officially in the books, with Notre Dame dominating Indiana at home to start the opening round.The contest was rarely in doubt from the jump, with the 27-17 final actually flattering to the Hoosiers thanks to a pair of touchdowns in the dying minutes with the game out of hand.Here are three things we learned from Friday's playoff opener:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Notre Dame's balance is a problem</h3>If you just learned this Friday, then you need to find NBC on the dial and watch Notre Dame more often during the regular season. Outside of undefeated Oregon, the Fighting Irish have been the best team in the country since Week 2. They've essentially steamrolled all comers on the schedule, and Indiana was no exception despite the added stakes of a playoff game.The Hoosiers entered as the nation's second-ranked run defense, with 137 yards the most they've allowed in a game this season. Notre Dame came within six yards of hitting that total ... in the first quarter. The final number was 193 yards on a gaudy 5.7 per rush.Riley Leonard is sometimes questioned as a passer, but the senior quarterback was very efficient after his opening toss of the night was a tipped interception. He finished with 201 yards through the air and added a touchdown on the ground. If Notre Dame is going to make a deep playoff run, Leonard will need to be at the forefront. He showed Friday that he's more than up for that challenge.The balanced attack on offense should give the Irish plenty of confidence heading into the quarterfinal against a Georgia team without quarterback Carson Beck.<h3>Indiana's kryptonite: Top defensive units</h3>Indiana coach Curt Cignetti wasn't totally wrong when he dropped this banger on College GameDay before the contest; he was just a little confused.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"We don't just beat Top 25 teams, we beat the s--- out of them." Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti didn't hold back on the Hoosiers' success this season 😤 <a href="https://t.co/M4FGhv6Xsy">pic.twitter.com/M4FGhv6Xsy</a>— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/1870246917596135493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>There's no question that Indiana absolutely "beat the shit" out of a group of teams this season, but not those with a number beside their name. The man deserves some props for trying - with a straight face, no less - to wedge Nebraska in as a ranked win for being the final team in the Week 9 coaches poll, but the Cornhuskers were nowhere to be found in any poll by the end of the year.The collection of teams that Indiana did "beat the shit" out of this season was anybody without a top-25 defense. Indiana faced 10 of those in 13 games on the schedule and beat the brakes off all 10. The Hoosiers averaged an eye-popping 48.5 points and 487 yards of total offense in those games. The drop-off versus top-25 defensive units is outrageous - just 15.6 points and 225 yards per game.There's no question Cignetti maximized his team's potential and delivered an all-time season with Indiana. He opened his tenure by grabbing a microphone and telling a packed basketball stadium that "<a href="https://x.com/JeffRabjohns/status/1730744811659882572">Purdue sucks ... but so does Michigan and Ohio State</a>" and topped that later with the epic quote, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNeXIVH5t08">I win. Google me</a>."However, their performances against top teams should temper expectations for the Hoosiers if the schedule doesn't fall favorably in future years.<h3>Bloated conferences cause problems</h3>The funniest thing about Big Ten realignment is that it would be closer for Rutgers to fly to Iceland than to a game in Washington. However, the most serious problem might just be the scheduling issues that arise once these leagues hit 16 teams. Indiana is an excellent example of what can happen with the perfect storm that comes from removing divisions and randomizing schedules. The Hoosiers played only two teams in the top half of the Big Ten: a narrow 20-15 win over Michigan and a 38-15 loss at Ohio State. It's the only two games the Hoosiers didn't win by at least 14 points this regular season.While Indiana's loss Friday brought this issue to the forefront for the Big Ten, it's not the only conference experiencing this unintended consequence of expansion. Texas played two regular-season games against top-nine teams in the SEC this year - a home loss to Georgia and a road win at unranked Texas A&amp;M. The Longhorns followed that up with another loss to the Bulldogs in the SEC title game. They now host a playoff game Saturday with zero wins over currently ranked teams and just one victory over a program in the top half of the league.Balancing a schedule can be damn near impossible in college football given the volatility of teams on a year-to-year basis. In a unique twist, both Indiana and Texas had defending national champion Michigan on the schedule this year and registered wins over the Wolverines. That would be a ranked victory most years, but Michigan struggled to a 7-5 record and remains unranked.It would have been cruel to leave Indiana out of the playoff after the Hoosiers ran over almost everybody on the schedule. However, Friday's result should put an added emphasis on strength of schedule for the committee in subsequent years.

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3 things we learned from Notre Dame-Indiana

Picking a bracket in a four-team College Football Playoff was a very quick exercise, but the adve...

Picking a bracket in a four-team College Football Playoff was a very quick exercise, but the advent of the 12-team field has lent itself to a much more intriguing process for the postseason.The importance of seeding will be on display immediately with a legitimate argument to be made that No. 6 Penn State has an easier path to the title game than No. 1 Oregon.That factored immensely into our bracket picks with a highly entertaining title game awaiting at the end of the line.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>First round</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/cropped_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758889/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187651609.jpg?ts=1733345070 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>No. 5 Texas over No. 12 ClemsonClemson actually has something on its resume that Texas doesn't heading into Saturday - a win over a team currently ranked in the top 25. However, the Tigers have faced SEC competition twice this year and lost both times by a 51-17 margin. It's tough to see that changing unless the Longhorns gift the visitors a number of turnovers.No. 6 Penn State over No. 11 SMUSMU is the 11-seed but found itself ranked No. 10 in the final CFP rankings. That means you are going to hear the stat that James Franklin is 3-19 against top-10 teams in his time at Penn State repeatedly on Saturday. There's never been a better time - or situation - for Franklin to get win No. 4 with the Nittany Lions sitting as 8.5-point favorites. Drew Allar feasts on the SMU defense after Cade Klubnik threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns in the ACC title game.No. 7 Notre Dame over No. 10 IndianaIndiana is the Cinderella team in the opening round and is rewarded with an in-state matchup against Notre Dame. The Hoosiers looked to be a tier below Ohio State in the penultimate week of the season and will face a similar talent discrepancy against the Irish. Expect Curt Cignetti to make some adjustments and keep things interesting for much longer than Notre Dame wants in this one. However, the Irish's depth eventually pays off in the home win.No. 9 Tennessee over No. 8 Ohio StateAny good tournament sees some early upsets, and this one comes in the final game of the opening round in Columbus. The horrific vibes around the Ohio State program remain as Tennessee uses the Michigan blueprint to run the ball, play great defense, and hand the Buckeyes a second consecutive loss.<h3>Quarterfinals</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745142/cropped_GettyImages-2172024194.jpg?ts=1726355122" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745142/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172024194.jpg?ts=1726355122 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745142/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172024194.jpg?ts=1726355122 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745142/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172024194.jpg?ts=1726355122 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745142/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172024194.jpg?ts=1726355122 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745142/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172024194.jpg?ts=1726355122 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>No. 7 Notre Dame over No. 2 GeorgiaThe last update on Carson Beck had the senior quarterback seeking a second opinion on his arm injury. That usually doesn't happen just to confirm good news, so it's likely Gunner Stockton will be the Georgia quarterback versus Notre Dame. An untested passer against the Irish is not a fair fight as the defense tops the nation with five pick-6s on the season. It seems crazy that a team with a home loss to Northern Illinois would be in the CFP semis, but that's how the world will look as we ring in 2025.No. 1 Oregon over No. 9 TennesseeOregon's multitude of weapons eventually breaks down the Tennessee defense, and the Vols can't keep up with the nation's only undefeated team. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel shines in his 64th collegiate game with the man who coached him in his first - Josh Heupel - on the other sideline.No. 5 Texas over No. 4 Arizona StateTexas is a team with a couple of flaws but the borderline impenetrable defense isn't one of them. The Longhorns slow down Cam Skattebo and Arizona State can't come up with a Plan B on offense. Steve Sarkisian's outfit returns to the CFP semis for the second straight year with another victory.No. 6 Penn State over No. 3 Boise StateBoise State's Ashton Jeanty needs just 131 yards to break Barry Sanders' all-time single-season rushing record. The Nittany Lions allowed just one 100-yard rusher this season with Woody Marks hitting 111 for USC. Something has to give in this one with a CFP semifinal spot on the line. Our money is on the defense standing tall once again and forcing someone other than Jeanty to win it for the Broncos. Spoiler alert: They won't.<h3>Semifinals </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749673/cropped_GettyImages-2178157453.jpg?ts=1728788520" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749673/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178157453.jpg?ts=1728788520 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749673/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178157453.jpg?ts=1728788520 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749673/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178157453.jpg?ts=1728788520 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749673/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178157453.jpg?ts=1728788520 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749673/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178157453.jpg?ts=1728788520 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>No. 1 Oregon over No. 5 TexasAfter a comfortable two-game stretch versus Clemson and Arizona State, Texas gets shocked back to life by the mighty Ducks. The Longhorns' defense has thrived all season but has yet to face an offense with Oregon's weapons. Gabriel spreads it around to hand Texas a semifinal loss for the second season in a row.No. 6 Penn State over No. 7 Notre DameMany will paint this as a matchup of a coach who struggles against top opponents versus one with some shocking losses as a heavy favorite. It's probably more important that Penn State's top-20 run game gets a favorable matchup in Notre Dame's 51st-ranked rush defense. That mismatch keeps the chains moving and puts the Nittany Lions in the championship game.<h3>National title game</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761381/cropped_GettyImages-2188513102.jpg?ts=1734591477" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761381/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188513102.jpg?ts=1734591477 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761381/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188513102.jpg?ts=1734591477 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761381/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188513102.jpg?ts=1734591477 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761381/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188513102.jpg?ts=1734591477 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761381/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188513102.jpg?ts=1734591477 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>No. 6 Penn State over No. 1 OregonIf the rematch is anything like the Big Ten title game, we are in for a banger of a national championship tilt. Oregon took the first battle largely thanks to Tez Johnson's incredible 11-catch performance for 181 yards. Penn State may have lost, but the Nittany Lions exposed a weakness by gashing the Ducks for an eye-popping 8.3 yards per rush. The rushing attack putting up those numbers again seems more sustainable than Johnson having another career-best game. Freed from the gauntlet of the former Big Ten East, Penn State wins its first national title since 1986.

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CFP picks: Predictions for how the bracket unfolds

The bracket chatter is over, the field is set, and, finally, the initial 12-team College Football...

The bracket chatter is over, the field is set, and, finally, the initial 12-team College Football Playoff has arrived.Each of the better seeds is hosting this weekend and, while every home team is favored, this season's proven that anybody - except maybe Oregon - is capable of an upset.Here's one key for each team in action in the first round.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Texas: Run the dang ball</h3>One can choose their own adventure when trying to dissect Texas' first season in the SEC. The good is a 10-2 record, a berth in the conference title game, and the No. 5 seed in the CFP. The bad comes when you look for the best win over a currently-ranked opponent on the schedule - there isn't one. Texas' pair of losses to Georgia also represent the only two matchups with a ranked team on the schedule. One of the common denominators in the defeats is quarterback Quinn Ewers' struggles. The Bulldogs held Ewers to just 6.39 yards per attempt through the air over two games, intercepting him three times. Ewers averaged 8 yards per pass in the other nine games on the schedule.The game plan against Clemson is simple: Feed Quintrevion Wisner, Jaydon Blue, and whoever else wants carries, keep Ewers' workload to a minimum, and punch a ticket to the quarterfinals.<h3>Penn State: Outside weapon steps up</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761197/cropped_GettyImages-2188512760.jpg?ts=1734489791" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761197/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188512760.jpg?ts=1734489791 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761197/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188512760.jpg?ts=1734489791 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761197/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188512760.jpg?ts=1734489791 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761197/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188512760.jpg?ts=1734489791 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761197/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188512760.jpg?ts=1734489791 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>The best run defense on the Beaver Stadium field on Saturday won't belong to the home team. The Nittany Lions boast a very solid defense that receives plenty of attention, but SMU ranks third nationally in stopping the run. If the Mustangs slow the dynamic duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, can the receivers move the offense?Yes, the nation's top tight end, Tyler Warren, plays for Penn State and is the focal point of the passing attack. But a bulk of the game plan will certainly be based on limiting Warren's impact and forcing signal-caller Drew Allar to look elsewhere.Penn State hasn't had a receiver gain more than 60 yards since Nov. 9th, and Warren has led the team in the last four outings. Harrison Wallace III or Omari Evans will likely need to contribute in a big way if the team is going to make a CFP run.<h3>Notre Dame: Keep Indiana down early</h3>Notre Dame needs to fly out of the gates on Friday in the CFP opener against Indiana, and it's vital the stadium is rocking from the jump. The Hoosiers have made a living dominating teams in the opening frame: They rank first nationally among Power Conference teams in first-quarter defense and 13th in offense. Even in Indiana's toughest tests of the season, against both Michigan and Ohio State, the team scored opening-quarter touchdowns.If Notre Dame can avoid the early score, the Irish can look to contests against the Wolverines and Buckeyes for inspiration. The Hoosiers dominated every other opponent with a whopping 3.97 points per possession, but Ohio State and Michigan held them to just 1.52. Things will be significantly less stressful for coach Marcus Freeman if the Irish can come out flying.<h3>Ohio State: Get that swagger back</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754444/cropped_GettyImages-2183884998.jpg?ts=1731182794" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754444/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183884998.jpg?ts=1731182794 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754444/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183884998.jpg?ts=1731182794 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754444/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183884998.jpg?ts=1731182794 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754444/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183884998.jpg?ts=1731182794 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754444/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183884998.jpg?ts=1731182794 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ben Jackson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The last time we saw Ohio State take the field, the Buckeyes:<ul>
<li>Lost at home to Michigan as 23-point favorites, failing to score in the second half or get a first down in the 4th quarter</li>
<li>Fought after the game when the Wolverines planted a flag on the field</li>
<li>Saw an Ohio state representative propose a bill to make it a felony for opposition to plant a flag in the middle of Ohio Stadium</li>
</ul>It's been a long couple of weeks for Ohio State and Ryan Day - and that'll turn into a torturous offseason if they can't beat Tennessee on Saturday at home. Day, Chip Kelly and the offense seemed more determined to establish the Buckeyes as the more physically dominant team versus Michigan instead of exploiting the clear mismatch in the passing game. If they try that again versus the Volunteers' fourth-ranked rush defense, it's going to be a long night in front of 100,000 angry fans.Ohio State is blessed with a wide receiver group that features Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. Despite that core, Day and Kelly opted to repeatedly run between the tackles on Michigan's dominant defensive interior in the loss. The Buckeyes need to look themselves in the mirror, release the embarrassment of riches they have at wide receiver, and put the pedal to the metal against the Vols.<h3>Tennessee: Muck it up at Ohio State</h3>Plenty of jokes were made about a southern team traveling north to play in freezing temperatures, but Tennessee's makeup is essentially perfect for cold-weather football. The Volunteers feature one of the sport's top running backs, Dylan Sampson, and an outstanding defense that ranks fourth in the nation. Head coach Josh Heupel doesn't need to look far to see how that tracks at Ohio Stadium - that's essentially the blueprint Michigan followed in its stunning upset to end the campaign.The Volunteers need to make this a rock fight of sorts - the outside weapons on offense don't stack up with the fleet of thoroughbreds the Buckeyes trot out. Nico Iamaleava has shown flashes at times, but the young quarterback will be in tough against the nation's eighth-best defense in terms of pressure.<h3>Indiana: Make Notre Dame play its best</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755519/cropped_GettyImages-2176985684.jpg?ts=1731695730" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755519/w220xh124_GettyImages-2176985684.jpg?ts=1731695730 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755519/w320xh180_GettyImages-2176985684.jpg?ts=1731695730 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755519/w640xh360_GettyImages-2176985684.jpg?ts=1731695730 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755519/w768xh432_GettyImages-2176985684.jpg?ts=1731695730 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755519/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2176985684.jpg?ts=1731695730 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The Hoosiers cannot gift the Irish points as they did at Ohio State earlier this season.Indiana hung around pretty well against the Buckeyes in the Week 13 matchup. Then a blocked punt led to an easy score, and a 79-yard punt return resulted in an Ohio State touchdown, flipping a close game into a blowout.The talent gap between the two teams leans heavily toward Notre Dame and, if both play their best, the Irish will emerge victorious. However, if the Hoosiers can capitalize on any and all mistakes from Freeman's outfit, an upset could be in the cards.<h3>SMU: Hit on explosive plays</h3>SMU probably isn't built to go blow-for-blow with Penn State and sustain long drives in the cold of Beaver Stadium and its 100,000 screaming fans. It'll likely take the Mustangs some explosive plays to pull off a shocking upset - something they are built for, thanks to electric quarterback Kevin Jennings.SMU ranks seventh in the nation in plays over 20 yards and 10th in plays over 30. Jenning's dual-threat capabilities should keep the Nittany Lions' defense guessing - he can choose to be either a runner or a passer each play. While Penn State's defense is undoubtedly one of the top units in the country, it is prone to a letdown or two, ranking outside the top 50 nationally in explosive plays allowed.<h3>Clemson: Force turnovers</h3>It's going to be incredibly difficult for Clemson to put up many points against the incredible Texas defense, arguably the best unit of all the playoff teams. It also isn't overly encouraging that the Tigers' offense scored just 17 combined points in two games against SEC competition this year. That's going to put the onus on the defense to flip the game with a coach's best friend: turnovers.The Tigers rank inside the top 15 nationally in both fumbles forced and interceptions on the campaign. The Longhorns' offense isn't shy about turning the ball over, either - only seven teams have lost more fumbles than Texas this season, and Quinn Ewers has carded nine interceptions. Clemson needs to force turnovers and take advantage of short fields to put points on the board in Austin on Saturday.

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1 key for each team in CFP's opening round

Chalk one up for the PGA TOUR over LIV Golf after Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler scored a dom...

Chalk one up for the PGA TOUR over LIV Golf after Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler scored a dominant win over Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka on Tuesday night at the Crypto.com Showdown.McIlroy and Scheffler raced out of the gates at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas to win both of the six-hole team sessions and take a 2-0 lead to the singles matches. McIlroy shone brightest from the jump, birdieing his opening two holes to give the PGA TOUR side the early edge.If McIlroy's first two holes were the appetizer, consider his performance on the par-5 fourth the main course. With DeChambeau sitting just six feet away for eagle, the World No. 3 somehow poured in a deep putt to put all the pressure on the U.S. Open champion to match. DeChambeau pulled his attempt past the hole on the left to secure the victory for the PGA TOUR in the opening six-hole session.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Unfortunately, that was a sign of things to come for the LIV duo of Koepka and DeChambeau, with neither able to get anything going in either team format. Koepka struggled off the tee in alternate shot, putting his partner in tricky situations throughout. With the PGA TOUR pair flashing steady form, it wasn't much of a contest leading up to singles.Scheffler and McIlroy needed just a half-point from the two singles contests to secure the overall victory, and the World No. 1 supplied that with two holes to play in his head-to-head matchup with Koepka. McIlroy was also leading in his battle with DeChambeau to give the PGA TOUR the victory or lead in all four formats.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Scottie Scheffler (L) and Rory McIlroy of the PGA Tour talk during The Showdown: McIlroy and Scheffler v DeChambeau and Koepka at Shadow Creek Golf Course on December 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Rory, Scottie dominate Brooks, Bryson in the Showdown

The 2024 Heisman Trophy came down to the best running back season since 1988 and the best two-way...

The 2024 Heisman Trophy came down to the best running back season since 1988 and the best two-way performance since college football moved to the two-platoon system early in the 1960s.In the end, voters favored the all-around brilliance of Colorado cornerback and wide receiver <a href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a> over Boise State running back <a href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172507">Ashton Jeanty</a>'s absurd production. The quarterback duo of Miami's <a href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a> and Oregon's <a href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/138036">Dillon Gabriel</a> rounded out the four finalists for the award recognizing college football's top player.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>1st-place votes</th>
<th>Total points </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter</td>
<td> 552</td>
<td> 2231 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ashton Jeanty</td>
<td> 309</td>
<td> 2017 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dillon Gabriel</td>
<td> 24</td>
<td> 516 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Ward</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 229 </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Saturday's announcement made the Colorado star the first primarily defensive player to win the award since Charles Woodson in 1997. Primarily is used loosely in this case, as Hunter played 713 snaps on defense this season, only slightly more than his 709 on offense.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hunter was a superstar regardless of what unit was on the field, ranking second in the nation with 14 touchdown catches, fifth with 92 total catches, and sixth in receiving yards with 1,152. The former five-star recruit turned in highlight-reel grabs on the regular and was the most electric offensive player on the No. 23 Buffaloes ... and then he went over to play defense.The other three Heisman finalists took a much-deserved rest when the defense hit the field, but Hunter turned into an All-American candidate at a second position. His <a href="https://www.pff.com/college/grades/position/cb">91.2 coverage grade by PFF</a> ranked first nationally among all corners and his four interceptions tied for fourth at the position among Power 4 conference players. Those impressive numbers came despite the fact he was often matched up against the opposition's top weapon.While the other three finalists would be strong candidates in any other season, Hunter's massive role in whether or not his team had the ball was the deciding factor.Hunter's ability as a true unicorn in the sport is the only thing that kept Jeanty from being Boise State's first Heisman winner. It's borderline impossible to put up a better statistical season than the junior star turned in. He walked off the field eight days ago after the Mountain West Conference title victory just 131 yards shy of Barry Sanders' all-time record of 2,628 rushing yards in a single season.His total of 2,497 rushing yards this season is a comical 831 more than the second-best runner, but his ability to break tackles reveals the most absurd stat of the season: Jeanty rushed for more yards after contact (1,889) than 61 teams and every player in the country rushed for in total.Gabriel didn't miss a beat moving from Oklahoma to Oregon, somehow keeping the Ducks' offense humming despite the loss of NFL first-round quarterback <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a> in the offseason. Gabriel finished eighth in the nation in touchdown passes and passing yards, and his six interceptions on the year ranked second among quarterbacks with more than 400 attempts. However, the most important statistic for Gabriel is the 13-0 record he helped Oregon compile as it snatched the No. 1 seed for the CFP.Ward's single season with Miami was full of explosive highlights as the Washington State transfer led the nation's top offense to a 10-2 mark. Ward topped all players in touchdown passes with 36 and finished second to Syracuse's <a href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/161696">Kyle McCord</a> for passing yards. While the Hurricanes fell short of the CFP, the blame lays almost solely on the woeful defense. Ward won't be around in the playoff, but don't be shocked if he's the first quarterback taken in April's NFL draft.

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: Travis Hunter University of Colorado cornerback/wide receiver poses with the Trophy during the Heisman Trophy press conference at the Marriott Marquis on December 14, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Alabama's exclusion from the first edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff could affect h...

Alabama's exclusion from the first edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff could affect how the program builds its schedule moving forward.The 9-3 Crimson Tide are on the outside looking in, with the committee selecting 11-2 SMU as the final at-large berth Sunday.While the Mustangs had two more wins than Kalen DeBoer's team, the strength of schedule between the two programs wasn't close. Alabama held the 16th-ranked strength of schedule nationally, while SMU sat 60th. Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said the committee not putting more weight on strength of schedule will affect the program's approach.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We have said that we would need to see how strength of schedule would be evaluated by the CFP," Byrne wrote in a <a href="https://x.com/Greg_Byrne/status/1865865124201836785">post on X</a>. "With this outcome, we will need to assess how many (Power 4) nonconference games make sense in the future to put us in the best position to participate in the CFP. That is not good for college football."Alabama went 4-0 in its nonconference schedule and has no say in how the SEC slate breaks down each year. The main reason the Crimson Tide aren't in the playoff is a 5-3 record in conference play, with a shocking 24-3 loss to a 6-6 Oklahoma team ultimately being the deciding factor. That was the lowest point total in a game by an Alabama team since 2004. That loss was the third in a season that also featured the Crimson Tide's first defeat to Vanderbilt since 1984.The SEC only plays eight league games, while other top conferences put nine on the schedule. Ohio State is entering the playoff with a nonconference schedule that featured two MAC teams and a C-USA opponent, but the ninth Big Ten game gave the Buckeyes the same number of Power 4 contests as the Crimson Tide.Alabama joined Ole Miss and South Carolina as SEC teams just outside the CFP field. The three combined for a perfect 12-0 nonconference record this season while going 15-9 in conference.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Athletic director Greg Byrne of the Alabama Crimson Tide cuts the net after the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Clemson Tigers 89-82 in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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With the 2024 regular season officially over, it's time for postseason college football action.  ...

With the 2024 regular season officially over, it's time for postseason college football action.The full slate of 41 bowl games starts Dec. 14 and includes the CFP quarterfinals and semifinals. The first-round playoff games will take place Dec. 20 and 21st with the national title contest slated for Jan. 20 in Atlanta.Here's the full list of matchups for bowl season.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>DATE</th>
<th>BOWL</th>
<th>TEAM 1</th>
<th>TEAM 2</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 14</td>
<td>Salute to Veterans Bowl</td>
<td>South Alabama</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 17</td>
<td>Frisco Bowl</td>
<td>West Virginia</td>
<td>Memphis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 18</td>
<td>Boca Raton Bowl</td>
<td>Western Kentucky</td>
<td>James Madison</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 18</td>
<td>LA Bowl</td>
<td>Cal</td>
<td>UNLV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 19</td>
<td>New Orleans Bowl</td>
<td>Georgia Southern</td>
<td>Sam Houston</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 20</td>
<td>CureBowl</td>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td>Jacksonville State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 20</td>
<td>Gasparilla Bowl</td>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>Tulane</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 20</td>
<td>CFP 1st round</td>
<td>Notre Dame</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 21</td>
<td>CFP 1st round</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td>SMU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 21</td>
<td>CFP 1st round</td>
<td>Texas</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 21</td>
<td>CFP 1st round</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>Tennessee</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 23</td>
<td>Myrtle Beach Bowl</td>
<td>Coastal Carolina</td>
<td>UTSA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 23</td>
<td>Idaho Potato Bowl</td>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td>Fresno State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 24</td>
<td>Hawaii Bowl</td>
<td>South Florida</td>
<td>San Jose State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 26</td>
<td>GameAbove Sports Bowl</td>
<td>Pitt</td>
<td>Toledo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 26</td>
<td>Guaranteed Rate Bowl</td>
<td>Rutgers</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 26</td>
<td>68 Ventures Bowl</td>
<td>Arkansas State</td>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Holiday Bowl</td>
<td>Washington State</td>
<td>Syracuse</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Birmingham Bowl</td>
<td>Vanderbilt</td>
<td>Georgia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Armed Forces Bowl</td>
<td>Navy</td>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Liberty Bowl</td>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 27</td>
<td>Las Vegas Bowl</td>
<td>USC</td>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>Fenway Bowl</td>
<td>UConn</td>
<td>North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>Pinstripe Bowl</td>
<td>Boston College</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>New Mexico Bowl</td>
<td>TCU</td>
<td>Louisiana</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>Pop Tarts Bowl</td>
<td>Miami</td>
<td>Iowa State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>Arizona Bowl</td>
<td>Miami (Ohio)</td>
<td>Colorado State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>Military Bowl</td>
<td>NC State</td>
<td>East Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>Alamo Bowl</td>
<td>BYU</td>
<td>Colorado</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 28</td>
<td>Independence Bowl</td>
<td>Army</td>
<td>Marshall</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 30</td>
<td>Music City Bowl</td>
<td>Missouri</td>
<td>Iowa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>ReliaQuest Bowl</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Sun Bowl</td>
<td>Louisville</td>
<td>Washington</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Citrus Bowl</td>
<td>South Carolina</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Texas Bowl</td>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dec. 31</td>
<td>Fiesta Bowl (CFP QF)</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 1</td>
<td>Peach Bowl (CFP QF)</td>
<td>Arizona State</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 1</td>
<td>Rose Bowl (CFP QF)</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 1</td>
<td>Sugar Bowl (CFP QF)</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 2</td>
<td>Gator Bowl</td>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td>Duke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 3</td>
<td>First Responder Bowl</td>
<td>North Texas</td>
<td>Texas State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 3</td>
<td>Duke's Mayo Bowl</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 4</td>
<td>Bahamas Bowl</td>
<td>Buffalo</td>
<td>Liberty</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 9</td>
<td>Orange Bowl (CFP SF)</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan. 10</td>
<td>Cotton Bowl (CFP SF)</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 26: The Orange Bowl Trophy during the Big Ten Conference Media Days on July 26, 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN

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Supervising Editor

NCAA Football

Notre Dame (NCAAF)