FRIDAY

The Nittany Lions tore apart the Mustangs slowly but surely. The offense didn’t do much early, but the defense cooked early with two Pick-6’s. Eventually, Drew Allar resembled Josh Allen with his style of play that eventually cracked SMU’s defense. Allar, Tyler Warren, and running backs Nic Singleton and Kaytron Allen were keys to the offense’s success.

Boise State celebrated enough to understand they’re now ready for the postseason. While the offense must carry to an unspeakable upset against Penn State’s defense, Boise’s defense must also help to reach that goal.

All eyes are on Boise. A very refreshed Ashton Jeanty spells nightmare for Penn State’s defense if they don’t play sound, fundamental defense to shut down that bowling ball with knives. Boise could make things interesting, but it comes down to quarterback Maddux Madsen to extend the offense’s drive. The world could believe in Boise making a strong run in the college football playoff, but Penn State’s defense is one of the best in the nation that will put all their efforts on Jeanty to test Maddux under pressure.

MY PICK: PENN STATE

SATURDAY

The Longhorns surged early and held off Clemson in the second half to advance against a Big 12 Champion in an interesting irony. Quinn Ewers did alright, but the run game combo of Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner dominated Clemson’s defense to control two and a half quarters of football. That could come in handy as they go further into the playoffs.

Arizona State did the unthinkable and now are here with the opportunity to spoil a former Big 12 champion. The team relied heavily on Cam Skattebo from start to finish with the help of Sam Leavitt as the season progressed. Thanks to both, the Sun Devils believe they can be the CFP’s Cinderella.

What type of team will we see from both and who will leverage the situation? Arizona State’s known for putting the majority on Skattebo with Leavitt finally stepping up. The receivers are underrated but could be more impactful than some expect. Texas will lean on their running backs, and the defense will continue making impactful plays to disrupt the offense’s opportunities. Their front seven will be tested against Arizona State’s workhorse, but they could do enough to make Arizona State’s offense look one-dimensional.

MY PICK: TEXAS

Ohio State dominated Tennessee at home. They exposed their secondary with their talented receivers with Will Howard’s confidence. Jim Knowles’ defense put Nico Iamaleava and the rest of the offense on their knees with each possession and fortified their position in the second half. The Buckeyes have vengeance along with anger on their mind (over the Michigan loss) as they head to the iconic Rose Bowl to face Oregon again.

Oregon proved they were the best in the regular season and Big Ten championship to strut their stuff as the overall team in the playoffs. Now, they’re up against a pretty frustrated Buckeyes looking for an equalizer. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel and company are ready for another stiff competition as everyone is ready for a National Championship run.

Oregon and Ohio State face each other for the second time in the playoffs since the first annual Four-Team National Championship. I assume everyone’s on the Ducks to run the table against Ohio State. They have an offense all over that could be unstoppable again. No offense except Oregon had succession against Jim Knowles’ defense for 20 points all season. However, Ohio State could equalize Oregon this time. They’re motivated, angry, and primed for a National Championship run after having those expectations all season. There’s belief they can do it, and plenty is on Will Howard’s clock management awareness to get them over the hump with Ohio State’s great defense.

MY PICK: OHIO STATE

Notre Dame rolled past Indiana with little resistance. Riley Leonard, Jeremiyah Love, and company tore apart Indiana’s defense while making life complicated for quarterback Kurtis Rourke. They move on to Georgia, who they have an interesting history with.

Georgia had a much-needed rest with all the casualties on their roster. They’re reluctant to get this far to get a bye week, but now they’re up against a good Notre Dame team filled with physicality on offense and grittiness on defense. Unfortunately, Carson Beck is out for the rest of the season, so now the ball is in Gunner Stockton’s court for the quarterfinals.

Both have a history with all three games being decided by seven points or less with Georgia winning all three of them in neutral site, on the road, and at home. This matchup has a feeling of more grit and physicality involved. If you’re thinking of a spread and total for your bets, consider the under since all three of their matchup totals were at or under 40. Riley Leonard won’t have the same game as last time and the entire offense could feel the heat of a very tough Georgia team. Even with Stockton, Georgia will find their way past Notre Dame’s defense.

MY PICK: GEORGIA