The stage is set for the quarterfinals of the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) as it approaches its pivotal games over the New Year’s holiday. Following the first round, which had its fair share of blowouts and lopsided scores, the focus is now on the matchups featuring teams fighting for advancement toward the national championship.
For those who missed the action, the first round saw booming scores, with average final tallies reflecting the dominance of the higher seeds. The four games resulted in winners outscoring their opponents 36 to 17 on average, with no game decided by less than ten points. There was only one lead change throughout the 240 minutes of combined play, leading many to speculate about the competitive nature of the new 12-team format, which some critics argue may not have delivered the expected influx of parity.
Despite the earlier outcomes, the upcoming quarterfinal matchups offer renewed hope for excitement. The games are as follows:
The Fiesta Bowl will feature No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions against No. 3 Boise State Broncos on December 31. Penn State enters the contest as 10.5-point favorites after showcasing their strength and depth against ranked opponents. Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, who leads the nation’s rushing charts, will be pivotal for Boise State.
On January 1, the action continues with the Peach Bowl, where No. 5 Texas Longhorns will take on No. 4 Arizona State Sun Devils. Texas, coming off their first-round win over Clemson, is favored by 13.5 points. They’ll need to contain Arizona State’s dynamic playmakers, including QB Sam Leavitt and RB Cam Skattebo, both of whom have been key to their success this season.
The time-honored Rose Bowl match will bring No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes against top-seeded No. 1 Oregon Ducks, rekindling the competitive spirit from their nail-biting encounter earlier this season where Oregon edged Ohio State by just one point. Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, is focused on overcoming their previous loss and has noted the need to effectively utilize their playmakers.
The final game on January 1 will be the Sugar Bowl, featuring No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia's quarterback Carson Beck may miss out due to injury, raising questions about their offensive strategy against Notre Dame, which aims to carry its strong defensive momentum through.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed optimism after the Longhorns’ successful first round: "I think college football got this one right." His perspective highlights the significance of engaging fans with on-campus matches and larger playoff venues, cultivating enthusiasm for the sport.
On the other hand, experts and fans alike have opinions on the CFP's structure. Cole Kiffin, the Ole Miss coach, remarked on the lack of competition seen during the first round matches, questioning the viability of higher seeds claiming victory based too easily. "What happened the weekend has been going on for 10 years. The average margin for the previous playoffs was significant, showing expectations don’t always align with reality," he added.
With all eyes now shifting to the quarterfinals, both the coaches and players possess their own stakes. Not only is the national championship at hand, but also the acceptance and acknowledgment of their respective programs on the national stage. The dynamics of this playoff format provide many teams their first opportunities at glory—Arizona State being one of the debutants after reaching this pivotal stage.
Experts theorize if the absence of competitive drama from the initial round will affect viewership and fan engagement going forward. The quarterfinal matchups stand to both reinforce and challenge the narrative surrounding the expanded playoff format. Could the tight competition finally emerge, or will the powerhouses continue to dominate? The upcoming games promise to be as electrifying as the title suggests.
Whether it’s through the scores, pivotal moments, or standout performances, the 2024 College Football Playoff quarterfinals are ready to make waves. With each team striving for supremacy, it becomes crystal clear—every game counts and each play could swing the balance, just as it always has.
