College Football Playoff Semifinal Picks: Ohio State-Texas, Notre Dame-Penn State
Jan 7, 2025
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The excitement heats up as college football playoff semifinals approach! Key matchups like Notre Dame vs. Penn State and Ohio State facing Texas are analyzed. The discussion highlights how Penn State could pivot its program with a crucial victory and what strategies Texas will need to slow down a formidable Ohio State team. Player performances, offensive and defensive tactics, and potential game-changing moments are all unpacked in this thrilling breakdown. Predictions are made, teasing a potential championship clash!
41:30
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Quick takeaways
Texas must survive the first quarter against Ohio State to avoid falling into an early insurmountable deficit in the semifinal.
The performance and health of star players like Abdul Carter and Jeremiah Love will be crucial for Notre Dame and Penn State's chances in their matchup.
Deep dives
Importance of Surviving the First Quarter
Surviving the first quarter is crucial for Texas in the upcoming semifinal match against Ohio State. Historically, Ohio State has dominated in their playoff games, gaining significant early leads that have proven insurmountable for their opponents. For instance, they outscored Tennessee 21-0 and Oregon 34-0 in the opening quarters of their previous playoff matchups. If Texas fails to withstand this early barrage, they risk falling into a deep hole that would be difficult to recover from against a high-performing Ohio State offense.
The Evolution of Ohio State's Offense
Ohio State's offense has transformed into a dynamic force following their loss to Michigan, now focusing on an aggressive and versatile play style. With an increased emphasis on pass-first strategies, the offense has successfully opened gaps for the running game while utilizing counter gap schemes. This evolution has seen players like Will Howard thrive, displaying confidence that could drive their performance in the semifinals. Their dual-threat capability creates a significant challenge for Texas, compelling them to adapt their defensive strategies.
Penn State vs. Notre Dame: A Tipping Point Game
The matchup between Penn State and Notre Dame is framed as a crucial tipping point in both teams' trajectories in college football. Notre Dame, riding a wave of momentum with a 12-game winning streak, faces a resilient Penn State squad that has shown improvement against elite teams. The ability of both teams to run the ball effectively will determine the outcome, as each defense has excelled in stopping the run in recent games. With key injuries on both sides, the performance of star players will play a significant role in shaping the outcome of this high-stakes semifinal.
Health Concerns and Key Players
Health concerns surrounding star players Abdul Carter of Penn State and Jeremiah Love of Notre Dame could significantly impact the semifinals. Carter, known for his disruptive defensive presence, is dealing with a shoulder injury, which raises questions about his effectiveness against Notre Dame's run game. On the other side, Love's knee issue may limit his explosiveness and overall contribution, despite him being a vital part of Notre Dame's offensive strategy. Both teams will need these players in peak form to capitalize on their strengths and adapt to the other team's strategies.
FOX Sports’ lead College Football analyst Joel Klatt makes his picks for the College Football Playoff Semifinal matchups as Ohio State takes on Texas and Notre Dame faces Penn State. He begins by looking at the Orange Bowl matchup between the Nittany Lions and Fighting Irish and points out the blueprint for a win for each side. He also explains why this game is a tipping point game for the Penn State program in particular. He then shifts to the question of whether Texas can slow down this Ohio State team that is firing on all cylinders with players like Jeremiah Smith leading on offense and a suffocating defense. He explains what has changed for Ohio State in the CFP and what Texas has to do if they want to pull off the upset in Arlington.
0:00-3:01 Intro
3:02-15:59 Notre Dame vs. Penn State
16:00-23:08 Notre Dame and Penn State’s keys to the game