2024-25 College Football Playoff has seen remarkable performances, particularly from Marcus Freeman, as the landscape of SEC dominance shifts. The semifinalists are now determined after thrilling quarterfinal matchups: Penn State triumphed over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, Texas edged Arizona State in a gripping double-overtime Peach Bowl, Ohio State showcased its strength against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, and Notre Dame overcame Georgia in the delayed Sugar Bowl.
The final quarterfinal clash was postponed due to a tragic event in New Orleans. Heartfelt condolences are extended to those impacted by this incident.
New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl offered a unique perspective, allowing one to experience the game as a fan. The Rose Bowl stands out among bowl games, deserving a central role in college football, ideally as the championship game each January 1. This adjustment could alleviate some scheduling conflicts in the sport.
The enchanting atmosphere of the Rose Bowl would provide a stable destination for college football, akin to championship rounds in other sports. A championship game there would have everyone on the “Run for the Roses,” making it one of the premier sporting events in the nation, rather than being lost amid the quarterfinals.
Here are the key insights from the four College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Georgia did not resemble its usual self.
Winning the middle eight—comprising the last four minutes of the first half and the first four of the second half—is often emphasized by coaches. This game highlighted that principle when a tied score quickly shifted to a Notre Dame lead due to a strip-sack and subsequent touchdown. This momentum swing proved detrimental for Georgia, as Notre Dame capitalized by returning the second-half kickoff for another score. The lack of offensive depth for Georgia became evident, aligning with earlier predictions about the matchup.
Marcus Freeman’s leadership shines.
The SEC’s dominance is no longer guaranteed.
While the SEC remains a formidable conference with many players likely to be drafted, the notion of its unchallenged superiority is fading. The competition landscape is evolving.
Jeremiah Smith is making waves as a freshman.
Smith’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a breakout game at the Rose Bowl. With seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns, he showcased his ability to thrive even in challenging conditions, including triple coverage. His talent places him in a select group of freshmen who have dominated the field.
At 42 years old, witnessing Smith’s prowess reminds one of Adrian Peterson’s early days at Oklahoma, where his talent was immediately apparent. Both players stand out as extraordinary talents who have made significant impacts as freshmen.
Smith’s involvement allows Ohio State to reach its full potential, demonstrating the importance of utilizing top talent effectively.
Ohio State is hitting its stride at the right moment.
Ohio State’s first-half performance was overwhelmingly strong, showcasing the depth and talent of its roster. The Buckeyes are now finding the right combinations, maximizing their potential as they approach the playoff stage.
While many have compared Ryan Day’s and Chip Kelly’s offensive strategies due to their past collaboration, their approaches differ significantly. Day’s offense is characterized by its dynamic passing game, while Kelly’s leans more towards a run-centric style.
The Buckeyes had to recalibrate their strategy, focusing on the passing game to set up their running plays. This adjustment has proven effective in their playoff victories, posing a serious challenge for Texas in the upcoming match.
Defensively, Jim Knowles has successfully blended his strategies, allowing Ohio State to pressure opponents while minimizing big plays. The Buckeyes’ defensive front was dominant, contributing to their success against Oregon.
Both the Ohio State offense and defense are performing at peak levels, signaling a strong contender for the national championship.
Oregon’s defeat highlights flaws in the CFP structure.
Oregon’s resilience in the face of adversity was commendable. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel managed to make significant plays despite heavy pressure, finishing with 299 passing yards. However, the team struggled to secure crucial stops against Ohio State.
Despite the 41-21 loss, Oregon’s performance speaks volumes about its strength as a team. Head coach Dan Lanning took responsibility for the loss, demonstrating the qualities of a true leader.
This season, Oregon had the nation’s best regular season, underscoring the importance of regular-season performance in college football. However, the current playoff format has led to concerns about maintaining that significance.
The seeding process raised eyebrows, as Oregon should not have faced Ohio State in the opening round. The committee’s seeding decisions have drawn criticism, particularly regarding Texas and Penn State’s placement ahead of Ohio State.
The playoff structure needs revision, especially considering the vibrant home environments seen in earlier rounds. College football thrives in these settings, and Oregon deserved the opportunity to host a game.
Fans at the Rose Bowl expressed concerns about the taxing nature of neutral-site games, particularly for teams traveling long distances. This situation raises questions about the fairness and practicality of the current playoff format.
Texas’ win raises concerns for the future.
While Texas secured a victory, questions linger about the team’s performance. The early scoring plays may have skewed perceptions, but Arizona State’s ability to stay competitive highlighted weaknesses in the Texas lineup.
Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo delivered an impressive performance, showcasing the potential of Arizona State. Coach Kenny Dillingham must be frustrated, as his team had opportunities to seize the game.
Despite Quinn Ewers’ commendable efforts, Texas’ offensive line and defense fell short. Questions about the team’s consistency and play-calling strategies will need addressing as they prepare for stronger opponents.
With Ohio State looming, Texas faces a significant challenge, as the Buckeyes are stronger on both sides of the ball compared to previous opponents.
The targeting controversy involving Texas safety Michael Taaffe also raises questions about officiating consistency. The review process for targeting is complex, and many believe that the hit on ASU receiver Melquan Stovall warranted a penalty.
While it is uncertain whether Arizona State would have won had the call been made, the missed penalty adds to the discussion surrounding officiating in critical moments.
Penn State must maintain focus on success.
Both teams likely felt they left opportunities on the field. Boise State’s missed chances, including a lost touchdown due to a penalty, hampered their efforts to close the gap.
Penn State may reflect on their performance and wonder if they could have capitalized even more. A common adage among playcallers is to avoid losing focus when achieving success. The importance of sticking to what works cannot be overstated.
Boise State’s initial struggles to tackle allowed Penn State to gain momentum early. However, the Nittany Lions must not let teams linger in games, especially against elite opponents, as they continue to pursue their championship aspirations.
