2024-25 College Football Playoff showcased thrilling moments that fans will remember for years to come.
The Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl delivered excitement. Notre Dame returned to the title game for the first time in 12 years, clinching victory in a nail-biting finish against Penn State. Meanwhile, Ohio State secured a shot at its first championship in a decade by defeating Texas, highlighted by a critical goal-line stand and Jack Sawyer’s remarkable scoop-and-score play. Both matchups were anticipated clashes that did not disappoint.
This year’s College Football Playoff has exceeded expectations.
Before delving into the final game preview, here are key takeaways from the semifinals.
Texas’ valiant effort fell short.
Texas approached the Ohio State game with a well-structured plan, knowing the Buckeyes were formidable opponents. Ohio State had been a dominant force in its previous CFP outings, making it clear that Texas needed a precise strategy to emerge victorious.
The Longhorns were in contention throughout. Although Ohio State struggled with execution and incurred penalties, Texas had a real opportunity to claim an upset victory. At one point in the fourth quarter, it appeared Texas might pull ahead. They managed to weather Ohio State’s early scoring, which was crucial for their momentum.
However, Texas made critical errors at pivotal moments. Notably, they failed to score at the 1-yard line while trailing 21-14 and allowed TreVeyon Henderson to sprint 75 yards for a touchdown just before halftime.
Examining the Henderson touchdown reveals that Texas could have adjusted their defensive strategy. They will likely review that decision closely, particularly the choice to blitz a cornerback, which created an opening for the screen pass.
Despite these setbacks, Texas nearly rebounded. Quarterback Will Howard struggled, and Ohio State’s offensive approach lacked creativity, largely due to Texas’ strong defensive play.
Ohio State’s fourth-quarter “eye candy” plays were evident during their game-winning drive, but Texas responded admirably, with quarterback Quinn Ewers making notable plays. The Longhorns appeared poised to tie the game after Ohio State took a 21-14 lead.
When Texas reached the 1-yard line, they faced the toughest goal-line defense in college football. This fact loomed large during their offensive series, as Steve Sarkisian had crafted a game plan anticipating challenges in running the ball up the middle.
Texas aimed to exploit the perimeter, calling for a slant and outside runs. The second-and-goal sweep play drew criticism, especially after safety Caleb Downs disrupted it, pushing Texas back. Many questioned the play call, but Sarkisian’s analysis likely indicated that running straight ahead would not yield success.
While toss sweeps in short-yardage situations can be contentious, understanding the rationale behind the call helps contextualize the decision.
Jack Sawyer’s moment of glory.
Jack Sawyer’s earlier interception against Michigan seemed destined to be a defining moment, but Ohio State’s loss overshadowed it. However, he finally found his spotlight in the CFP semifinals with a stunning play that will be remembered in Columbus and across college football.
This defensive play was remarkable and stands out as one of the most impactful moments made by a single player. Sawyer, a key part of Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class, has solidified his legacy in the eyes of fans.
His talent and character have shone through in interactions, making his moment even more special.
Strategies to contain Ohio State’s offense exist.
Ohio State’s inconsistent execution opened the door for Texas. While Texas showcased strong defensive efforts, Ohio State’s offensive struggles were often self-inflicted. The lack of creativity in their play-calling has been a recurring theme, as seen in prior matchups.
Will Howard excels when Ohio State utilizes its playmakers effectively, but he is not as effective as a drop-back passer, especially against a talented Texas secondary. Notre Dame may find hope in Texas’ successful strategy of doubling standout wideout Jeremiah Smith.
Texas is on the rise.
The outcome of the game may feel disheartening for Texas, but Sarkisian has positioned the program for future success. Reaching the semifinals for a second consecutive year shows promise, and Sarkisian’s tenure appears secure.
With Ewers indicating plans to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, a quarterback transition is on the horizon. However, Arch Manning’s arrival suggests Texas will remain competitive within the SEC.
Notre Dame excels in situational football.
The Fighting Irish consistently make pivotal plays at critical moments, a testament to head coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership. His coaching has led the team to execute well and minimize mistakes.
In the high-stakes final minutes, Notre Dame capitalized on opportunities while Penn State faltered. Games often hinge on a few decisive plays, and Notre Dame rose to the occasion, while Penn State did not.
Freeman’s skillful coaching has transformed Notre Dame into a team that garners respect, even from those who may have previously held negative views.
Drew Allar’s interception was costly but not solely his fault.
Both teams faced challenges moving the ball, creating a tense atmosphere that fans appreciated. Penn State’s defense performed admirably, limiting Notre Dame’s rushing attack effectively.
Similar to Texas, Penn State made critical errors, but these were not attributed to coaching decisions. A slip in coverage contributed to Jaden Greathouse’s game-tying touchdown, and Allar’s interception ultimately sealed Penn State’s fate.
Despite the loss, this season was a success for Penn State. The team was in a position to secure a national championship spot, a scenario that fans would have welcomed at the season’s outset. However, the heartbreak reflects the competitive nature of the expanded CFP.
Allar will carry the weight of that interception, a moment that will linger in his memory. While he deserves some blame, it’s essential to view the play in context. He attempted to make a decision under pressure, which is a common challenge for quarterbacks.
Allar’s leadership shone through as he took responsibility for the error, embodying the accountability expected of quarterbacks. In both victory and defeat, the quarterback must bear the weight of the outcome.
Penn State’s receiving corps fell short.
In the lead-up to the game, it was clear that Penn State’s receivers needed to step up. Head coach James Franklin has acknowledged that the team has struggled to find a reliable receiver in clutch situations. Unfortunately, during the Orange Bowl, the receivers had no catches, marking a historic low.
Franklin recognized this gap and sought to address it through the transfer portal. While there were moments of brilliance from the receivers throughout the season, consistency was lacking.
This inconsistency proved detrimental during the most critical moments of the season, leaving Penn State with a challenging reality to confront.
