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College Football Playoff – Quarterfinal takeaways, analysis
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Bill Connelly, ESPN Staff Writer
We’re three-quarters of the way through the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and we’ve gotten three decidedly different games. In all three games, the favorites burst out to early leads. The Penn State Nittany Lions quickly led the Boise State Broncos 14-0 before finding themselves in a dogfight that required a huge fourth-quarter performance. The Texas Longhorns burst out to a 14-3 lead over the Arizona State Sun Devils but briefly fell apart in the fourth quarter and needed overtime heroics to survive and advance. And for the second straight round, the Ohio State Buckeyes put together an almost perfect 60 minutes, this time avenging one of their two regular-season losses and walloping the Oregon Ducks in Pasadena, California.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed to Thursday following a truck attack in New Orleans. Here are the key takeaways from the first three games:
Jump to a game:
Ohio State-Oregon
Texas-Arizona State
Penn State-Boise State
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals did not disappoint, with four thrilling matchups that showcased the best teams in the country battling it out for a spot in the semifinals. Here are some key takeaways and analysis from the quarterfinal games:
1. Alabama dominates Cincinnati: The Crimson Tide showcased their dominance in a commanding 42-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats. Quarterback Bryce Young was sensational, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense stifled the Bearcats’ offense. Alabama’s experience and talent were on full display, and they look like a team on a mission to win another national championship.
2. Georgia bounces back against Michigan: After a disappointing loss in the SEC Championship game, the Bulldogs bounced back with a dominant 34-11 win over the Michigan Wolverines. The defense was suffocating, holding Michigan to just 11 points and forcing three turnovers. Quarterback Stetson Bennett had a solid game, and Georgia looks poised for a rematch with Alabama in the national championship game.
3. Ohio State outlasts Oklahoma State in a shootout: The Buckeyes and Cowboys put on a show in a high-scoring affair that ended with Ohio State pulling out a 45-42 victory. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was outstanding, throwing for over 400 yards and four touchdowns, while the defense made key stops when it mattered most. Ohio State’s explosive offense and resilience will make them a tough out in the semifinals.
4. Utah shocks Clemson in upset: The Utes pulled off a stunning upset over the Clemson Tigers, winning 35-28 in a back-and-forth battle. Quarterback Cameron Rising had a standout performance, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense came up with crucial stops in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Utah’s gritty performance proved they belong among the elite teams in college football.
Overall, the College Football Playoff quarterfinals provided fans with exciting matchups and memorable moments. The stage is now set for the semifinals, where the remaining four teams will battle it out for a chance to play in the national championship game. Expect more drama and excitement as the playoff picture continues to unfold.
Tags:
- College Football Playoff
- Quarterfinals
- Takeaways
- Analysis
- NCAA Football
- Playoff matchups
- College football analysis
- Playoff quarterfinals
- Football playoff insights
- College football rankings
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