College Football Playoff for the season 2024/2025 has gone to the semi-final stage after having quarter-final fixtures. This is the semifinal preview together with predictions of specialists in the bracket of the national championship.
Semifinal Matchups: Orange Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 6 Penn State
Date: January 9, 2025 Summary: After beating Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl, Notre Dame is all set to play Penn State, which had advanced after defeating Boise State. The two teams have showcased great defense and effective offense. So, get ready for an intense battle.
Cotton Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Texas
Date: January 10, 2025 Summary: Ohio State has been on a roll, winning the Rose Bowl 41-21 over top-seeded Oregon. The team’s resurgence has been led by quarterback Will Howard and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has been explosive in his performances. They will face Texas, which advanced after a good win over Arizona State.
Ohio State’s Momentum: Many analysts have favored Ohio State, that the momentum has to continue for them. They have been showing how a well-balanced attack and defense have made them a strong team for Texas. As of now, the Buckeyes have been favorites over the Cotton Bowl by six points.
Notre Dame vs. Penn State: This one appears slightly more or rather moderately biased. The danger and wild air of Penn State’s offense will threaten to crack the suave defense of Notre Dame. Perhaps the fate of this one will be determined by a few crucial turnovers plus the swirling battle over the line of scrimmage.
Premier’s Championship Contender
The semi-final winners will take on the National Championship Game on
January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Currently, Ohio State has odds of +110 for winning the title, while Notre Dame stands at +340.
This kind of development increases the expectations for closer games as the teams engage in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. These games will not only determine who moves to the nationals but also shape the future of these great programs besides defining the future of these legendary coaches.
