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NCAA College Football Playoffs: Biggest Takeaways From Every Game

Andrew Weimer

Published

2 days ago

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 8: Detail view of the trophy as Michigan Wolverines players celebrate winning the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 8, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

With the first round of the CFB playoffs over, here are the biggest takeaways from each game!

Indiana vs Notre Dame: Notre Dame needs to lean on their defense

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: The ” Notre Dame” end zone logo prior to the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Notre Dame has been a strong team ever since their 14-16 to NIU in week 2. They have had a strong defense, especially in the run game, and this was displayed in the game vs Indiana. Notre Dame dominated the line of scrimmage against the Hoosiers, who had only 63 rushing yards all game. With a big game against Georgia coming up against a backup quarterback, they need to lean on their rush defense and not turn the ball over for their best chance to win.

SMU vs Penn State: Keep Drew Allar comfortable

STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 09: Drew Allar #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts a pass against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 09, 2024 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Drew Allar has significantly improved this season in his pocket passing and his pocket presence. In previous seasons, Allar could get rattled, but he has transformed his game, and we saw this against SMU. If he is comfortable with a strong run game and he can spread the ball around, Penn State has the chance to beat anybody.

Clemson vs Texas: Texas’ D may not be as strong as we thought

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 2: Cade Klubnik #2 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at Memorial Stadium on November 2, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

Cade Klubnik dominated Texas at home, where Texas should have shut Clemson out much sooner than they did, this is due to a shaky pass defense. For a stout defense that had not had many flaws all year, they were exposed by Clemson. It was not about the fact that Klubnik had 336 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the way he did it: he was passing the ball between the numbers, outside the numbers, behind the line of scrimmage, and downfield, this presents a lot of issues Texas has and may have to address in their future games.

Tennessee vs Ohio State: Ohio State should be the favorite to win the National Championship

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 19: A view of the Ohio State Buckeyes logo on a belt before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 19, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

The Buckeyes came out on Saturday night with a chip on their shoulder, ready to prove themselves. After the embarrassing loss at home vs Michigan, seniors such as Will Howard, Jack Sawyer, Emeka Egbuka, and J.T. Tuimoloau wanted a chance at redemption by dismantling Tennessee 17-42. When Ohio State utilizes their weapons and gets them out in space, it can easily beat any team in the nation.

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