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)
In the playoffs, teams need to rely on their star players to win big games. So, here is one key player for every remaining team in the College Football playoffs!
Arizona State—RB Cam Skattebo
MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 16: Running back Cam Skattebo #4 of the Arizona State Sun Devils jogs off the field in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
Skattebo is the engine for the Sun Devils, and they are going to need him to have 25-30 touches and150+ all-purpose yards if they want to have any chance to pull off the upset.
Boise State—RB Ashton Jeanty
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos warms up before their game against the San Jose State Spartans at CEFCU Stadium on November 16, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Jeanty, the Heisman Runner-Up, has been unstoppable thus far this season. Penn State knows he’s getting the football, so it will be up to Jeanty to keep drives going if the Broncos want to keep it competitive.
Georgia—RB Trevor Etienne
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 7: Trevor Etienne #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball during a game between University of Texas and University of Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
With Carson Beck out for the remainder of the playoffs, Georgia is going to need to rely on their ground game more now than ever. If Etienne can rush for 100+ yards, the Bulldogs’ defense will keep the game close.
Notre Dame—QB Riley Leonard
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 09: Riley Leonard #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws a pass against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 09, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Leonard is considered a dual-threat QB but he’s far better with his legs than his arm. Teams are going to force the Irish to throw. Can Leonard find his receivers when it counts most?
Oregon—RB Jordan James
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 07: Jordan James #20 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2024 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
If James can run well, it will take pressure off Dillon Gabriel and the passing attack. If he gets stopped, Gabriel is going to have to win it himself which is a tougher task.
Ohio State—QB Will Howard
COLUMBUS, OHIO – DECEMBER 21: Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a Buckeyes touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
He came up short against Oregon and Michigan in the regular season but Howard has the talent to be the dual threat to lead Ohio State to a championship. Anything less will be considered a disappointment for the most talented team in the nation.
Penn State—QB Drew Allar
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)
Teams know how well the Nittany Lions can run the ball, so the smarter defensive coaches are going to see how well they can pass. If Allar can continue playing at a high level, Penn State might be the next champion.
Texas—QB Quinn Ewers
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 09: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the Florida Gators at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Ewers has been inconsistent towards the end of the season, throwing four interceptions in his last three games. Texas arguably has the best defense left in the field; they just need their offense to not make any critical mistakes.
