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)
The College Football Semi-Finals have arrived, and we have four very talented teams that have what it takes to reach the finals! Here is how they matchup against their opponents and their keys to success!
4. Texas
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)
The Longhorns were one play away from not even advancing against a tough Arizona State team. Quinn Ewers showed a lot of moxie at the end of the game to pull out the win.
Can They Run The Ball Well Enough?
AUSTIN, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 03: The Texas Longhorns logo is seen in the end zone before the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
If Texas wants to advance they are going to need Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue to run for at least 150 yards between them and for Ewers to complete timely passes and control the time of possession.
3. Notre Dame
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)
The Fighting Irish defeated Georgia after taking control of the game from the end of the second quarter through the beginning of the third quarter.
Riley Leonard X-Factor
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)
We know how good Riley Leonard is as a rusher, but he needs to show that he can make the big throws in critical situations. Also, Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a knee injury and is questionable to play. If he is active, he will likely need a brace, which could restrict his movement.
2. Penn State
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 threw three TD passes against Boise State, but it really was the defense that was the MVP, containing Ashton Jeanty for much of the game. If they can contain Riley Leonard like they did Jeanty, it could mean happy times in Happy Valley.
Elite Playmakers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 12: A detail view of a Penn State Nittany Lions logo before the second half against USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
The Nittany Lions have two outstanding running backs in, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, that help with time of possession, and Tight End Ty Warren looks like a younger version of Dallas Clark.
1. Ohio State
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)
Looking back on this season, losing against Michigan might have been the thing that inspired this Buckeyes team. Will Howard looks relaxed in the pocket, and Jeremiah Smith is arguably the best receiver left playing.
Running Game
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)
Texas’s defense is excellent, but Ohio State has a running attack that is almost as solid as their passing attack. If the Buckeyes defense can force Texas into third and long obvious passing situations, there could be an All-Big Ten championship.
