The revamped College Football Playoff (CFP) kicked off with a slate of four opening-round games, characterized by a lack of nail-biting finishes. The matches, decided by a combined margin of 77 points, left fans with little in terms of drama or unforgettable moments.
The action began Friday night, as Notre Dame inaugurated the 12-team playoff format with a solid 27-17 victory over Indiana. This was followed by two rather uneventful games on Saturday afternoon. Penn State cruised to a commanding 38-10 win over SMU, thanks to a dominant defensive showing. Meanwhile, Texas fended off Clemson, maintaining control throughout most of the game before closing out a 38-24 triumph despite a brief fourth-quarter surge from the Tigers.
The final game of the weekend initially seemed destined for a similar outcome. Ohio State stormed to a 21-0 lead against Tennessee and appeared poised to put the game out of reach early in the second quarter. However, a critical interception in the end zone sparked life into the Volunteers, who managed to narrow the deficit to 21-10 by halftime. Despite this glimmer of hope, the Buckeyes quickly regained momentum with an early third-quarter touchdown, paving the way for a dominant 41-17 victory.
With the opening round in the books, the playoff now shifts to the quarterfinals, scheduled for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Notre Dame will face off against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, Penn State will clash with Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, and Texas will meet Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Meanwhile, Ohio State is set for a highly anticipated rematch against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
One point of contention from the opening round centers on the playoff selection committee’s controversial decisions, particularly the inclusion of SMU as the final at-large team over several SEC contenders. Both SMU and Indiana, the two lowest-ranked teams in the field, suffered decisive losses, reigniting debates about the fairness and criteria of the selection process. This mirrors a common criticism from the previous four-team playoff era, where blowouts in the national semifinals frequently prompted questions about whether the best teams had truly been chosen.
Nevertheless, the expanded format offers a significant difference: three weeks of football remain before a national champion is crowned, providing ample time for more competitive matchups to unfold.
Winners and Losers from the Opening Round
Winners
Ohio State Among all the opening-round victors, Ohio State delivered the most impressive performance. After ending the regular season on a sour note with a loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes showcased why they are still considered strong contenders for the national championship despite missing out on the Big Ten title game.
Quarterback Will Howard was instrumental in Ohio State’s success, completing 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns, with his lone blemish being the first-half interception. He displayed excellent chemistry with standout receivers Jeremiah Smith, who tallied 103 yards, and Emeka Egbuka, who added 81 yards. Defensively, the Buckeyes had moments of vulnerability, particularly against Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, but benefited from an injury to Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson, who was limited to just two carries due to a hamstring issue. Overall, Ohio State outgained Tennessee by more than 200 yards, reinforcing their status as a legitimate title contender.
Penn State Penn State’s defense stole the show in a commanding victory over SMU, demonstrating why the Nittany Lions have been a force to reckon with all season. The defense forced multiple turnovers and consistently stifled SMU’s offense, which struggled to find any rhythm. On the offensive side, quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nicholas Singleton led a balanced attack that kept SMU’s defense on its heels.
This dominant performance has set up a fascinating quarterfinal matchup against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. While Boise State enters as an underdog, Penn State will need to maintain its defensive intensity to avoid any potential upsets.
Texas The Longhorns delivered a steady performance against Clemson, controlling the game from the outset despite a brief scare in the fourth quarter. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was efficient, spreading the ball to multiple receivers and keeping the Tigers’ defense off balance. Meanwhile, the Longhorns’ defense held firm against Clemson’s attempts to rally late in the game.
With the win, Texas now advances to the Peach Bowl, where they will face Arizona State. The Longhorns’ balanced approach on both sides of the ball positions them as favorites in this matchup and potential contenders for the national title.
Losers
SMU and Indiana The two lowest-seeded teams in the tournament failed to deliver competitive performances, casting doubt on their inclusion in the playoff field. SMU’s lopsided loss to Penn State, in particular, has fueled criticism of the selection committee’s decision to prioritize the Mustangs over several SEC teams with stronger resumes. Similarly, Indiana’s defeat to Notre Dame highlighted the disparity between the top-tier teams and the lower seeds in the expanded format.
Playoff Selection Committee The committee’s choices have come under fire following the blowout losses by SMU and Indiana. Critics argue that the expanded format should have prioritized teams capable of competing at a higher level, particularly from the SEC, which was notably underrepresented in this year’s playoff field. The controversy underscores ongoing challenges in balancing inclusivity with competitive balance in the playoff selection process.
Tennessee The Volunteers entered their matchup against Ohio State with high hopes but were overwhelmed by the Buckeyes’ explosive offense and physicality. While Tennessee showed resilience by cutting into the deficit late in the first half, the team was unable to sustain that momentum in the second half. The loss serves as a disappointing conclusion to what had been an otherwise promising season.
Looking Ahead
The quarterfinal round promises more compelling matchups and opportunities for redemption for teams like Ohio State and Texas, who are seeking to validate their championship aspirations. For Notre Dame, Penn State, and Boise State, the upcoming games represent a chance to further establish themselves as legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, the selection committee will hope that the remaining games deliver more competitive outcomes to silence some of the criticism surrounding the new format.
As the 12-team playoff continues, fans and analysts alike will eagerly anticipate whether the expanded field can deliver the excitement and unpredictability that have become hallmarks of college football’s postseason. For now, the opening round has set the stage for what could be a thrilling conclusion to the season.
