Quarterfinal action of the first-ever 12-team college football playoff begins just after Christmas and we will get to enjoy some compelling matchups.
The remaining schools should not surprise us as all the favored home teams won in first round action.
The top-heavy Big Ten in the regular season is making the final eight top-heavy, too, with Ohio State, Penn State and Oregon left in the field. At most, two can advance to the semifinals.
This is what I think of the quarterfinals bracket now?
Rose Bowl: (8) Ohio State vs. (1) Oregon
The Ducks-Buckeyes Big Ten rematch might be the most compelling game of the entire tournament. Ohio State followed its worst game of the Ryan Day era with its best game of the season against Tennessee in the quarters. Now, the Buckeyes are a one-point favorite against the No. 1 seed, who they lost to by a point two months ago. That game was at Oregon. This one is at a neutral site. If Ohio State throws the ball this time, they might just advance. The Buckeyes ran the ball against Michigan and lost. They threw the ball against Tennessee and won big. Quarterback Will Howard had his best game as a collegian, (24 of 29 passing, 311 yards, two touchdowns).
Sugar Bowl: (7) Notre Dame vs. (2) Georgia
Notre Dame has flushed the memory of a bad loss. The Fighting Irish basically couldn’t afford to lose after that Week 2 fiasco against Northern Illinois. And they did not. Now, they need to win the big one it hasn’t in over 30 years.
The Irish’s 11-game winning streak since NIU gets a test in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia has won a record-pacing four consecutive playoff games. But the Bulldogs will be without quarterback Carson Beck who is reportedly undergoing surgery on his throwing elbow. Georgia has struggled running the ball so it could be a big night for the Irish.
Peach Bowl: (5) Texas vs. (4) Arizona State
This one should be all Texas. Arizona loves to pass the ball and the Longhorns entered the playoffs giving up just four TD passes all season. Texas is bigger and stronger while having better athletes. Congrats to Arizona State for making it his far. But this is big boy football now.
Fiesta Bowl: (6) Penn State vs. (3) Boise State
Boise State finally gets its shot at a national title run. They also get what might be the easiest opponent remaining in Penn State. The Lions beat only their second ranked team of the season in routing SMU in first round action.
Penn State coach James Franklin is 3-19 against top-10 teams. Boise State is ranked No. 8. And Boise will have the best player on the field in Heisman runner up, running back Ashton Jeanty.
My winners are Boise State, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Texas. Who are yours?
