A thrilling pair of College Football Playoff semifinals unfolded at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as Notre Dame secured a 27-24 victory over Penn State, and Ohio State emerged triumphant with a 28-14 win over Texas. Here are 15 key takeaways from these exciting matchups:
1. The crowd shots on the massive video board at AT&T Stadium captured the intense fan reactions throughout the games, with Ohio State and Texas supporters showcasing their team spirit with every play.
2. The expanded 12-team Playoff format added an extra layer of excitement and engagement, allowing fans to follow the teams’ journeys leading up to the semifinals.
3. Freshman standout Jeremiah Smith faced a tough challenge against Texas’ defense but showcased his talent with impressive performances in the Buckeyes’ first two Playoff games.
4. Ohio State’s defense, led by players like Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, played a crucial role in sealing the victory against Texas with a game-changing play in the final moments.
5. Head coach Ryan Day’s strategic decisions and the team’s impressive wins over top opponents have solidified his position as a respected leader in college football.
6. The appearance of popular backup quarterback Arch Manning added an exciting moment to the game, highlighting the talent and potential of the rising star.
7. Notre Dame’s road to the national championship game was marked by impressive victories over top teams, dispelling any doubts about their ability to compete at the highest level.
8. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership and the team’s resilience have made Notre Dame a likable and formidable contender in the playoffs.
9. Penn State’s Drew Allar faced a tough loss in the semifinals but showed resilience and sportsmanship in owning up to his mistakes in the postgame press conference.
10. The Nittany Lions’ receiver room faced challenges throughout the season, highlighting the need for improvements in the team’s offensive lineup.
11. Despite the loss, Penn State’s strong performance in reaching the semifinals signals a promising future for the program under coach James Franklin’s leadership.
12. Notre Dame’s backup quarterback Steve Angeli made a significant impact in a crucial moment, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
13. The 12-team Playoff format has proven to be beneficial for Notre Dame, allowing the team to showcase their competitiveness and earn a spot in the national championship game.
14. Both the Orange and Cotton Bowl games drew large crowds, demonstrating the unwavering support of college football fans for their teams.
15. The upcoming national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame promises to be a highly anticipated matchup, with the potential to break TV viewing records and showcase the best of college football.
As the teams prepare for the championship showdown, the excitement and anticipation among fans continue to build, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale to the college football season.
