The Long-Awaited Redemption: CFP Semifinals Preview

The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals are finally here, and four teams have a chance to rewrite their histories. Notre Dame, Penn State, Texas, and Ohio State all have a shot at the national title.

Notre Dame vs. Penn State

Notre Dame is one of the most storied programs in college football history. The Fighting Irish have 11 national championships, but their last one came in 1988. This season, Notre Dame has a 13-1 record and is ranked No. 2 in the country. The Irish are led by quarterback Drew Pyne, who has thrown for 2,738 yards and 24 touchdowns this season.

Penn State is also a storied program. The Nittany Lions have two national championships, but their last one came in 1986. This season, Penn State has a 12-2 record and is ranked No. 5 in the country. The Lions are led by quarterback Sean Clifford, who has thrown for 3,344 yards and 25 touchdowns this season.

Notre Dame and Penn State have met 12 times in the postseason, with Notre Dame winning eight of those meetings. The most recent meeting was in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, which Notre Dame won 44-28.

Ohio State vs. Texas

Ohio State is one of the most successful programs in college football history. The Buckeyes have eight national championships, but their last one came in 2014. This season, Ohio State has a 12-2 record and is ranked No. 3 in the country. The Buckeyes are led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has thrown for 4,125 yards and 44 touchdowns this season.

Texas is also a storied program. The Longhorns have four national championships, but their last one came in 2005. This season, Texas has a 11-3 record and is ranked No. 4 in the country. The Longhorns are led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has thrown for 3,718 yards and 30 touchdowns this season.

Ohio State and Texas have met 12 times in the postseason, with Ohio State winning seven of those meetings. The most recent meeting was in the 2019 Cotton Bowl, which Ohio State won 24-21.

The Road to the National Championship

The winner of the Notre Dame-Penn State game will face the winner of the Ohio State-Texas game in the national championship game on January 20 in Atlanta. The national championship game will be the first time since 2014 that two teams from the same conference will meet in the title game.

Conclusion

The CFP semifinals are sure to be exciting. Four storied programs will battle it out for a chance to play in the national championship game. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.