The primary spherical of the Faculty Soccer Playoff concluded on Saturday with (8) Ohio State defeating (9) Tennessee 42-17 to arrange an intriguing showdown within the Rose Bowl in opposition to Oregon on New Yr’s Day in Pasadena.
The widespread theme of the primary spherical of the expanded CFP was house groups caring for enterprise. (7) Notre Dame cruised to a 27-17 win over in-state foe (10) Indiana on Friday to arrange a showdown with Georgia within the Sugar Bowl. Georgia shall be with out quarterback Carson Beck after the star quarterback was injured within the SEC title sport in opposition to Texas.
No. 6 Penn State made an announcement in opposition to (11) SMU to arrange a showdown in opposition to (3) Boise State. (5) Texas held off a late rally from (12) Clemson in Austin and can face (4) Arizona State within the Peach Bowl on New Yr’s Eve.
Listed below are the opening traces for the 2024-25 Faculty Soccer Playoff quarterfinal spherical, which begins the night of Tuesday, Dec. 31:
(6) Penn State (-10) vs. (3) Boise State — Tuesday, Dec. 31 (7:30 p.m. ET): Working backs are again in model, and this sport will characteristic loads of proficient rushers. Boise State star working again Ashton Jeanty placing collectively one of many best seasons by a working again within the trendy period. The Heisman Trophy runner-up will face a stout Penn State defensive position led by All-American Abdul Carter. Penn State has a dynamic 1-2 punch within the backfield with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton.
(5) Texas (-13.5) vs. (4) Arizona State — Wednesday, Jan. 1 (1 p.m. ET): This may mark solely the second all-time assembly between the applications. Texas defeated Arizona State 52-34 within the 2007 Vacation Bowl. The Solar Devils surprised the school soccer world this season and captured the Large 12 title after they have been to complete final within the preseason convention ballot. Arizona State working again Cameron Skattebo is likely one of the most dynamic gamers in school soccer, however he’ll face a Texas run protection that’s among the many finest within the nation.
(8) Ohio State (+1.5) vs. (1) Oregon — Wednesday, Jan. 1 (5 p.m. ET): Who would not love a superb rematch? Oregon defeated Ohio State 32-31 again on Oct. 12 in one of the vital thrilling video games of the 2024 school soccer season. The Buckeyes had a chance to win the sport on the ultimate drive, however quarterback Will Howard ran out of time making an attempt to get into area aim vary. The Geese have been on a tear since struggling of their season-opener in opposition to FCS Idaho in August. Ohio State’s roster is filled with blue-chip expertise, however no participant is extra thrilling than freshman extensive receiver Jeremiah Smith.
(7) Notre Dame (+1.5) vs. (2) Georgia — Wednesday, Jan. 1 (8:45 p.m. ET): Georgia will flip to backup quarterback Gunner Stockton in opposition to Notre Dame. The guts and soul of this Georgia workforce is its protection, and that unit should face a dynamic Notre Dame run sport led by working backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Value and dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard. With out Beck within the lineup, Georgia continues to be a slim betting favourite in opposition to the Preventing Irish.
