Reflections on a Thrilling Three-Day College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
As we dive into the excitement of this unexpected College Football Playoff quarterfinal extravaganza, here are 16 reflections that encapsulate the highs and lows of the past few days.
1. I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt condolences regarding the tragic events that unfolded in New Orleans during the New Year celebrations. This vibrant city, known for its rich culture and festive spirit, dedicates itself every year to hosting the much-anticipated Sugar Bowl. Having visited the French Quarter for this event numerous times, I fondly recall my last stay right on Canal Street. A round of applause is due for everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the game proceeded safely and smoothly for all attendees amidst such circumstances.
2. The architects behind the 12-team College Football Playoff have done their utmost to honor conference champions, offering automatic berths, byes, and in some cases, strategically advantageous seeding. However, ultimately, the teams must still compete on the field. As it stands, the inaugural semifinal lineup of this new format features the SEC’s runner-up (Texas), the Big Ten’s runner-up (Penn State), the Big Ten’s fourth-place team (Ohio State), and an independent powerhouse (Notre Dame). Expect some tweaks to the format in the upcoming year. In the meantime, the matchups of Notre Dame versus Penn State in the Orange Bowl and Ohio State against Texas in the Cotton Bowl promise to deliver an exciting doubleheader.
3. One striking observation is the geographical diversity of the semifinalists: three schools hail from the East and Midwest, with none representing the traditional Southeastern footprint (though Texas now resides in the Southeastern Conference). It almost feels as if the college football landscape has reverted to the dynamics of 1976. We had grown accustomed to the dominance of schools within the SEC and the ACC, such as Clemson and Florida State, leading the charge. By the mid-2010s, I had genuinely believed that Ohio State was the sole northern contender capable of clinching a national title. However, after Michigan’s triumph last season, we now find ourselves poised to witness either Penn State or Notre Dame aiming for their first championship since the 1980s. The introduction of the transfer portal and NIL deals is gradually diminishing the South’s historical edge in high school recruiting. Additionally, this year, the SEC simply did not perform at its usual elite level. If only Brian Kelly had foreseen this shift, he might have savored the flavors of that delectable Texas Bowl rib a bit longer.
4. In a significant moment for the program, Notre Dame has finally broken its 31-year drought without a major bowl victory. Achieving this milestone by defeating the No. 2 seed and SEC champion Georgia (11-3) with a score of 23-10 must have added an extra layer of sweetness to their Sugar Bowl success. Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, who previously served as Kelly’s defensive coordinator, along with DC Al Golden, have dedicated the past three years to constructing a formidable defense reminiscent of Georgia’s. This defense relentlessly pressured Georgia’s first-time starting quarterback, Gunner Stockton, while effectively neutralizing their running game.
It’s worth noting that Notre Dame’s offense faced its own challenges, averaging a mere 4.0 yards per play. However, the turning point in the game came just before halftime, when RJ Oben executed a critical strip-sack, leading to Junior Tuihalamaka’s recovery with only 33 seconds remaining. This pivotal moment set the stage for Riley Leonard’s 13-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Irish ahead 13-3. As if that wasn’t enough, Jayden Harrison electrified the crowd by returning the second-half kickoff for a staggering 98-yard touchdown. With a 20-3 lead secured, the Irish defense, despite facing injuries, was determined not to let this opportunity slip away. To cap it all off, Freeman orchestrated a brilliantly creative special teams play that extinguished Georgia’s last glimmers of hope.
