This year’s College Football Playoff semifinal round is officially wrapped up, and the matchup for the National Championship game is set for January 20th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
No. 7 Notre Dame def. No. 6 Penn State 27-24
No. 7 Notre Dame defeated No. 6 Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff Final. This game was a strong defensive showing, with both teams entering the fourth quarter tied at 10 points. The Irish scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a 72-yard drive, but Penn State responded with a touchdown on a 75-yard drive to tie the game. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard then threw an interception, allowing Penn State to capitalize and take a 24-17 lead. However, Notre Dame answered with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to Jaden Greenhouse, tying the game at 24 points.
Penn State had the ball with less than a minute remaining in regulation and a chance to win, but quarterback Drew Allar threw an interception, giving Notre Dame a chance to win in regulation. The Irish took advantage, with Mitch Jeter hitting a 41-yard field goal to seal the victory. Notre Dame will be playing for their 12th National Title and first since 1988 on January 20th against Ohio State.
No. 8 Ohio State def. No. 6 Texas 28-14
No. 8 Ohio State defeated No. 5 Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff Final. The game was tied until about halfway through the fourth quarter when Ohio State took a 21-14 lead with a touchdown. Texas had a chance to tie the game, but the Buckeyes’ defense stopped them on fourth down near the goal line. Defensive end Jack Sawyer forced a fumble and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown with 2:13 remaining in the game. The defensive touchdown sealed the win for Ohio State, who will be playing for their 9th National Title and first since 2014 on January 20th against Notre Dame.
College Football Playoff National Championship Matchup
- No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 Ohio State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on January 20th
