The 1^st round of the college football playoffs didn’t go like we wanted it to go. Notre Dame blew out Indiana to advance to play Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Penn State put on a defensive masterpiece to take down SMU in a rout. Penn State will now take on Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. In a more competitive game, the Texas Longhorns beat Clemson 38-24.  Texas will battle Arizona State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. In a surprise, Ohio State blew out Tennessee 42-17. The win sets up a rematch with Oregon from earlier this season in the Rose Bowl. My 1^st round college football playoffs predictions garnered a 4-0 record. My record jumps to 82-30 and my overall winning percentage jumps from 72.2% to 73.2%.

There were people speaking about the committee, but they did a great job. We couldn’t predict those blowouts and all teams that made the playoffs deserved it. Check out Trav’s college football playoffs quarterfinals picks.

We start things off at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl as the Boise State Broncos battle the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions have one of the best defenses in the country. They not only put pressure on you, but they force turnovers and even score. The defense will key in on Ashton Jeanty and force the Broncos to pass more. Penn State is the more physical team, so they will most likely utilize their ground game also.  Can the ground game and defense propel Penn State into the semifinals? Boise State is worthy of being in this position. The only loss on their resume was a 3-point loss to Oregon on the road. The heart of this team is the 5^th ranked run game in the country. Maddux Madsen will need to use his arm to win this one. I’m picking the Nittany Lions to barely advance. Penn State Win 31-24

The first game on New Year’s Day will have the Texas Longhorns battle the Arizona State Sun Devils. This game takes place in Atlanta at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Texas took down the Clemson Tigers in their quarterfinal’s matchup. The Longhorns have loss two games this season and both came at the hands of Georgia. The Longhorns defense ranks 2^nd in points allowed in the country. Can they slow down Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo? Will Ewers pick their defense apart? Arizona State is coming off winning the Big 12 Championship. Texas will be their toughest test to date, but the Sun Devils are a good team. Cam Skattebo is one of the more physical backs in the country. Jordyn Tyson is one of the more underrated receivers. This should be a great game, but I’m taking the Longhorns to advance to the semifinals. Texas Win 34-24

The evening game will have the Ohio State Buckeyes battle the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl. Ohio State missed out on playing Oregon in the Big Ten Championship after they loss to Michigan. The Buckeyes blew out Tennessee for their opportunity against Oregon again. Ohio State has the top scoring defense in the country. The offense is ranked in the top 10 for scoring. The NIL deals built up the defense for moments like these. Can they take down Oregon and advance to the semifinals? Oregon comes into this game undefeated. They beat Penn State in a wild Big Ten Championship game 45-37. Dillion Gabriel had an historic season and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Can they beat this Buckeyes team on a neutral field? This is going to be a tough game, but I’m going with the Ducks to prevail again. Oregon Win 34-31

The finale will have the Notre Dame Fighting Irish battling the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl. Notre Dame beat Indiana in a one-sided matchup in the quarterfinal game. The Fighting Irish are one of the most balanced teams in the country. The defense is elite, they’re top 5 in scoring and the running game can wear you down. Can the Irish match the physicality that the Bulldogs will bring on both sides of the ball? Georgia is as battle tested as any team in the country. Out of their 13 games, six were against a ranked opponent. Carson Beck will not play in this game after being injured in the SEC title game and having surgery. Will Gunner Stockton be prepared to go against one of the toughest defenses in the country? This is a tough one to pick, but I’m going with the Irish to prevail. Notre Dame Win 24-17

What do you think about my college football playoff quarterfinals picks? Any upsets taking place? Check out my second round matchups below. Leave some feedback about anything related to the college football playoffs quarterfinals in the comments section.

My College Football Semifinals Picks

• Oregon Ducks vs. Texas Longhorns
• Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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