And Then There Were Four: Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, and Penn State Battle for College Football Glory

The College Football Playoff semifinals are here, and the first-ever 12-team tournament has already delivered unforgettable moments.

With only four teams remaining, fans eagerly await two marquee matchups to decide who will play for the national championship. We got exciting quarterfinals matchups in the college football playoffs, with every high seed losing to the lower seed.

The shocker was that No.1 ranked Oregon was blown out of the stadium at home against No. 8 Ohio State. The Ducks trailed the game by as much as 34 and never recovered.

Almost every game in the quarterfinals was a blowout except for the Texas vs. Arizona State matchup, where the Longhorns nearly blew an 18-point lead but squeezed it out in overtime. Surprisingly, the teams ranked lower not only won but also how dominant they looked in each match.

The Buckeyes and Longhorns enter the Cotton Bowl after thrilling quarterfinal victories. Ohio State stunned top-seeded Oregon in the Rose Bowl, dominating the Ducks 41-21 behind quarterback Will Howard’s three-touchdown performance.

Howard’s ability to read defenses and Ohio State’s relentless pass rush made them the first team to upset a bye-seeded program in the 12-team format.

On the other hand, Texas needed double overtime to survive against Arizona State (4) in the Peach Bowl. Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a clutch performance, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns.

Even though Ewers and his number-one receiver, Matthew Golden balled out, the win was still sloppy, and it worried Texas fans about what would happen in the semifinals. Many careless and foolish plays down the stretch cost them a loss.

Texas's most significant question mark is its late-game defense, especially when it struggles to stop the run. And against a focused and locked-in Ohio State team with a chip on its shoulder after its loss to Michigan to end the season, it will be tough to beat the Buckeyes even at home.

• Ohio State’s Momentum: The Buckeyes have been a powerhouse on both sides. Howard and running back TreVeyon Henderson lead the offense, while defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau anchors an imposing defense. Can they maintain this dominance?

• Texas’ Resilience: The Longhorns have shown they can win close games but have also looked sloppy. Will they withstand Ohio State’s aggressive pass rush and explosive offense?

• Coaching Chess Match: Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian are two of the brightest offensive minds in college football. Their game plans will be pivotal in deciding who wins.

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Texas 31. The Buckeyes have been playing at their best level to end the season, and their balance and depth give them a slight edge over what promises to be a high-scoring affair.

Notre Dame’s 23-10 victory over Georgia (2) in the Sugar Bowl was a statement win. The Fighting Irish’s defense stifled the Bulldogs' potent rushing attack, and quarterback Riley Leonard managed the game efficiently. Their physical style of play could pose problems for any opponent.

Georgia’s loss today was mainly due to the injury to its starter, Carson Beck. Without him, the team's offense looked lost, and if he had played, the game would have been closer. But it is what it is: Notre Dame came out guns blazing, and their physical play was the game's story.

Penn State cruised past Boise State (3) in the Fiesta Bowl, winning 31-14. Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar continues to shine, showcasing a cannon arm and poise beyond his years.

Running back Nicholas Singleton and the Penn State defense, led by linebacker Abdul Carter, provide a balanced attack that’s hard to beat.

• Historic Stakes: The 12-team playoff has already rewritten the script for postseason football. Will a lower-seeded team make history by advancing to the title game?

• Underdog Mentality: Ohio State and Texas defeated higher-seeded teams in the quarterfinals. How will they face each other?

• Heisman Spotlight: While Heisman Trophy winners typically dominate headlines, this year’s semifinal games feature multiple players — like Ewers Singleton and Beck — who have put together Heisman-worthy campaigns in the postseason.

The stage is set for two thrilling semifinal clashes. Whether it’s Ohio State’s explosive offense, Texas’ knack for the dramatic, Notre Dame’s defensive prowess, or Penn State’s balanced attack, fans can expect fireworks as the road to the national championship climax.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a weekend of unforgettable college football action.