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With the first-round action is in the books, the 12-team College Football Playoff is moving into the quarterfinals. And there’s a slew of highly anticipated matchups on deck for Dec. 31-Jan. 2. While there wasn’t much drama during the first-round slate, the hope is that business picks up as we move to bowl sites and closer to crowning a national champion.
Not only did all four Las Vegas favorites win, but all four covered the spread. The average margin of victory in the first round was 18 points, and teams covered the spread by an average of 10.25 points. It should go without saying, but all four games were decided by at least two possessions.
The quarterfinal round promises to bring a bit more excitement. Few matchups will be more anticipated than the Rose Bowl rematch between (1) Oregon, which had a first-round bye, and (8) Ohio State, which dominated Tennessee to give coach Ryan Day a much-needed signature win.
Two of college football’s most storied programs will face off in the Sugar Bowl as (7) Notre Dame, fresh off a win against Indiana, will play (2) Georgia. The Bulldogs earned a first-round bye after beating Texas — which will play Arizona State in the Peach Bowl — in the SEC Championship Game.
The Fiesta Bowl between (6) Penn State and (3) Boise State could provide some fireworks, as well. Two of the nation’s best players in Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren will take center stage.
Here’s a rundown of scores from the first round of the College Football Playoff and a look at all of the future matchups. All times Eastern
2024-25 College Football Playoff bracket
First round
Friday, Dec. 20
- (7) Notre Dame 27, (10) Indiana 17 | Recap
Notre Dame Stadium — South Bend, Indiana
Saturday, Dec. 21
- (6) Penn State 38, (11) SMU 10 | Recap
Beaver Stadium — State College, Pennsylvania - (5) Texas 38, (12) Clemson 24 | Recap
Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium — Austin, Texas - (8) Ohio State 42, (9) Tennessee 17 | Recap
Ohio Stadium — Columbus, Ohio
Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Dec. 31
- Fiesta Bowl — (6) Penn State 31, (3) Boise State 14 | Recap
State Farm Stadium — Glendale, Ariz.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
- Peach Bowl — (5) Texas 39, (4) Arizona State 31 | Recap
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta - Rose Bowl — (8) Ohio State 41, (1) Oregon 21 | Recap
Rose Bowl — Pasadena, Calif.
Thursday, Jan. 2
- Sugar Bowl — (7) Notre Dame vs. (2) Georgia: 4 p.m. | ESPN
Caesars Superdome — New Orleans
Semifinals
Thursday, Jan. 9
- Orange Bowl: 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Fla.
Friday, Jan. 10
- Cotton Bowl: 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
AT&T Stadium — Arlington, Texas
National Championship
Monday, Jan. 20
- 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
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