After a formidable common season and a championship weekend that delivered some upsets, the actual enjoyable begins now—the newly expanded 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff. 4 groups got a bye to the second spherical, however eight groups performed in spherical one in straight knockout soccer.
To make issues much more attention-grabbing, these video games shall be performed on the house stadiums of the higher-ranked groups, which means that the environment shall be electrical. So, how did the Notre Dame Preventing Irish, Texas Longhorns, and Ohio State Buckeyes (amongst just a few others) fare in Spherical 1 of the Playoffs?
Notre Dame (#7) vs Indiana (#10)
The primary-ever playoff sport within the new 12-team format was between the 10-seeded Indiana Hoosiers and the seven-seeded Notre Dame Preventing Irish. It’s no shock that Notre Dame would make the playoffs, however for Indiana, this look makes faculty historical past. The Hoosiers have had their greatest season, going 11-1, however may they trigger an upset win in opposition to their state rivals?
The Hoosiers didn’t have one of the best begin to the sport, shortly going three and out on their opening drive. Nevertheless, they virtually instantly regained possession, as Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard threw an interception on his first throw of the sport. Nevertheless, Indiana would quickly make a mistake of its personal.
Hoosier quarterback Kurtis Rourke introduced the offense all the way down to the Preventing Irish’s 17-yard line. Right here, the Notre Dame protection intercepted his move, which led to the purpose. On the subsequent play, they’d be capable of take the lead when operating again Jeremiah Love discovered the endzone from a 98-yard speeding landing.
The Preventing Irish would add to this lead on their subsequent drive. Ranging from their 17-yard line, the Leonard lead offense slowly went all the way down to the Hoosiers’ five-yard line. From right here, Leonard discovered Jayden Thomas for the landing move. This landing drive additionally made historical past, being the longest when it comes to variety of performs (16) within the CFP.
Close to the top of the primary half, the Hoosiers may lastly put some factors off the board. The Rourke lead offense would be capable of make its means all the way down to the Notre Dame 16-yard line, the place it might stall. This arrange a 34-yard subject purpose try from kicker Nicolas Radicic, which was profitable. In response, the Preventing Irish may rating a subject purpose, with Mitch Jeter efficiently discovering the uprights from 49 yards out.
This meant that the Preventing Irish had a 17-3 lead over the Hoosiers at halftime.
The Preventing Irish have been in a position so as to add to their lead within the third quarter. Their drive once more stalled, this time on the Hoosiers’ 15-yard line. Jeter would then efficiently kick a 33-yard subject purpose. Nevertheless, Notre Dame wouldn’t be as profitable on their subsequent drive. Once more, They have been pressured to take a subject purpose from 37 yards out. However this kick was blocked by the Hoosiers. Fortunately for the Preventing Irish, Indiana couldn’t do something with this new possession.
Notre Dame would put the sport out of attain on their subsequent drive. Leonard and firm have been capable of transfer all the way down to the Hoosiers’ one-yard line, after which the quarterback discovered the endzone for the speeding landing.
However the Hoosiers didn’t hand over, regardless of the sport being kind of over for them, except they may rating three touchdowns in 5 minutes shortly. On their subsequent drive, they did discover the endzone. Rourke moved his offense all the way down to the Notre Dame seven-yard line, and right here, he discovered Myles Worth for the landing. Indiana would then try a two-point conversion, which they have been profitable with.
Then, the Hoosiers may preserve possession after recovering their on-side kick. This began their drive a the 50-yard line. Indiana was then capable of transfer all the way down to the Notre Dame 23-yard line. From right here, Rourke discovered Omar Cooper Jr for the landing move. They tried (after which failed) a two-point conversion, however it was all irrelevant within the grand scheme.
With 25 seconds left, Notre Dame held onto the ball to seal the win.
Because of this the quantity seven seed Notre Dame Preventing Irish had defeated the quantity 10-seeded Indiana Hoosiers 27-17.
For Notre Dame, they anticipated victory and that is what they acquired. Harder checks will come within the coming weeks, and this group goes to have to enhance if they’ll make a problem for the nationwide championship severely. As for the Hoosiers, their season will all the time be remembered. They’re traditionally one of many worst groups in faculty soccer, so having a season like that is incredible for his or her program. The true take a look at is upon this system, as they’ll need to preserve this manner up and never revert to their normal type.
With the win, Notre Dame superior to the subsequent spherical and can face the quantity two-seeded Georgia Bulldogs.
Penn State (#6) vs SMU (#11)
Like Indiana, the quantity 11-seeded SMU Mustangs have been a group the followers needed to see within the bracket. It was both them or Alabama, and because the Mustangs had the higher season and almost received the ACC, they have been in. Successful the ACC would have given them a bye, however this didn’t occur. They traveled to Blissful Valley to face the quantity six-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions.
Neither of the 2 groups had one of the best begin to the sport, with the Nittany Lions punting on their first drive and the Mustang turning the ball over on downs. Nevertheless, quickly after this, SMU would make a really pricey mistake.
The Mustang offense, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, was on their 20-yard line. Right here, his move could be intercepted by Dominic DeLuca, who would return the ball to the endzone for a Choose Six landing to provide Penn State the early lead.
A couple of drives later, the Mustangs would make the identical mistake. This time, they have been capable of get all the way down to the Nittany Lions’ 47-yard line. Nevertheless, Jennings’ move from this location was once more intercepted, this time by Tony Rojas. Rojas would return the ball to the endzone for a 59-yard pick-six landing.
It will occur a 3rd time quickly after. Penn State would intercept Jennings’ deep move from his seven-yard line. Nevertheless, this time, the protection was unable to search out the endzone. However the offense was in a position to a couple performs later when Kaytron Allen discovered the endzone to attain a 25-yard speeding landing to extend the Nittany Lions’ lead additional.
This lead was even bigger on the subsequent drive from Penn State, which took benefit of an SMU turnover on downs. From the Mustangs’ 38-yard line, the Nittany Lions’ offense, led by quarterback Drew Allar, moved the group all the way down to the one-yard line. Right here, Nicholas Singleton discovered the endzone for the speeding landing.
This meant that the Nittany Lions had a 28-0 lead over the Mustangs at halftime.
SMU would lastly have some luck on the primary drive of the second half. Jennings didn’t throw an interception on this drive and was capable of transfer the offense all the way down to the Nittany Lions’ 11-yard line, the place it might stall. This arrange a 28-yard subject purpose try from kicker Collin Rogers, which efficiently gave the Mustangs their first set of factors within the sport.
In response, Penn State instantly gained what they misplaced from the sphere purpose by scoring one among their very own. Penn State kicker Ryan Barker was profitable from 40 yards out so as to add three extra factors to the Nittany Lions’ already massive factors whole. Rogers had one other subject purpose try on the subsequent drive from the Mustangs, however this kick missed.
On the subsequent drive, Penn State prolonged their lead when Allen discovered the endzone to attain a four-yard speeding landing. However, on their subsequent drive, the Nittany Lions would make a mistake. Backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer’s move was intercepted. This was one thing that SMU would capitalize on, as Jennings would discover Roderick Daniels Jr for a 28-yard landing move. This wasn’t going to vary the sport, however it was one thing for the Mustangs followers to smile about.
In the long run, the quantity six seed Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the quantity 11 seed SMU Mustangs 38-10
Throughout this sport, there was an lively debate about whether or not SMU was the appropriate group for the playoffs. They have been, however they crumbled beneath strain. Nevertheless, this won’t diminish their robust common season within the ACC, and in the event that they sustain their type within the ACC, we should always count on them again within the playoffs in future years.
The win implies that Penn State will advance to Spherical 2, the place they’ll face the Boise State Broncos.
Texas (#5) vs Clemson (#12)
The quantity five-seeded Texas Longhorns come into the playoffs as one of many favorites to win the Nationwide Championship. Aside from two defeats to the Georgia Bulldogs, this group has performed flawlessly this 12 months and may be capable of make a deep run. Their first take a look at got here in opposition to the ACC Champions, the quantity 12-seeded Clemson Tigers, who solely acquired into the playoffs as they received their convention. May they upset Texas?
The Tigers had the opening drive of the primary half and would be capable of get the sport’s first factors. Ranging from their 25-yard line, the Tigers’ offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, would be capable of attain the Longhorns’ 22-yard line. Klubnik discovered Antonio Williams for a 22-yard landing move to provide them the lead.
This lead didn’t final lengthy. On their first drive of the sport, the Longhorns offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, made their means all the way down to the Tigers’ three-yard line. Right here, Quintrevion Wisner discovered the endzone for the speeding landing to stage the scores.
On their subsequent drive, Texas took the lead. The Longhorns shortly descended to the Tigers’ 38-yard line, relying closely on their run sport. From right here, Jaydon Blue discovered the endzone for a 38-yard speeding landing. This lead would develop even bigger on the Longhorns’ subsequent drive, as Wisner discovered the endzone for a 16-yard speeding landing.
The nice luck saved coming for Texas, as Klubnik threw an interception on the sting of the Clemson crimson zone. Nevertheless, the Longhorns couldn’t convert his into extra factors, as Blue did not convert the fourth down try from the 17-yard line.
It will be Texas who made the subsequent mistake within the sport. Ewers threw an interception, which was returned by the Clemson protection to the endzone for a pick-six landing. Nevertheless, there was a penalty on the play in opposition to the Tigers, so whereas the interception stood, the landing didn’t. Clemson tried to search out the endzone within the ensuing drive however couldn’t get previous the Longhorns’ offense. They settled for a 32-yard subject purpose from Nolan Hauser.
Simply earlier than halftime, the Longhorns would once more discover the endzone. Ewers discovered Gunnar Helm for a 19-yard landing move.
This meant that at halftime, the Longhorns had a 28-10 lead over the Tigers.
The Longhorns would add to their result in start the second half. From their 25-yard line, Ewers and firm may make their means all the way down to the Tigers’ four-yard line. That is the place their drive would stall, however kicker Bert Auburn would achieve success with the 22-yard subject purpose.
A couple of drives later, Clemson may slowly convey themselves again into the sport. Their offense made it all the way down to the Longhorns’ 25-yard line, and Klubnik discovered Jarvis Inexperienced for the landing move. After their subsequent drive, the Tiger was very a lot again into this sport, with Kubnik’s seven-yard landing move to T.J Moore making it a one-possession sport.
This solely lasted two performs, as Blue would rating a formidable 77-yard speeding landing to revive the Longhorns’ two-possession lead.
However the Tigers didn’t hand over. On their subsequent drive, they made their means all the way down to the one-yard line and confronted an vital fourth down try, the place a landing scored right here would put them again into the sport. This was unsuccessful, and Clemson couldn’t problem the Longhorns’ crimson zone for the remainder of the sport.
This meant that the quantity five-seeded Texas Longhorns had defeated the quantity 12-seeded Clemson Tigers 38-24.
This was a sport wherein the Longhorns’ run sport confirmed its true face. Jaydon Blue stepped as much as present that the Longhorns will not be even when Quinn Ewers struggles.
With the win, Texas superior to spherical 2, the place they’ll face Large 12 Champions, the Arizona State Solar Devils.
Ohio State (#8) vs Tennessee (#9)
The weekend’s remaining sport was between the quantity eight-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes and the quantity nine-seeded Tennessee Volunteers. Out of all of the video games performed this weekend, this one had probably the most potential to be a nail-biter, particularly with Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s skill to battle in massive video games like this. May the Buckeyes avenge their final-week loss to Michigan and get again heading in the right direction, or will Tennessee grow to be the one street group to win this weekend?
The Buckeyes had the sport’s opening drive and would be capable of get the primary rating from it. Ranging from their 25-yard line, the Buckeyes’ offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, made their means all the way down to the Volunteers’ 37-yard line. From right here, Howard discovered Jeremiah Smith for the landing move.
This lead would improve on the subsequent drive from Ohio State. They shortly reached Tennessee’s one-yard line, due to a 40-yard move from Howard to Emeka Egbuka. Quinshon Judkins would discover the endzone to double the Buckeyes’ lead down on the one. The benefit would grow to be even greater after the next drive from the Buckeyes, as TreVeyon Henderson discovered the endzone on a 29-yard run.
In between these three scoring drives, the Volunteers did have possession. Nevertheless, they have been unable to do something with this, with the group one thing going backwards greater than they’d be advancing.
However, this poor luck for Tennessee would finish on the subsequent drive from Ohio State. As regular, the Howard-led offense may transfer down into the Volunteers’ crimson zone. Right here, a mistake occurred. Howard’s move into the endzone was intercepted. In response, the Tennessee offense, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, may go all the way down to the Buckeyes’ 18-yard line. The drive stalled right here, however kicker Max Gilbert succeeded with the 36-yard subject purpose try to provide Tennessee their first factors.
They might add to their factors whole earlier than halftime when Iamaleava discovered the endzone for a two-yard speeding landing.
This meant that at halftime, the Buckeyes had a 21-10 lead over the Volunteers.
Tennessee had the opening possession of the second half, however the momentum they gained on the finish of the primary half appeared to fade into the chilly Ohio evening, they usually punted on this drive. However, whereas the Volunteers struggled, the Buckeyes returned to their dominance within the sport. On their first half drive, Howard discovered Smith for a 22-yard landing move to increase their lead.
This lead was made even bigger on their subsequent drive. On this event, the Buckeye’s offence went all the way down to the Volunteers’ one-yard line, due to quite a few penalties in opposition to the Tennessee defence. Right here, Judkins discovered the endzone for his second landing of the sport.
Identical to the primary half, the Buckeyes went three from three as Henderson discovered the endzone on their subsequent drive for a 24-yard landing drive. Curiously, the identical three landing scorers within the first half scored touchdowns within the second half in the identical order (Howard to Smith, Judkins, Henderson).
The sport was out of attain, and for many of the fourth quarter, each groups had drives that led to punts. The Volunteers salvaged one thing on the finish of the sport when Iamaleave discovered the endzone for a two-yard speeding landing (as he did close to the top of the primary half), however it had no main impression on the scores.
In the end, the quantity eight-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the quantity Tennessee Volunteers 42-17.
What was on paper more likely to be a detailed sport was something however. This was a blowout, not one of the best ways to finish the weekend. All 4 house groups received, emphasizing the significance of home-field benefit. The climate affected a few of these outcomes, because the southern groups would have struggled to adapt to the chilly northern climate right now of 12 months.
With the win, Ohio State superior to the subsequent spherical, establishing a rematch with the quantity one-seeded Oregon Geese in spherical 2.
So, that was the primary spherical of the 2024 CFP. Are there issues with this format? Sure. We shouldn’t be seeing 4 blowouts. However, as with all new concepts, there are teething issues that shall be sorted out sooner or later. Spherical 2 is on New 12 months’s Day, because the video games are performed as neutral-site bowl video games.
