Ohio State and Texas Advance to CFP Semifinals After Thrilling Quarterfinals

Ohio State Dominates Oregon in Rose Bowl, Advances to CFP Semifinals

The Ohio State Buckeyes roared into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a convincing 41-21 victory over the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in the 111th Rose Bowl Game. Jeremiah Smith caught two of Will Howard's three long touchdown passes, and the Buckeyes' offense was unstoppable in the first half, building a 34-0 lead.

This win marks a redemption for the Buckeyes, who have struggled with big-game execution at times this season. However, they seized the opportunity presented by the expanded 12-team CFP, emphatically defeating the tournament's top seed.

Ohio State will now face No. 4 Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10th for a berth in the national championship game. The Longhorns barely escaped their own quarterfinal matchup, defeating Arizona State in double overtime.

Meanwhile, the Ducks' dreams of their first national title were dashed on the Rose Bowl turf. Their 14-game winning streak came to an end, and they were unable to replicate their regular-season success against the Buckeyes.

Texas Survives Double-Overtime Thriller Against Arizona State

In the other CFP quarterfinal, the Texas Longhorns narrowly avoided an upset, defeating Arizona State 39-31 in double overtime. The Sun Devils rallied from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter and even took the lead in overtime. However, a late interception by Andrew Mukuba sealed the victory for Texas.

This game was a classic, featuring a dramatic comeback and a thrilling finish. Arizona State, a two-touchdown underdog, nearly pulled off the biggest upset of the CFP. However, the Longhorns found a way to win, keeping their national championship hopes alive.

Sugar Bowl Postponed Following New Orleans Tragedy

The Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, was postponed following a deadly incident in New Orleans. A man rammed a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people. The game, a matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia, will now be played on Thursday afternoon.

This is a rare occurrence in the world of sports, as major events are typically only postponed due to severe weather or natural disasters. The postponement serves as a reminder of the tragedy that unfolded in New Orleans and the importance of prioritizing safety.