#6 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. #7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
To the surprise of many, the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff saw the teams ranked 1-4 (Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, Arizona State) lose in the quarterfinals. The first semifinal of the week features Penn State (13-2) — the third-place finisher in the Big Ten — taking on Notre Dame (13-1). The Fighting Irish are coming off a great win over Georgia in which their defense and special teams dominated. In two CFP wins, the Irish have allowed 27 total points. Penn State has allowed 24 total points in its two wins — but last week’s 31-14 win over Boise State was closer than the score suggests. Both teams have good rushing attacks and stout defenses. This game will come down to who takes care of the ball best.
Prediction: Notre Dame wins 31-27
#5 Texas Longhorns vs. #8 Ohio State Buckeyes
Can anyone stop Ohio State? The Buckeyes (12-2) have been dominant thus far in the CFP after their shocking loss to Michigan in the regular season finale. Following a 42-17 win over Tennessee in the first round, Ohio State built a 34-0 lead over No. 1 Oregon en route to a 20-point victory. The Buckeyes have been sensational on both sides of the ball through two games and it is hard to believe Texas (13-2) will be able to slow them down. The Longhorns were lucky to escape their quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State, and ASU is nowhere near as talented as Ohio State. For the second year in a row, Texas falls one game short of playing for the National Championship.
Prediction: Ohio State wins 38-17
