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The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff commenced this weekend, featuring four first-round matchups. All higher-seeded teams secured victories, advancing to the quarterfinals.

Ohio State vs. Tennessee

In Columbus, No. 8 Ohio State defeated No. 9 Tennessee 42-17. Quarterback Will Howard threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns to Jeremiah Smith, while TreVeyon Henderson added two rushing scores. The Buckeyes will face No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1. 

Texas vs. Clemson

No. 5 Texas overcame No. 12 Clemson 38-24 in Austin. Jaydon Blue led the Longhorns with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 77-yard run in the fourth quarter. Texas advances to play No. 4 Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. 

Penn State vs. SMU

At University Park, No. 6 Penn State secured a 38-10 victory over No. 11 SMU. Linebacker Dominic DeLuca, a former walk-on, provided an early spark with a pick-six and another key interception. The Nittany Lions will meet No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. 

Notre Dame vs. Indiana

No. 7 Notre Dame defeated No. 10 Indiana 27-17 in South Bend. The Fighting Irish’s defense held the Hoosiers to their second-fewest points of the season, with Indiana’s only touchdown coming late in the fourth quarter. Notre Dame advances to face No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. 

These results set up the following quarterfinal matchups:

  • Rose Bowl (January 1): No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State
  • Sugar Bowl (January 1): No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
  • Fiesta Bowl (December 31): No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State
  • Peach Bowl (January 1): No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas

While the first round featured decisive victories, anticipation builds for more competitive games in the upcoming quarterfinals.

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