The lopsided nature of the primary spherical of the Faculty Soccer Playoff left a lot to be desired. The quarterfinals supply extra promise, particularly the marquee matchup between No. 8 Ohio State and No. 1 Oregon.
This is what it is advisable know (all instances Japanese):
No. 6 Penn State (12-2) vs. No. 3 Boise State (12-1) | Tuesday | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Glendale, Arizona)
This recreation can be received on the bottom, however it’s not the group you could assume. Boise State boasts of Heisman runner-up working again Ashton Jeanty, who has rushed for at the least 127 yards in all 13 video games this season. However Penn State has held opponents below 100 yards dashing eight instances. That is the matchup that may determine the sport.
Penn State head coach James Franklin’s report in opposition to top-five groups (1-15) is below intense scrutiny, however his group is primed to advance because of a stalwart protection (253 yards per recreation, third in nation) and its personal spectacular working recreation (189 yards per recreation, ninth in nation).
Prediction: Penn State, 31-14.
No. 5 Texas (12-2) vs. No. 4 Arizona State (11-2) | Wednesday | 1 p.m. | ESPN (Atlanta)
That is one other matchup that includes an elite working again in Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo (1,568 yards, 19 TD) in opposition to one of many nation’s greatest run defenses in Texas (76 yards per recreation, seventh in nation).
“While you first activate his tape, you’re considering you’re going to see (former Tampa Bay Buccaneers working again) Mike Alstott,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian stated recently. “You’re simply going to see this bruiser that’s working by means of the road and bouncing off folks. The extra you watch, the extra you’re like, ‘Man, this man has actually nice ft and phone stability.’ Proper whenever you assume he’s going to run somebody over, he makes them miss. He makes use of a stiff arm. He’s actually good within the open area.’”
After a dreadful efficiency working within the SEC Championship in opposition to Georgia, Texas got here again with a vengeance within the first-round win over Clemson (292 yards, 4 TDs).
Skattebo is on tear, dashing for eight touchdowns up to now three video games. However regardless of all of the discuss in regards to the working video games, it is the quarterbacks who might very nicely determine the sport. Texas QB Quinn Ewers has thrown 4 interceptions up to now three video games. ASU QB Sam Leavitt has solely thrown one up to now six. Mistake-free soccer may preserve the Solar Devils within the hunt for a serious upset.
Prediction: Texas, 38-33
No. 8 Ohio State (11-2) vs. No. 1 Oregon (13-0) | Wednesday | 5 p.m. | ESPN (Pasadena, California)
This can be a high-profile rematch, school soccer bliss. Little separated the 2 In Oregon’s 32-31 win at dwelling on Oct. 12.
Curiously, Ohio State enters as a 2.5-point favourite as of Monday, according to ESPN Bet. “We have all been wanting ahead to this one and for one more crack at these guys,” stated Ohio State quarterback Will Howard after the victory over Tennessee in a first-round recreation. “The best way that final one ended would not sit proper with me. It nonetheless bugs me.”
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel should duplicate his efficiency from October (341 yards, two TD passes), however Ohio State appears to be like like an improved group in comparison with the final assembly. Because the Oregon recreation, the Buckeyes rank No. 1 nationally in fewest yards allowed per play (3.8), yards allowed per recreation (234.4) and factors surrendered per recreation (11.7).
Prediction: Ohio State, 29-24.
No. 7 Notre Dame (12-1) vs. No. 2 Georgia (11-2) | Wednesday | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN (New Orleans)
A scintillating Sugar Bowl matchup closes out the quarterfinals. No Carson Beck at QB for Georgia places Notre Dame within the driver’s seat. The Irish have steamrolled opponents because the Northern Illinois loss Sept. 7 (+28.8 common margin of victory).
Georgia’s protection, because it has proven all through the season, can preserve the Bulldogs in any recreation. However will it have the ability to generate something offensively in opposition to a Notre Dame protection that has held opponents to 300 yards or much less 4 of the previous 5 video games?
Georgia, favored by 1.5 points (per ESPN Bet) as of Monday, should get stable play from backup QB Gunner Stockton. The sophomore has accomplished 25-of-32 passes this season for 206 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Maybe the unknown is to Georgia’s profit.
“You consider, clearly, what they’ve carried out all season, and you’ve got a separate tape of what Stockton has carried out,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman stated recently. “I believe we’ve got 80-something performs of him. He can run their offense. He does issues a little bit bit in another way. He can prolong performs together with his legs, he is a great athlete. The factor I most likely seen most about him, he is an ultra-competitive particular person.”
Prediction: Notre Dame, 28-14.
