After a powerful common season and a championship weekend that delivered some upsets, the true enjoyable begins now—the newly expanded 12-team School 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 fascinating, these video games shall be performed on the residence 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 recreation 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 the perfect begin to the sport, rapidly going three and out on their opening drive. Nevertheless, they nearly 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 right down to the Preventing Irish’s 17-yard line. Right here, the Notre Dame protection intercepted his cross, which led to the aim. On the subsequent play, they might be capable to take the lead when working again Jeremiah Love discovered the endzone from a 98-yard dashing 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 right down to the Hoosiers’ five-yard line. From right here, Leonard discovered Jayden Thomas for the landing cross. This landing drive additionally made historical past, being the longest by way of variety of performs (16) within the CFP.
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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 to make its approach right down to the Notre Dame 16-yard line, the place it could stall. This arrange a 34-yard subject aim try from kicker Nicolas Radicic, which was profitable. In response, the Preventing Irish may rating a subject aim, 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 aim. Nevertheless, Notre Dame wouldn’t be as profitable on their subsequent drive. Once more, They have been pressured to take a subject aim 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 in a position to transfer right down to the Hoosiers’ one-yard line, after which the quarterback discovered the endzone for the dashing landing.
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However the Hoosiers didn’t hand over, regardless of the sport being roughly over for them, until they may rating three touchdowns in 5 minutes rapidly. On their subsequent drive, they did discover the endzone. Rourke moved his offense right down to the Notre Dame seven-yard line, and right here, he discovered Myles Value for the landing. Indiana would then try a two-point conversion, which they have been profitable with.
Then, the Hoosiers may maintain possession after recovering their on-side kick. This began their drive a the 50-yard line. Indiana was then in a position to transfer right down to the Notre Dame 23-yard line. From right here, Rourke discovered Omar Cooper Jr for the landing cross. They tried (after which failed) a two-point conversion, nevertheless it was all irrelevant within the grand scheme.
With 25 seconds left, Notre Dame held onto the ball to seal the win.
Which means 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 bought. Harder exams will come within the coming weeks, and this staff goes to have to enhance if they’re going to make a problem for the nationwide championship critically. As for the Hoosiers, their season will at all times 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 actual check is upon this system, as they may wish to maintain this kind up and never revert to their traditional 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 staff the followers wished to see within the bracket. It was both them or Alabama, and because the Mustangs had the higher season and practically received the ACC, they have been in. Profitable the ACC would have given them a bye, however this didn’t occur. They traveled to Comfortable Valley to face the quantity six-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions.
Neither of the 2 groups had the perfect 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 cross could be intercepted by Dominic DeLuca, who would return the ball to the endzone for a Choose Six landing to offer Penn State the early lead.
A number of drives later, the Mustangs would make the identical mistake. This time, they have been in a position to get right down to the Nittany Lions’ 47-yard line. Nevertheless, Jennings’ cross 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.
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It could occur a 3rd time quickly after. Penn State would intercept Jennings’ deep cross from his seven-yard line. Nevertheless, this time, the protection was unable to seek out the endzone. However the offense was in a position to some performs later when Kaytron Allen discovered the endzone to attain a 25-yard dashing 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 staff right down to the one-yard line. Right here, Nicholas Singleton discovered the endzone for the dashing 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 in a position to transfer the offense right down to the Nittany Lions’ 11-yard line, the place it could stall. This arrange a 28-yard subject aim try from kicker Collin Rogers, which efficiently gave the Mustangs their first set of factors within the recreation.
In response, Penn State instantly gained what they misplaced from the sector aim by scoring one in all 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 aim try on the subsequent drive from the Mustangs, however this kick missed.
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On the subsequent drive, Penn State prolonged their lead when Allen discovered the endzone to attain a four-yard dashing landing. However, on their subsequent drive, the Nittany Lions would make a mistake. Backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer’s cross was intercepted. This was one thing that SMU would capitalize on, as Jennings would discover Roderick Daniels Jr for a 28-yard landing cross. This wasn’t going to alter the sport, nevertheless 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 recreation, there was an energetic debate about whether or not SMU was the proper staff 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 anticipate them again within the playoffs in future years.
The win signifies that Penn State will advance to Spherical 2, the place they may 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. Other than two defeats to the Georgia Bulldogs, this staff has performed flawlessly this 12 months and may be capable to make a deep run. Their first check got here in opposition to the ACC Champions, the quantity 12-seeded Clemson Tigers, who solely bought into the playoffs as they received their convention. Might they upset Texas?
The Tigers had the opening drive of the primary half and would be capable to get the sport’s first factors. Ranging from their 25-yard line, the Tigers’ offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, would be capable to attain the Longhorns’ 22-yard line. Klubnik discovered Antonio Williams for a 22-yard landing cross to offer 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 approach right down to the Tigers’ three-yard line. Right here, Quintrevion Wisner discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to stage the scores.
On their subsequent drive, Texas took the lead. The Longhorns rapidly descended to the Tigers’ 38-yard line, relying closely on their run recreation. From right here, Jaydon Blue discovered the endzone for a 38-yard dashing landing. This lead would develop even bigger on the Longhorns’ subsequent drive, as Wisner discovered the endzone for a 16-yard dashing landing.
The great luck saved coming for Texas, as Klubnik threw an interception on the sting of the Clemson pink zone. Nevertheless, the Longhorns couldn’t convert his into extra factors, as Blue didn’t convert the fourth down try from the 17-yard line.
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It could be Texas who made the subsequent mistake within the recreation. 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 seek out the endzone within the ensuing drive however couldn’t get previous the Longhorns’ offense. They settled for a 32-yard subject aim from Nolan Hauser.
Simply earlier than halftime, the Longhorns would once more discover the endzone. Ewers discovered Gunnar Helm for a 19-yard landing cross.
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 approach right 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 aim.
A number of drives later, Clemson may slowly convey themselves again into the sport. Their offense made it right down to the Longhorns’ 25-yard line, and Klubnik discovered Jarvis Inexperienced for the landing cross. After their subsequent drive, the Tiger was very a lot again into this recreation, with Kubnik’s seven-yard landing cross to T.J Moore making it a one-possession recreation.
This solely lasted two performs, as Blue would rating a powerful 77-yard dashing landing to revive the Longhorns’ two-possession lead.
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However the Tigers didn’t hand over. On their subsequent drive, they made their approach right 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’ pink 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 recreation during which the Longhorns’ run recreation confirmed its true face. Jaydon Blue stepped as much as present that the Longhorns should not even when Quinn Ewers struggles.
With the win, Texas superior to spherical 2, the place they may face Large 12 Champions, the Arizona State Solar Devils.
Ohio State (#8) vs Tennessee (#9)
The weekend’s closing recreation 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 capability to battle in massive video games like this. Might 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 staff to win this weekend?
The Buckeyes had the sport’s opening drive and would be capable to get the primary rating from it. Ranging from their 25-yard line, the Buckeyes’ offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, made their approach right down to the Volunteers’ 37-yard line. From right here, Howard discovered Jeremiah Smith for the landing cross.
This lead would enhance on the subsequent drive from Ohio State. They rapidly reached Tennessee’s one-yard line, because of a 40-yard cross 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 staff one thing going backwards greater than they might be advancing.
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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’ pink zone. Right here, a mistake occurred. Howard’s cross into the endzone was intercepted. In response, the Tennessee offense, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, may go right down to the Buckeyes’ 18-yard line. The drive stalled right here, however kicker Max Gilbert succeeded with the 36-yard subject aim try to offer Tennessee their first factors.
They’d add to their factors whole earlier than halftime when Iamaleava discovered the endzone for a two-yard dashing 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, and so they punted on this drive. However, whereas the Volunteers struggled, the Buckeyes returned to their dominance within the recreation. On their first half drive, Howard discovered Smith for a 22-yard landing cross to increase their lead.
This lead was made even bigger on their subsequent drive. On this event, the Buckeye’s offence went right down to the Volunteers’ one-yard line, because of quite a few penalties in opposition to the Tennessee defence. Right here, Judkins discovered the endzone for his second landing of the sport.
Similar 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. Apparently, the identical three landing scorers within the first half scored touchdowns within the second half in the identical order (Howard to Smith, Judkins, Henderson).
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The sport was out of attain, and for a lot 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 dashing landing (as he did close to the top of the primary half), nevertheless it had no main affect on the scores.
Finally, the quantity eight-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the quantity Tennessee Volunteers 42-17.
What was on paper prone to be a detailed recreation was something however. This was a blowout, not the easiest way to finish the weekend. All 4 residence 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 presently 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 Yr’s Day, because the video games are performed as neutral-site bowl video games.
