First within the rankings for weeks, the Geese are undefeated however not solely invincible. They’ve one-point wins over Boise State and Ohio State and left the door open for Penn State to push the Large Ten Championship to time beyond regulation final weekend.
However right here they’re, at 13-0, as the favourite to win the nationwide championship subsequent month.
The challengers are many.
Whereas Oregon, Arizona State, Boise State and Georgia are idle till the quarterfinals, the candidates to oust the Geese’ bid for a 16-0 season and nationwide championship are plentiful.
Right here’s a peek at what the result of the inaugural 12-team School Soccer Playoff might appear to be, spherical by spherical:
First spherical, (Dec. 20-21)
Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) throws in the course of the NCAA soccer sport in opposition to the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State received 52-6.. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES Texas 27, Clemson 19 (Austin, Texas)
If the Longhorns are wholesome, they will beat any group within the area. Clemson has a puncher’s likelihood, however provided that all the things breaks the Tigers’ approach.
Ohio State 18, Tennessee 12 (Columbus, Ohio)
There’s a lot to determine for 2 offenses that stagnated within the second half of the season. A FG battle breaks out between groups with sufficient expertise to hush doubters.
Penn State 27, SMU 26 (State School, Pa.)
The Mustangs’ pace on either side of the ball may very well be muted in the event that they enter the Nittany Lions’ den and should deal with climate. SMU’s defensive entrance is legit, however Penn State can play an influence sport that stored them within the sport in opposition to Oregon.
Notre Dame 23, Indiana 20 (South Bend, Ind.)
The 7-10 matchup is fairly intriguing. Indiana is at a stage within the season the place all the things is an unknown. Are we prepared to purchase Notre Dame as a real contender?
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31, Jan. 1)
Nov 24, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) passes the ball in opposition to the Michigan State Spartans in the course of the second half at Ford Area. credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports activities Texas 28, Arizona State 24 (Peach Bowl)
Solar Devils can tip this of their favor with an enormous lead early. One-dimensional Texas has confirmed beatable with 60 complete dashing yards in two losses to Georgia. If the Longhorns can get forward and keep stability, they advance.
Oregon 40, Ohio State 20 (Rose Bowl)
A tough reset introduced on by two weeks of practices and a win over Tennessee has the Buckeyes again in the fitting mindset, however they’re once more overmatched by QB Dillon Gabriel and the big-play arsenal of Oregon.
Penn State 22, Boise State 17 (Fiesta Bowl)
Energy soccer goes the best way of the Nittany Lions, who’ve the RB rotation on offense to place up factors and the defensive position/linebacker group to corral RB Ashton Jeanty.
Georgia 23, Notre Dame 13 (Sugar Bowl)
In the event that they’re with out Carson Beck, are the Bulldogs threats to be upset? Not this time. An NFL-level protection pushes Georgia into the semifinals.
Semifinals (Orange Bowl, Thursday, Jan. 9. Cotton Bowl, Friday, Jan. 10)
Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) leads the group onto the sector earlier than the sport in opposition to the Florida State Seminoles for the 2023 Orange Bowl at Onerous Rock Stadium. credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports activities Oregon 34, Texas 24
Texas can rating with the Geese if the Longhorns’ offensive line is correct. However no group has proven the stamina for all 4 quarters to eradicate Oregon, and t
Georgia 20, Penn State 10
Extra defensive would possibly from the Bulldogs helps Georgia grind down Penn State in a sport that goes right down to the ultimate quarter-hour.
Nationwide title sport
Oregon 27, Georgia 17
Since October, it’s been trying an terrible lot just like the yr of the Duck.