After a powerful common season and a championship weekend that delivered some upsets, the actual 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 can be performed on the dwelling stadiums of the higher-ranked groups, that means that the ambiance can be electrical. So, how did the Notre Dame Preventing Irish, Texas Longhorns, and Ohio State Buckeyes (amongst a number of 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 finest season, going 11-1, however may they trigger an upset win towards their state rivals?
The Hoosiers didn’t have the most effective begin to the sport, shortly going three and out on their opening drive. Nonetheless, they nearly instantly regained possession, as Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard threw an interception on his first throw of the sport. Nonetheless, 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 move, which led to the purpose. On the subsequent play, they might be capable of take the lead when working again Jeremiah Love discovered the endzone from a 98-yard speeding 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 move. 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 of make its approach right down to the Notre Dame 16-yard line, the place it will stall. This arrange a 34-yard area purpose try from kicker Nicolas Radicic, which was profitable. In response, the Preventing Irish may rating a area purpose, 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 ready 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 area purpose. Nonetheless, Notre Dame wouldn’t be as profitable on their subsequent drive. Once more, They have been compelled to take a area purpose 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 capable of transfer right down to the Hoosiers’ one-yard line, after which the quarterback discovered the endzone for the speeding landing.
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However the Hoosiers didn’t hand over, regardless of the sport being roughly over for them, except they may rating three touchdowns in 5 minutes shortly. 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 capable of transfer right down to the Notre Dame 23-yard line. From right here, Rourke discovered Omar Cooper Jr for the landing move. They tried (after which failed) a two-point conversion, but it surely 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 obtained. 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 significantly. As for the Hoosiers, their season will at all times be remembered. They’re traditionally one of many worst groups in school soccer, so having a season like that is implausible for his or her program. The true take a look at is upon this system, as they may need to maintain this type up and never revert to their ordinary 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 needed to see within the bracket. It was both them or Alabama, and because the Mustangs had the higher season and practically gained the ACC, they have been in. Successful 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 most effective begin to the sport, with the Nittany Lions punting on their first drive and the Mustang turning the ball over on downs. Nonetheless, 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 move can be intercepted by Dominic DeLuca, who would return the ball to the endzone for a Choose Six landing to provide Penn State the early lead.
Just a few drives later, the Mustangs would make the identical mistake. This time, they have been capable of get right down to the Nittany Lions’ 47-yard line. Nonetheless, Jennings’ move 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 might occur a 3rd time quickly after. Penn State would intercept Jennings’ deep move from his seven-yard line. Nonetheless, this time, the protection was unable to seek out the endzone. However the offense was ready to a couple performs later when Kaytron Allen discovered the endzone to attain a 25-yard speeding 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 speeding 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 capable of transfer the offense right down to the Nittany Lions’ 11-yard line, the place it will stall. This arrange a 28-yard area purpose 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 purpose by scoring certainly one of 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 giant factors whole. Rogers had one other area purpose 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 speeding landing. However, on their subsequent drive, the Nittany Lions would make a mistake. Backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer’s move was intercepted. This was one thing that SMU would capitalize on, as Jennings would discover Roderick Daniels Jr for a 28-yard landing move. This wasn’t going to vary the sport, but it surely was one thing for the Mustangs followers to smile about.
Ultimately, 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 best staff for the playoffs. They have been, however they crumbled underneath stress. Nonetheless, 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 yr and may be capable of make a deep run. Their first take a look at got here towards the ACC Champions, the quantity 12-seeded Clemson Tigers, who solely obtained into the playoffs as they gained their convention. May they upset Texas?
The Tigers had the opening drive of the primary half and would be capable of get the sport’s first factors. Ranging from their 25-yard line, the Tigers’ offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, would be capable of attain the Longhorns’ 22-yard line. Klubnik discovered Antonio Williams for a 22-yard landing move to provide 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 speeding landing to stage the scores.
On their subsequent drive, Texas took the lead. The Longhorns shortly 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 speeding landing. This lead would develop even bigger on the Longhorns’ subsequent drive, as Wisner discovered the endzone for a 16-yard speeding landing.
The great luck stored coming for Texas, as Klubnik threw an interception on the sting of the Clemson purple zone. Nonetheless, 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 might 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. Nonetheless, there was a penalty on the play towards 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 area purpose from Nolan Hauser.
Simply earlier than halftime, the Longhorns would once more discover the endzone. Ewers discovered Gunnar Helm for a 19-yard landing move.
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 area purpose.
Just a few drives later, Clemson may slowly deliver 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 move. After their subsequent drive, the Tiger was very a lot again into this recreation, with Kubnik’s seven-yard landing move to T.J Moore making it a one-possession recreation.
This solely lasted two performs, as Blue would rating a powerful 77-yard speeding 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 necessary 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’ purple 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 wherein the Longhorns’ run recreation confirmed its true face. Jaydon Blue stepped as much as present that the Longhorns will not be even when Quinn Ewers struggles.
With the win, Texas superior to spherical 2, the place they may face Huge 12 Champions, the Arizona State Solar Devils.
Ohio State (#8) vs Tennessee (#9)
The weekend’s last 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 essentially the most potential to be a nail-biter, particularly with Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s capability to wrestle in large video games like this. May the Buckeyes avenge their final-week loss to Michigan and get again heading in the right direction, or will Tennessee develop into the one highway staff to win this weekend?
The Buckeyes had the sport’s opening drive and would be capable of 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 move.
This lead would enhance on the subsequent drive from Ohio State. They shortly reached Tennessee’s one-yard line, due to a 40-yard move from Howard to Emeka Egbuka. Quinshon Judkins would discover the endzone to double the Buckeyes’ lead down on the one. The benefit would develop into 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. Nonetheless, 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’ purple zone. Right here, a mistake occurred. Howard’s move 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 area purpose try to provide Tennessee their first factors.
They might add to their factors whole earlier than halftime when Iamaleava discovered the endzone for a two-yard speeding 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, they usually 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 move 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, due to quite a few penalties towards the Tennessee defence. Right here, Judkins discovered the endzone for his second landing of the sport.
Identical 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 resulted in punts. The Volunteers salvaged one thing on the finish of the sport when Iamaleave discovered the endzone for a two-yard speeding landing (as he did close to the top of the primary half), but it surely had no main impression on the scores.
In the end, the quantity eight-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the quantity Tennessee Volunteers 42-17.
What was on paper more likely to be a detailed recreation was something however. This was a blowout, not one of the best ways to finish the weekend. All 4 dwelling groups gained, 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 at the moment of yr.
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 can 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.
