Ranking the CFP games through the semifinals

10. SMU vs. Penn State

There was some controversy when SMU received the last at-large bid over teams like Alabama, Miami and Ole Miss and the Mustangs did not silence those critics in Happy Valley.

Two pick-sixes thrown by sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings capped off a miserable first half for the Ponies.

The outstanding defensive play by the Nittany Lions masked their offensive struggles for much of the first quarter and a half as well.

Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton would combine for three rushing touchdowns on the day as Penn State coasted to a 38-10 victory over SMU in a game that outside of Nittany Nation will likely be forgotten in the future.

9. Ohio State vs. Oregon

What was the most anticipated matchup of the playoff ended up being one of the worst?

To put it the nicest way possible, the Ducks laid an egg.

The nation’s best team found themselves down in a 34-0 hole before they even got points of their own just before halftime.

The Buckeyes racked up 500 yards of offense on the afternoon and rolled over the Ducks 41-21 after losing to them in Eugene back in October.

It was the largest margin of victory in the Rose Bowl since 2015 and surely will be one Oregon fans will want to forget about.

8. Indiana vs. Notre Dame

The first game of the expanded playoff had some moments but Notre Dame seized control the moment Jeremiah Love broke loose for a 98-yard touchdown run. The longest touchdown in CFP history.

The Hoosier offense which was able to put up points this year was largely held in check by Notre Dame’s stout defense.

A couple of scores late by Indiana made this game a little exciting but Notre Dame won a convincing 27-17 game nonetheless.

7. Tennessee vs. Ohio State

While the “Neyland North” project was a considerable success, the “Beat the Buckeyes” was a failure.

Tennessee gave up three touchdowns on the first three Ohio State possessions but were able to go into the half only down 11 with the ball to begin the third quarter.

They would be forced to punt and Ohio State would proceed to score on the next possession and the two after as they pounded the Volunteers 42-17.

This game had all the hype and shenanigans surrounding it but much like the Rose Bowl Game, left a lot to be desired on the field.

6. Notre Dame vs. Georgia

Marcus Freeman’s squad not just outplayed Georgia but also out-coached them. It goes to show that Freeman is one of the best out there in his own right.

Neither team really looked great for much of the first half as the game was tied 3-3 going into the final minute before halftime.

And then Notre Dame got a 17-point swing off the back of a field goal, a fumble recovery, a touchdown and then a kickoff return touchdown to open the third quarter.

Georgia could only muster seven points the rest of the way as they were not able to capture the heroics backup Gunnar Stockton provided in their SEC Championship win against Texas.

The Irish were able to run out the clock with a ground game that provided 154 yards on the day to secure a 23-10 victory.

5. Penn State vs. Boise State

Could the Broncos pull some Fiesta Bowl magic again?

Could Ashton Jeanty break the rushing record?

No, and no.

Penn State was able to overcome some unforced errors as they pulled away with a 31-14 win. It was only a 17-14 game at one point in the second half though.

Jeanty never got going for Boise State as he was held to 3.6 yards per carry and fumbled twice in the game as the Bronco offense would turn the ball over four times in the losing effort.

4. Clemson vs. Texas

Give credit to Clemson. They were the team that put on the best showing compared to all the other first-round losers.

After falling down 28-10 at halftime they were in a seven point game in the fourth quarter.

But a Jaydon Blue 77-yard touchdown run coupled with a goal line stand allowed the Longhorns to avoid the collapse and do just enough to secure a 38-24 victory over the Tigers.

3. Ohio State vs. Texas

Unlike their first two playoff games, the Ohio State defense won the game for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State’s 28-14 victory came in a game where any time Texas came close to seizing momentum in the game, the Scarlet and Grey took it right away from the Longhorns.

When Texas tied the game twice, Ohio State responded with touchdowns to go back in front.

And then with Texas at the one-yard line with first and goal, the Buckeyes repelled them with Sawyer’s touchdown on fourth and goal to advance them to the National Championship.

2. Texas vs. Arizona State

It can definitely be said that Arizona State was the one underdog squad that put up the best fight throughout the whole playoff.

They trailed by 16 points with less than seven minutes to go in the game and were able to come all the way back to force overtime.

Then when Texas was faced with fourth down in overtime and down by seven Quinn Ewers found Mathew Golden to tie it and then Gunnar Helm in the second overtime to win it.

If the Sun Devils had not fall down multiple scores early in the game, there is a real possibility they would have played Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

1. Notre Dame vs. Penn State

This game was a literal seesaw battle.

Penn State seemed like they were going to control the game as they got out to a 10-0 lead. Notre Dame would rattle off 17 unanswered points to take the lead before the Nittany Lions would fight back ahead with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Then disaster struck for Penn State.

A 54-yard touchdown on a busted coverage, a costly interception with less than a minute to go and a walk-off field goal for the Irish advanced them to the national championship for the first time since 2012 and leaves Penn State with yet another heartbreaking loss.

Chase Fisher is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ctf5198@psu.edu.