January 1 means one thing in the United States: college football. Previously, it was the day of most bowl games and determined the national champion. Now, with the College Football Playoff, the first day of the year is reserved almost exclusively for the bowls that determine the teams that will compete for the national title.
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With the expanded format of the NCAA playoffs, which for the first time included 12 teams, four games will be played between December 31st and January 1st.
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The Fiesta Bowl, scheduled for New Year's Eve, will be the first quarterfinal challenge, pitting Penn State (6) against Boise State (3). Starting on New Year's Day, teams like Oregon, Texas, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Georgia will seek to keep their championship hopes alive.
Fiesta Bowl: Penn State (6) vs. Boise State (3)
Date: Tuesday, December 31st.
Location: State Farm Stadium, in Phoenix.
Time: 7:30 pm (EST).
Transmission: ESPN (United States and Latin America).
A match between two teams known for their strong ground game. Ashton Jeanty, star running back for Boise State and Heisman Trophy runner-up, had a historic season with nearly 2,500 rushing yards. However, the defense led by Abdul Carter and featuring Chilean-rooted linebacker Tony Rojas, will be a formidable challenge. On the other hand, the dynamic duo from Penn State, composed of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, promises an offensive spectacle.
Peach Bowl: Texas (5) vs. Arizona State (4)
Date: Wednesday, January 1st.
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta.
Time: 1:00 pm (EST).
Transmission: ESPN (United States and Latin America).
Arizona State arrives as the Big 12 champion after a surprising season, but finished 12th in the overall ranking, while Texas ended up in 3rd place after a good campaign. Running back Cameron Skattebo will be the player to watch for the Sun Devils, while the Longhorns will seek to stop the opponent's offense with one of the best ground defenses in the country.
Rose Bowl: Ohio State (8) vs. Oregon (1)
Date: Wednesday, January 1st.
Location: Rose Bowl, in Pasadena.
Time: 5:00 pm (EST).
Transmission: ESPN (United States and Latin America).
This game will be a rematch of the epic showdown on October 12, where Oregon defeated Ohio State by a close score of 32-31. The Buckeyes will seek redemption with a team led by rookie receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has had standout performances in the playoffs. Oregon, with a tough start to the season, now looks like the most solid team in the tournament. On paper, it is the most attractive match of the quarterfinals.
Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame (7) vs. Georgia (2)
Date: Wednesday, January 1st.
Location: Caesars Superdome, in New Orleans
Time: 8:45 pm (EST).
Transmission: ESPN (United States and Latin America).
Without their starting quarterback Carson Beck (injured in the SEC Conference final against Texas and will not return for the playoffs), Georgia will rely on their solid defense and Gunner Stockton (a second-year player) at the controls. Notre Dame comes in with 11 consecutive wins since their surprising loss in Week 2 against Northern Illinois. The team boasts a powerful ground attack led by Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, along with versatile quarterback Riley Leonard. Despite the absences, Georgia remains the favorite in this matchup.
When do the playoffs continue?
The winners of these matches will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for January 9 and 10 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas and the Orange Bowl in Miami.
The grand final will be on January 20, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.