The College Football Playoff (CFP) has introduced an exciting new era with its expanded 12-team format for the 2024-25 season. This change brings more opportunities for teams to compete and fans to enjoy thrilling games leading up to the National Championship. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the schedule, game results, and everything you need to know about this historic season.
What’s New in the 2024-25 CFP Format?
The shift to a 12-team playoff system is the most significant change in CFP history. Here’s how it works:
Top 4 Seeds: The highest-ranked conference champions receive a bye to the quarterfinals.
Remaining Teams: Seeds 5-12 play in the first round.
Bracket Structure: Higher-seeded teams host the first-round games at their home venues. Subsequent rounds are held at neutral bowl sites.
Purpose: The expansion aims to include more teams, ensuring a fair chance for all conferences and providing fans with more games.
Full Schedule and Key Dates
The CFP schedule spans over a month, from December 20, 2024, to January 20, 2025. Here’s the complete timeline:
First Round (Dec. 20-21, 2024)
Friday, Dec. 20:
No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17
Saturday, Dec. 21:
No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10
No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24
No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025)
Fiesta Bowl (Dec. 31): No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14
Peach Bowl (Dec. 31): No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State 31 (2OT)
Rose Bowl (Jan. 1): No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21
Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1): No. 7 Notre Dame 23, No. 2 Georgia 10
Semifinals (Jan. 9-10, 2025)
Orange Bowl (Jan. 9): No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
Cotton Bowl (Jan. 10): No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State
National Championship (Jan. 20, 2025)
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Broadcast: ESPN
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Highlights from the First Round
The first round set the tone for this year’s playoffs:
Notre Dame emerged victorious against Indiana with a commanding defense.
Penn State showcased their dominance with a resounding win over SMU.
Texas outperformed Clemson in an exciting offensive showdown.
Ohio State proved unstoppable against Tennessee, with a 42-point showing.
Quarterfinals Recap
The quarterfinals were filled with dramatic moments:
Penn State breezed past Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.
Texas claimed a double-overtime thriller in the Peach Bowl against Arizona State.
Ohio State stunned Oregon in the Rose Bowl, solidifying their status as a championship contender.
Notre Dame upset Georgia in the Sugar Bowl with a stellar defensive performance.
Upcoming Semifinals and Predictions
The semifinal matchups promise to be nail-biters:
Orange Bowl: Penn State vs. Notre Dame. Both teams bring solid defenses, but Penn State’s offensive edge might prevail.
Cotton Bowl: Texas vs. Ohio State. Expect a high-scoring affair with Ohio State slightly favored due to their balanced attack.
Past CFP National Championship Winners
Here’s a look back at the winners since the CFP began:
2024: Michigan 34, Washington 13
2023: Georgia 65, TCU 7
2022: Georgia 33, Alabama 18
2021: Alabama 52, Ohio State 24
Venue Spotlight: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The 2025 CFP National Championship Game will be held at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its state-of-the-art design, the stadium has hosted several marquee events, including the 2018 CFP National Championship.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 College Football Playoff introduces an expanded format that promises more drama and excitement. With the stage set for the semifinals and National Championship, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned as history unfolds in this new chapter of college football!
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