The College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals are poised to deliver exhilarating matchups on December 27 and 28, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Four teams—Ohio State, Miami, Texas Tech, and Oregon—will compete for a coveted spot in the semifinals. This year’s playoff features a mix of established powerhouses and rising contenders, promising a captivating spectacle for college football fans.
Quarterfinal Matchups Overview
The quarterfinals will showcase a variety of storylines, including a rematch of the controversial 2003 Fiesta Bowl between Ohio State and Miami, as well as a clash between the dynamic offenses of Texas Tech and Oregon. Additionally, the matchup between Indiana and Alabama pits an unbeaten powerhouse against a gritty underdog, further enhancing the excitement surrounding these games.
The first game will see No. 2 Ohio State face off against No. 10 Miami in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on December 27 at 19:30 ET. Ohio State, the defending champion and a nearly double-digit favorite, will seek vengeance for their previous encounter. In the past, the Buckeyes pulled off a stunning upset in the 2003 title game, which remains one of the most talked-about games in college football history.
In the second quarterfinal, No. 4 Texas Tech will take on No. 5 Oregon in the Capital One Orange Bowl on December 28 at 12:00 ET. Texas Tech has emerged as a formidable force in college football, propelled by a high-profile transfer class, while Oregon aims to prove its worth against a tough opponent.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
For Ohio State, the spotlight will be on Julian Sayin, the redshirt freshman quarterback who has demonstrated remarkable accuracy with a 78.4% completion rate. He has thrown for 3,323 yards and 31 touchdowns this season. In contrast, Miami’s quarterback Carson Beck will need to elevate his game after a lackluster performance against Texas A&M, where he managed only 103 passing yards.
Ohio State’s defense, which has allowed an average of only 16 points per game this season, will be tested by Miami’s explosive playmakers, including Malachi Toney. Toney has amassed 353 yards from scrimmage and proved to be a versatile threat throughout the season.
In the Texas Tech versus Oregon matchup, Oregon’s offense, led by quarterback Dante Moore, will try to exploit the Red Raiders’ defense. Oregon has averaged 48 points per game in recent outings, showcasing their speed and efficiency. Texas Tech will counter with a defensive unit that has excelled in forcing turnovers and making key stops.
As the playoff progresses, Indiana will look to maintain its unbeaten record against No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on December 28 at 16:00 ET. Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner, has been instrumental in leading his team to victory with a series of clutch performances. Meanwhile, Alabama, known for its resilience in close games, will rely on quarterback Ty Simpson to navigate the pressure.
The quarterfinals promise to deliver thrilling moments and intense competition as teams vie for a place in the semifinals. With a mix of tradition and emerging talent, this year’s playoff is set to captivate audiences across the globe.
