The excitement is building as college football heats up with the College Football Playoff (CFP) kicking off this January. Fans are eager to know when and where they can catch the thrilling semifinal matchups and the grand championship game. With top teams battling it out, this year’s playoff promises to be full of action, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
College Football Playoff Semifinal TV Schedule
The College Football Playoff will feature two exciting semifinal games this January. The matchups are set, and fans can watch the games live on ESPN. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Orange Bowl: Penn State vs. Notre Dame on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET
- Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET
These games are critical as they will decide who moves on to the championship game. Make sure to mark your calendars!
Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl promises to be a nail-biter, as Notre Dame and Penn State face off in a game filled with talent and determination. Notre Dame recently triumphed over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, securing their spot in the CFP semis. Meanwhile, Penn State defeated Boise State, showcasing their strength and skill. However, both teams may have to navigate injuries among key players. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN, where fans can watch the intensity unfold as these powerhouses battle for a chance at the championship.
Cotton Bowl
On Friday night, all eyes will be on the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State will take on Texas in another thrilling matchup. Ohio State has been performing exceptionally well this season and will be looking to build on their impressive Rose Bowl victory against Oregon. Texas, on the other hand, earned their place in the semifinals after an edge-of-your-seat double overtime win against Arizona State. With both teams having everything to prove, this Cotton Bowl clash will surely be a must-watch on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Player Highlights to Watch
As the games approach, certain players are stepping into the spotlight. For Notre Dame, watch out for Jeremiyah Love, who has been a key player in their recent successes. Penn State’s Abdul Carter is another standout who might play despite some injury concerns. In the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is a crucial player, and fans will be eager to see how he performs against Texas’ commendable defense. These athletes could shape the outcomes of their teams greatly.
Upcoming Championship Game
Looking ahead, the winners of the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl will meet in the CFP National Championship Game on January 20, 2025. This year, the championship will take place at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It’s an exciting opportunity for the teams that make it through to compete for the coveted national title. The anticipation is already building, and players are gearing up to give their all.
How the 2024-25 College Football Playoff Works
This year marks a significant change in the CFP format, expanding to a 12-team playoff for the first time. This new setup allows for more excitement and more teams to compete for the national championship. The playoff games are scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 20, 2025, with plenty of action packed into the schedule:
- First Round: December 20-21, 2024
- Quarterfinals: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Semifinals: January 9-10, 2025
- National Championship Game: January 20, 2025
With the expansion of the playoffs, more teams are able to showcase their talents on a big stage, which should lead to thrilling match-ups as the excitement continues throughout the season.