The lopsided nature of the primary spherical of the Faculty Soccer Playoff left a lot to be desired. The quarterfinals provide extra promise, particularly the marquee matchup between No. 8 Ohio State and No. 1 Oregon.
Here is what you must know (all occasions Japanese):
No. 6 Penn State (12-2) vs. No. 3 Boise State (12-1) | Tuesday | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Glendale, Arizona)
This sport will probably be gained on the bottom, nevertheless it’s not the group it’s possible you’ll suppose. Boise State boasts of Heisman runner-up operating again Ashton Jeanty, who has rushed for at the very least 127 yards in all 13 video games this season. However Penn State has held opponents below 100 yards speeding eight occasions. That is the matchup that can resolve the sport.
Penn State head coach James Franklin’s report in opposition to top-five groups (1-15) is below intense scrutiny, however his group is primed to advance due to a stalwart protection (253 yards per sport, third in nation) and its personal spectacular operating sport (189 yards per sport, ninth in nation).
Prediction: Penn State, 31-14.
No. 5 Texas (12-2) vs. No. 4 Arizona State (11-2) | Wednesday | 1 p.m. | ESPN (Atlanta)
That is one other matchup that includes an elite operating again in Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo (1,568 yards, 19 TD) in opposition to one of many nation’s greatest run defenses in Texas (76 yards per sport, seventh in nation).
“Once you first activate his tape, you’re pondering you’re going to see (former Tampa Bay Buccaneers operating again) Mike Alstott,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned recently. “You’re simply going to see this bruiser that’s operating by way of the road and bouncing off folks. The extra you watch, the extra you’re like, ‘Man, this man has actually nice toes and speak to steadiness.’ Proper if you suppose he’s going to run somebody over, he makes them miss. He makes use of a stiff arm. He’s actually good within the open area.’”
After a dreadful efficiency operating within the SEC Championship in opposition to Georgia, Texas got here again with a vengeance within the first-round win over Clemson (292 yards, 4 TDs).
Skattebo is on tear, speeding for eight touchdowns prior to now three video games. However regardless of all of the speak in regards to the operating video games, it is the quarterbacks who could very nicely resolve the sport. Texas QB Quinn Ewers has thrown 4 interceptions prior to now three video games. ASU QB Sam Leavitt has solely thrown one prior to now six. Mistake-free soccer might hold the Solar Devils within the hunt for a serious upset.
Prediction: Texas, 38-33
No. 8 Ohio State (11-2) vs. No. 1 Oregon (13-0) | Wednesday | 5 p.m. | ESPN (Pasadena, California)
It is a high-profile rematch, faculty soccer bliss. Little separated the 2 In Oregon’s 32-31 win at residence on Oct. 12.
Apparently, Ohio State enters as a 2.5-point favourite as of Monday, according to ESPN Wager. “We have all been wanting ahead to this one and for an additional crack at these guys,” mentioned Ohio State quarterback Will Howard after the victory over Tennessee in a first-round sport. “The best way that final one ended would not sit proper with me. It nonetheless bugs me.”
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel should duplicate his efficiency from October (341 yards, two TD passes), however Ohio State seems like an improved group in comparison with the final assembly. Because the Oregon sport, the Buckeyes rank No. 1 nationally in fewest yards allowed per play (3.8), yards allowed per sport (234.4) and factors surrendered per sport (11.7).
Prediction: Ohio State, 29-24.
No. 7 Notre Dame (12-1) vs. No. 2 Georgia (11-2) | Wednesday | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN (New Orleans)
A scintillating Sugar Bowl matchup closes out the quarterfinals. No Carson Beck at QB for Georgia places Notre Dame within the driver’s seat. The Irish have steamrolled opponents because the Northern Illinois loss Sept. 7 (+28.8 common margin of victory).
Georgia’s protection, because it has proven all through the season, can hold the Bulldogs in any sport. However will it be capable to generate something offensively in opposition to a Notre Dame protection that has held opponents to 300 yards or much less 4 of the previous 5 video games?
Georgia, favored by 1.5 points (per ESPN Bet) as of Monday, should get stable play from backup QB Gunner Stockton. The sophomore has accomplished 25-of-32 passes this season for 206 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Maybe the unknown is to Georgia’s profit.
“You consider, clearly, what they’ve finished all season, and you’ve got a separate tape of what Stockton has finished,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman mentioned recently. “I feel now we have 80-something performs of him. He can run their offense. He does issues somewhat bit otherwise. He can lengthen performs together with his legs, he is an excellent athlete. The factor I most likely seen most about him, he is an ultra-competitive particular person.”
Prediction: Notre Dame, 28-14.
