College Football Playoff bracket: Scores, schedule for semifinals and championship
The College Football Playoff is down to four teams and two semifinal games, with the winners earning a spot in the national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in a display of resilience, secured their place in the semifinals by defeating the Georgia Bulldogs 23-10 in a Sugar Bowl game that was delayed due to the tragic terror attack in New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Penn State Nittany Lions showed their mettle by throttling Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl.
On the other side of the bracket, the Texas Longhorns triumphed over Arizona State in a thrilling double overtime game, winning the Peach Bowl 39-31. While the Ohio State Buckeyes pulled off the upset of the playoffs, dominating the previously the unbeaten Oregon Ducks 41-21 in the Rose Bowl.
The action now heads to the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinals. A look at the bracket and schedule:
When are the College Football Playoff semifinals?
The College Football Playoff semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and 10 (All times ET).
∎ Thursday, Jan. 9 — Orange Bowl
No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
∎ Friday, Jan. 10 — Cotton Bowl
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
When is College Football Playoff national championship?
- Date: Monday, Jan. 20
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
College Football Playoff quarterfinals
Tuesday, Dec. 31
- Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14
Wednesday, Jan. 1
- Peach Bowl: No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State 31 (OT)
- Rose Bowl: No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21
Thursday, Jan. 2
- Sugar Bowl: No. 7 Notre Dame 23, No. 2 Georgia 10
College Football Playoff first round
Friday, Dec. 20
Saturday, Dec. 21
- Game 2: No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10
- Game 3: No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24
- Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17
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