Snoozefests plagued the primary spherical of the Faculty Soccer Playoff however finally weeded out the pretenders whereas the contenders superior to the subsequent spherical.
Because the quarterfinals method, let’s study the characters who may have the largest impression on the video games.
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State operating again
The Heisman Trophy finalist shall be nicely rested for what may very well be his remaining try at breaking Barry Sanders’ all-time season speeding file of two,628 yards, set in 1988. In opposition to Penn State’s stingy rush protection, Jeanty needs 132 yards rushing to pass Sanders. If Boise State — an 11-point underdog, per ESPN Bet — upsets the Nittany Lions, he’ll get two video games to interrupt the file.
James Franklin, Penn State head coach
The Nittany Lions dealt with SMU within the first spherical, significantly on protection, and head coach James Franklin will want the identical sort of efficiency to cease Jeanty and the Broncos offense.
“He is top-of-the-line operating backs within the historical past of school soccer,” Franklin told reporters Sunday throughout media availability, through Mike Prater of 95.3 FM The Ticket.
How he plans for the ground-and-pound technique Boise State will probably make use of may make or break Penn State’s nationwide title chase. Failing to advance via what was deemed a straightforward path to the semifinal shall be a troublesome stain to get off Franklin’s resume if he can not ship.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State operating again
The Sacramento State switch is tied for the school record for total touchdowns in a season and he is acquired a fantastic alternative to interrupt it on the Peach Bowl. He previously crowned himself the “finest operating again within the nation” after ASU received the Huge 12 title regardless of receiving no invite as a Heisman finalist. He’ll have an opportunity to show it Wednesday. A win for the upstart Solar Devils will depend on getting Skattebo going early and sometimes but when he is stifled, will probably be a protracted day for the ASU offense.
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State head coach
Efficiently deploying Skattebo shall be a prime precedence for Dillingham. His recreation plans this season have been to attain typically however by bleeding clock with the efficient operating recreation to be able to go away opponents with no recourse.
“Management what you may management,” he told reporters Dec. 16 shortly after discovering out ASU’s spot within the 12-team bracket, through Blake Niemann of SunDevilSource.com.
Navigating the stout Texas defensive entrance would be the largest puzzle for Dillingham to unravel and if he can achieve this, the Solar Devils may be essentially the most harmful darkish horse remaining within the bracket.
Quinn Ewers, Texas quarterback
Ewers has evinced some doubt from critics together with his current performances however within the first spherical towards Clemson he put these considerations to relaxation with 202 yards and a touchdown. Nevertheless, he is thrown 4 interceptions in his final 4 video games so there are vulnerabilities to be exploited. Ewers will have to be his classic self if he needs to reap the benefits of an ASU secondary that may nonetheless chew the wanton passer. Getting his prime receiver in Isaiah Bond back from injury may very well be simply the boldness booster he must quash the inexperienced Solar Devils.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon quarterback
The Geese and Buckeyes will get their long-awaited rematch on the sport’s largest stage in Pasadena, California. A Rose Bowl between the 2 groups can solely be good for faculty soccer, and having a quarterback like Gabriel on the heart of it would draw eyeballs galore. Within the first assembly, the senior switch put up a powerful 341 yards and two touchdowns in a dramatic 32-31 victory. The identical sort of efficiency shall be wanted to make sure Ohio State can not get its revenge.
Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach
Talking of revenge, Day will want it to be able to delay what seems like his inevitable dismissal by yet another week. 4 straight losses to rival Michigan and no Huge Ten titles since 2020 is testing the endurance of the fanbase and the administration. Day shall be hoping his workforce can trip the momentum of its 42-17 thumping of Tennessee within the first spherical all the way in which to the Rose Bowl, an atmosphere it is accustomed to profitable in. Ohio State and Oregon’s first and only meeting in Pasadena was a 26-17 victory for the Buckeyes in 2010.
Gunner Stockton, Georgia quarterback
Many, if not all, eyes shall be on the Bulldogs’ backup passer with season-starter Carson Beck ruled out with an elbow injury and selecting to deal with his NFL future. Stockton stepped in to alleviate Beck after his damage in the course of the SEC Championship Sport, throwing for simply 71 yards and an interception within the 22-19 overtime win. He was sacked twice and can probably really feel plenty of stress from Notre Dame’s oppressive cross rush. Having the ability to handle the highlight and each scenario thrown at him in-game shall be key to Georgia persevering with its profitable methods within the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
Kirby Sensible, Georgia head coach
The mastermind behind these profitable methods has had ample time to adapt to a brand new offensive plan with the sudden quarterback change however whether or not it is executed to profitable ends is but to be seen. Sensible has confirmed with a number of completely different quarterbacks that he can win on the largest levels.
“That child performed powerful as nails,” Smart told reporters of Stockton’s efficiency after profitable the SEC title recreation. “He is an exceptional chief, and I believe all people rose up round him.”
There isn’t any Alabama right here this time to foil Sensible’s efforts however Notre Dame can’t be underestimated. If Sensible is really to be Nick Saban’s alternative within the sport then the Sugar Bowl shall be his first step towards cementing himself in that function.
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame quarterback
The one one that may spoil Sensible’s ascension and Stockton’s meteoric rise is Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard. The Preventing Irish’s solely blemish on the 12 months was a surprising 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2 however since then they have been winners of 11 straight, together with a 27-17 dismantling of in-state foe Indiana within the first spherical. Leonard’s weak spot, nevertheless, is in defending the soccer. He is turned the ball over six times via the air, half of these picks coming in his final 4 video games. Leonard will want a close to good efficiency to guide Notre Dame to one of many largest postseason upsets in program historical past.
