The lopsided nature of the primary spherical of the School 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.
This is what you’ll want to know (all instances 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 likely be received on the bottom, but it surely’s not the workforce it’s possible you’ll suppose. Boise State boasts of Heisman runner-up operating again Ashton Jeanty, who has rushed for not less than 127 yards in all 13 video games this season. However Penn State has held opponents underneath 100 yards dashing eight instances. That is the matchup that can determine the sport.
Penn State head coach James Franklin’s file towards top-five groups (1-15) is underneath intense scrutiny, however his workforce is primed to advance because of 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) towards one of many nation’s finest run defenses in Texas (76 yards per sport, seventh in nation).
“Whenever you first activate his tape, you’re considering 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 via the road and bouncing off individuals. The extra you watch, the extra you’re like, ‘Man, this man has actually nice ft and make contact with steadiness.’ Proper while 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 towards Georgia, Texas got here again with a vengeance within the first-round win over Clemson (292 yards, 4 TDs).
Skattebo is on tear, dashing for eight touchdowns up to now three video games. However regardless of all of the discuss in regards to the operating video games, it is the quarterbacks who might very nicely determine the sport. Texas QB Quinn Ewers has thrown 4 interceptions up to now three video games. ASU QB Sam Leavitt has solely thrown one up to now six. Mistake-free soccer might preserve 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, school soccer bliss. Little separated the 2 In Oregon’s 32-31 win at house on Oct. 12.
Apparently, Ohio State enters as a 2.5-point favourite as of Monday, according to ESPN Bet. “We have all been trying 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 way in which 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 appears to be like like an improved workforce 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 preserve the Bulldogs in any sport. However will it be capable of generate something offensively towards 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 we’ve got 80-something performs of him. He can run their offense. He does issues somewhat bit in a different way. He can prolong performs together with his legs, he is athlete. The factor I in all probability seen most about him, he is an ultra-competitive particular person.”
Prediction: Notre Dame, 28-14.
