While Notre Dame’s win against Georgia was the first win in a big bowl game in more than 30 years, Penn State is still searching for that level of win under James Franklin. The Nittany Lions had the so-called easy path to the semifinals and took advantage with a dominant win against SMU and a comfortable win against Boise State.

SportsLine's model simulated the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns 2025 College Football Playoff semifinal Cotton Bowl matchup on Friday 10,000 times

Notre Dame vs. Penn State at the Orange Bowl this Thursday night and Ohio State vs Texas on Friday! Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau likely to announce resignation, reports say 20 Housing Markets Where Homes Will Skyrocket in Value Before the End of 2025 Celebrities discuss Golden Globe wins backstage I Asked 3 Butchers How To Choose the Best Steak—They All Said the Same Thing I made too many withdrawals during the first 6 years of retirement to pay for cruises,