As the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff has reached its dramatic conclusion, only four teams are left standing, ready to battle for the coveted national championship. In thrilling quarterfinal matches, the matchups for the semifinals have been set. Fifth-seeded Texas will clash with eighth-seeded Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, while seventh-seeded Notre Dame faces off against sixth-seeded Penn State in the Orange Bowl. These intense semifinal games are scheduled for January 9 and January 10.

Now, let’s break down these final four teams and rank them based on their chances of taking home the national title!

4. Texas Longhorns

Texas started strong in the Peach Bowl, establishing a commanding 17-3 halftime lead. However, the second half brought unexpected drama as Arizona State's Cam Skattebo turned the tide, leading to an overtime showdown. Despite narrowly escaping with a win, the Longhorns are faced with daunting challenges ahead. Against an Ohio State team that recently showcased its dominance by dismantling Oregon, Texas will need to elevate its performance significantly to remain in title contention. A cohesive effort on both offense and defense is imperative for Texas to have any hope of overcoming the Buckeyes.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State exhibits a fascinating duality—one moment demonstrating an explosive offense and fierce defense led by quarterback Drew Allar, and the next, struggling to maintain momentum. A significant concern is the health of superstar defensive player Abdul Carter, whose injury could be crucial in their upcoming clash with Notre Dame. If Allar can replicate his first-half magic consistently, the Nittany Lions will pose a legitimate threat. However, vulnerabilities in handling the blitz, as demonstrated against Boise State, could be exploited by a relentless Notre Dame defense.

2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Fighting Irish secured their spot in the Orange Bowl thanks to a stellar defensive showing against Georgia. Notre Dame's ability to pressure the quarterback, highlighted by RJ Oben's game-changing strip-sack, was key in their Sugar Bowl triumph. While their offense needs to step up for the semifinal matchup against Penn State, Notre Dame has shown they can rise to the occasion. They will need to build on the momentum from their last performance and effectively exploit any defensive weaknesses that Penn State may reveal.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State is currently riding high after a resounding 41-21 victory against Oregon, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive prowess alike. Following a disappointing loss to Michigan previously, the Buckeyes adjusted their strategy to great effect; they balanced their run game while revitalizing their passing attack. With an impressive display from their three-safety defensive setup, Ohio State is not only striking fear into their opponents but also establishing themselves as the top contender for the national title. As they prepare for Texas, the Buckeyes look poised and prepared to continue their dominant run.

The stage is set for two electrifying semifinals as these four teams vie for a shot at the national championship. Fans are eager to see which team will rise to the occasion and claim glory in college football! Stay tuned, as you won't want to miss a moment of the action!