That pair, and others like it, became part of notable trend in the 2024-25 bowl season: 21 of the 30 non-Playoff bowls that aired on an ESPN network through Jan. 2 saw year-over-year viewership increases, the majority of them by 20 percent or more.

The CFP committee isn't reseeding the four teams still playing for a national title, so Before The Snap is ahead of the semifinal games.

If Ohio State beats Texas in the Playoff semifinals, the sport will be assured of having consecutive national champions from outside the Sun Belt region for the first time in three decades. The possibility means the playoff's expansion from four to 12 teams accomplished one of its major goals,

Local reporters take their picks on who will advance to the CFP championship game. Chandler Hoefle. Steve Sarkisian praises Texas after CFP win vs. ASU at Peach Bowl

It is a blue blood Final Four in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The teams left standing -- 6-seed Penn State, 7-seed Notre Dame, 8-seed Ohio State and 5-seed Texas-- have combined for 20 national championships.

The four head coaches remaining in this year’s College Football Playoff have a lot to gain by winning it all. Not just a national championship, and not just the bonus that comes with it. The other prize coming the winning head coach’s way is power and prestige at a time of upheaval in the sport and evolution within his profession.

Will the Texas football season end at the hands of Ohio State in the CFP? Here's the case for a Buckeyes win in the Cotton Bowl.