College Football Playoff Winner Predicted by ESPN FPI

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 23, 2024 8:52 AM ET

The second round of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff is approaching, following a couple of dominant performances from powerhouse programs.

Here's a look at the upcoming matchups and seedings for each program:

No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State

No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame

No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State

No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas

Following the first-round matchups, where the four higher seeded teams listed above benefited from a bye week, ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) updated its national championship odds.

After defeating the Clemson Tigers 38-24, the Texas Longhorns are moving on with clear momentum. The computer-generated system, which calculates strength of schedule and team statistics, seems to be confident in the SEC powerhouse.

Texas heads into the second round as the predicted winner of the national championship with ESPN's FPI giving the Longhorns a 27.2% chance to win the title trophy.

Texas heads into the matchup against Arizona State as a 14-point favorite, per ESPN BET, despite the Sun Devils holding the higher seed.

The Longhorns are 12-2 on the season, with both losses coming at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers has been the leader for the Longhorns for much of the season, posting 26 touchdowns and 2,867 passing yards with a 66.5 completion percentage.

If the Longhorns were to defeat the Sun Devils in the quarterfinals, they would go on to play the winner of Oregon-Ohio State.

Texas will match up against Arizona State on Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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