The main areas of weakness on offense are the Ohio State O-line’s ability to handle extra rushers, ranking 78th with a 9.2% blitz down sack rate, and a somewhat elevated 10.2% blown run block rate that checks in at 94th nationally.

The SEC runner-up Longhorns escaped the quarterfinal matchup against No. 4 Arizona State, 39-31, with a game-winning touchdown in double overtime. The win marked No. 13 for Texas (13-2) under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the most by the program in a season since 2009.

The Story: When the Irish lost 16-14 at home to Northern Illinois on Sept. 7, Notre Dame’s odds of winning the national title ballooned to 100-1. Twelve wins later, including two by double digits in the playoffs, and they are listed at 7-1.