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 College Football Playoff semifinals feature classic brands in rare matchups that should make for riveting games leading up to the CFP championship game on Jan. 20. It also features four of the top-five scoring defenses in the FBS.

College football will have consecutive national champions from outside the Sun Belt region for the first time in three decades if Ohio State beats Texas in a playoff semifinal this week.