College football scores today: CFP schedule, bowl results for Saturday's games

College football scores today: CFP schedule, bowl results for Saturday's games
College Football Bowl Results and CFP Schedule: January 4, 2025

As the 2024-25 college football season nears its conclusion, fans are treated to a mix of thrilling bowl games and anticipation for the College Football Playoff semifinals. Here’s a comprehensive update on today’s games, upcoming matchups, and the playoff picture.

Saturday, January 4: Bahamas Bowl

Matchup: Buffalo vs. Liberty
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Channel: ESPN2

The Bahamas Bowl, set in the picturesque surroundings of Nassau, serves as the final non-CFP bowl game of the season. This game features Buffalo (8-4), who made a remarkable turnaround under first-year coach Pete Lembo, and Liberty (8-3), who are eager to regain momentum after falling short of last year’s undefeated regular season and Fiesta Bowl appearance.

Buffalo enters the game with renewed confidence after improving from a 3-9 record last year. Liberty, though slightly underwhelming compared to their 2023 form, boasts a resilient squad capable of high-octane play. The game is expected to offer a unique spectacle, blending college football tradition with the vibrant setting of the Bahamas.

The Inaugural 12-Team College Football Playoff

The first-ever expanded College Football Playoff has already delivered drama, with the top four seeds, all conference champions, surprisingly eliminated in the quarterfinals. This has paved the way for a semifinal round filled with powerhouse programs and underdog narratives.

Semifinal Matchups:

1. Orange Bowl:

Teams: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 6 Penn State

Date/Time: Thursday, January 9, 7:30 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN

Notre Dame, led by their experienced defense and dynamic quarterback, faces a surging Penn State team that has peaked at the right time. Both teams are eager to secure a spot in the championship game, showcasing the grit and determination characteristic of their storied programs.

2. Cotton Bowl:

Teams: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Texas

Date/Time: Friday, January 10, 7:30 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN

Ohio State continues to ride high after dismantling higher-seeded opponents in the quarterfinals, while Texas, under the guidance of a seasoned coaching staff, has consistently proven they belong in the playoff conversation. This game promises a clash of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

CFP National Championship

Date/Time: Monday, January 20, 7:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN

The winners of the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl will face off for the ultimate prize in college football. With no top-seeded teams left, the title game will mark a new era of unpredictability in the playoff system.

Key Storylines and Takeaways

1. The Impact of the 12-Team Format:
The new playoff structure has sparked debates after all top-four seeds were eliminated early, including upsets of conference champions. Critics argue the automatic byes may have led to rust for top-seeded teams, while proponents believe the format fosters greater competition and inclusivity.

2. Dominance of Traditional Powerhouses:
Despite the chaos, the semifinal features programs with rich football legacies—Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, and Texas—demonstrating the enduring strength of established schools.

How to Watch

TV Channels: ABC, Fox, CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, The CW Network

Streaming Options: ESPN app, Fox Sports App, Fubo (free trial)

With the excitement building toward the semifinals, today’s Bahamas Bowl offers fans one last chance to enjoy a traditional bowl game before the focus shifts entirely to crowning a national champion.