ESPN's Paul Finebaum appears to have warmed up to the idea of the Big Ten being a premier football conference.

Under the leadership of Brent Venables, the Sooners entered a new era this season as they transitioned from the Big 12 to the SEC. Venables was hired in 2022 after Lincoln Riley left for the USC Trojans, with the goal of preparing the Sooners for this move. However, for the second time in his three seasons, Oklahoma finished with a losing record.

The ESPN college football personality offered his quick analysis of Notre Dame-Penn State and Ohio State-Texas.

There is just one day left until the College Football Playoff semifinals begin. Opinions on the new 12-team format are divided; some fans appreciate it, while others are not as enthusiastic. Supporters argue that the format makes more regular-season games meaningful as the season draws to a close.

The Big Ten and SEC have played five head-to-head games during Bowl Season. The Big Ten is 4-1 in those contests, the only loss being Iowa ‘s 27-24 Music City Bowl loss to Missouri. The conference also boasts two CFP Semifinal participants ( Ohio State, Penn State) to the SEC’s one ( Texas ).

Paul Finebaum joins "SportsCenter" to preview the College Football Playoff semifinal matchups between Texas and Ohio State and Penn State and Notre Dame.

The College Football Playoff semifinals will begin later this week. The four remaining teams are the No. 5 seed Texas Longhorns (13-2), the No. 6 seed Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2), the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-1) and the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2).

Hoping to vie for a national championship, the University of Texas faces Ohio State Friday night in Arlington in the semifinal of the College Football Playoff. Why it matters: Win or lose, the Longhorns under head coach Steve Sarkisian are relevant once again.