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 semifinal round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off on Thursday with Notre Dame vs. Penn State in the Orange Bowl followed by a clash between Ohio State and Texas in the Cotton Bowl Friday.

Finebaum's answer makes sense because the Buckeyes have been extremely efficient on both sides of the ball throughout the season. They are currently ranked 11th in offensive points per game (36.4) and first in points per game allowed (12.1).

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.

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.