College football has the most explosive atmosphere and die-hard fans of any sport, but this year brought plenty of changes that fans are not used to. Big changes include Oregon being first and teams such as Boise St. and Arizona St. being in the top four. Currently, the rankings stand with regular teams such as Clemson, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, Notre Dame, etc.
The full twelve-team playoff bracket was revealed with four teams earning a “first-round bye”, with eight teams playing the first round on their campuses. The twelve teams in order by seed consist of Oregon (1) in the, Georgia (2), Boise State (9), Arizona State (12), Clemson (16), Penn State (4), Notre Dame (5), Ohio State (6), Tennessee (7), Indiana (8), SMU (10), and Clemson(16). Oregon (Rose Bowl), Georgia (Sugar Bowl), Boise St. (Fiesta Bowl), and Arizona St (Peach Bowl). get the four first-round byes, while the last eight teams play each other for a first round. The games go as Ohio State and Tennessee in the Rose Bowl, Clemson and Texas, Penn State and SMU, and Notre Dame and Indiana. These first-round games are interesting and exciting for their own reasons.

Ohio State V Tennessee

Starting with the Rose Bowl, this game will go on to be tension-packed. These two big names have their strengths and weaknesses. Ohio State was ranked as high as two in the AP poll rankings during the year, beat number
four Penn State, and had fifty-point leads over a few teams during the regular season. Tennessee had victories over teams such as Oklahoma, Alabama, and Vanderbilt, and had a win over Kent State with a score of 71-0. The game consists of a “Matchup Predictor” of Ohio State winning, but there are four quarters of a game to play; with surprises after every snap.

Clemson V Texas

Next, Clemson and Texas will play. This is the first time in both programs’ history. Clemson clinched their spot in the playoffs by winning the ACC championship, earning them a bid. Clemson had a clutch win over number eight SMU. Their losses are to a few powerhouse teams such as South Carolina, and Georgia. But, also a lesser team of Louisville. Texas has been known to be a “powerhouse” this season, beating teams such as Michigan, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and other viable wins. Although they had a few blowouts on less esteemed teams this season, their victories that give them the “powerful titles” were not as impressive as other teams in this playoff bracket. There is going to be a fight given by the Clemson Tigers, but Texas is seen as a higher power for this game.

Penn State V SMU

The third game, Penn State against SMU, has happened three times in program history. Though this game has some mixed feelings, both teams have an 11-1, a loss in a championship, and a powerful season. Penn State has defeated their schedule with not much problem, while SMU has blowout victories such as 42-16 against Florida St., 59-7 against Hou Christian, 66-42 against TCU, and 48-25 against number eighteen Pitt. This contradicts a few things, but all together, Penn State has a matchup prediction to come victorious.

Notre Dame V Indiana

Last but not least, the game consisted of Notre Dame and Indiana. Notre Dame has a few big wins like 49-14 against Army, 52-3 against Florida St, 51-14 against Navy, and other ranked wins. Indiana has a weaker schedule but does have a few strong wins against teams such as 66-0 against Perdue, 77-3 against W Illinois, and other bigger blowouts. With the home advantage within the State of Indiana matchup, this also gives Notre Dame an advantage. With the big matchup prediction being for Notre Dame, a good ballgame will be played to determine the outcome.

First Round Outs

Given a history of past playoff history, Alabama and Miami have a big lead on some teams; and did not make it this year. Alabama being ranked eleventh in the CFP ranking list, lost their spot after Clemson won the ACC. The ranking list showed a different result, but due to the way the playoff spots work, Alabama did not make it. This has caused many of their players to enter the transfer portal. It was going to be tough for the Crimson Tide after their loss to Oklahoma during Week 13. Their wins after that could not thread the needle enough for them to make it.

Miami did not make it due to their placement behind Alabama and their loss to Syracuse (42-38) and Georgia Tech (28-23). Miami had a chance to make it to the ACC instead of Clemson, but their loss against Syracuse kept them back; and sent along Clemson. This situation ultimately lost them their spot.
If matchup predictions are correct, Ohio State will go on to play Oregon. Texas will continue to play Arizona, and Notre Dame would go on to play Georgia. Penn State will go on to play Boise St.
Some of those games seem too easy to predict, while others seem like “game of the year matchups.” The rounds will be played December 20th-21st, and the Quarterfinals will be played December 31st-January 1st. As the games go on, we will find a trophy for one of our teams. Many speculations have arisen about who will win the bracket, but we will see the true contender soon enough.