The College Football Playoff preview is here, and excitement is building for the first-ever 12-team tournament.
The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off this week, featuring a highly anticipated matchup between Notre Dame and Indiana at 8 p.m. ET on Friday at Notre Dame Stadium. This will be followed on Saturday by three more thrilling contests: SMU at Penn State (12 p.m. ET), Clemson at Texas (4 p.m. ET), and Tennessee at Ohio State (8 p.m. ET).
As fans gear up for this historic playoff, the question remains: Who will emerge victorious in these first-round matchups? Here are the expert predictions.
Indiana vs. Notre Dame – Who is your pick to win this game and why?
Laken Litman: The matchup between these two teams showcases impressive statistics. Notre Dame’s defense ranks among the top three in scoring, while Indiana boasts a top three scoring offense. Additionally, Notre Dame’s rushing attack is in the top 10, and Indiana leads the nation in rushing defense. However, with snow predicted and temperatures hovering around 33 degrees in South Bend, the conditions could favor Notre Dame.
Running between the tackles may prove challenging, as Indiana allows only 70.8 rushing yards per game and has surrendered just 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Yet, the addition of a mobile quarterback like Riley Leonard could disrupt Indiana’s defensive strategies.
“You can’t stop the run if they are going to run the quarterback,” said Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines this week. “It’s making the quarterback pay a toll every time he wants to run it.”
The ability of Indiana to contain Leonard could very well determine the outcome of this game.
Pick: Notre Dame
RJ Young: Indiana has struggled when quarterback Kurtis Rourke faces pressure. In their most competitive games, including a loss to Ohio State, Rourke was sacked nine times and managed only 68 passing yards against a tough defense. The Fighting Irish present a similarly formidable challenge.
With a top 10 defense and a rushing attack that thrives in cold weather, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard can evade pressure and extend plays, giving them a better chance to succeed.
Pick: Notre Dame.
Notre Dame’s defense, ranked third nationally against the pass, will likely pose a significant challenge for Rourke on a cold, possibly snowy night in South Bend. With 17 interceptions this season, the Fighting Irish have demonstrated their ability to capitalize on mistakes. The return of defensive lineman Howard Cross III, who has been sidelined, will further strengthen their pass rush. It could be a long evening for the Hoosiers.
Pick: Notre Dame
SMU vs. Penn State – Who is your pick to win this game and why?
RJ: Penn State is poised to deliver a memorable playoff experience for the Mustangs with a whiteout at Beaver Stadium. After scoring 37 points against the top-ranked team in the nation, the Nittany Lions are eager to prove they can compete with the best. They will rely on the talents of tailbacks Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
SMU’s only significant tests this season came against BYU and Clemson, both of which resulted in losses. Neither of those teams matches the caliber of Penn State or Oregon. For SMU to secure a victory, they will likely need to engage in a high-scoring battle.
Pick: Penn State
Michael: Throughout the season, doubts have surrounded SMU’s impressive record as they entered the ACC Championship Game undefeated in conference play. Their only loss was to BYU, which had recently entered the top 10. Despite victories over teams like Louisville and Pittsburgh, their schedule lacked challenges against top-tier opponents.
The Mustangs’ narrow loss to Clemson in the ACC title game raised further questions about their readiness for the playoffs. Facing a Penn State team that nearly toppled Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, SMU will need to step up their game significantly.
Pick: Penn State
Laken: Penn State’s defense is ranked sixth in the nation, and their formidable running game, featuring Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, has proven to be one of the best in the Big Ten. The home-field advantage at Beaver Stadium adds to their edge.
This matchup is critical for Penn State, who has faced challenges in high-pressure situations in the past, but they are expected to perform well when it matters most.
Pick: Penn State
Clemson vs. Texas – Who is your pick to win this game and why?
Pick: Texas
Laken: On paper, Texas holds advantages in nearly every category. With veteran quarterback Quinn Ewers leading the Longhorns to consecutive conference championships and playoff appearances, their offensive line and playmakers are poised for success. Texas also boasts the second-best scoring defense in the nation, averaging just 12.5 points allowed per game, which will be tested against Clemson’s quarterback Cade Klubnik, who returns to his hometown.
This matchup is filled with emotional storylines, but Texas’s defense is stronger than the SEC defenses Clemson has faced this season. While Clemson’s offense has shown improvement, they have struggled against top-tier defenses.
This game could be closer than expected, as Texas’s offense has faced issues with penalties and turnovers.
Pick: Texas
RJ: Texas features one of the top statistical defenses in college football, with standout players like Collin Simmons and Anthony Hill Jr. contributing significantly to their success.
With 28 takeaways this season, Texas’s defense has proven to be a formidable force. If they can limit quarterback Cade Klubnik’s mobility, they should be able to secure a victory over the two-time national champions.
Pick: Texas
Tennessee vs. Ohio State – Who is your pick to win this game and why?
Laken: Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava faces a challenging environment, with temperatures expected to drop into the 30s during their game in Columbus. While Knoxville isn’t known for tropical weather, the chill could still impact Iamaleava’s performance.
However, the deciding factor in this game may not be the weather. Ohio State is looking for redemption after their recent loss to Michigan. With a talented roster filled with star receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, as well as a solid running game, the Buckeyes are poised for a strong performance at home.
Pick: Ohio State
RJ: Ohio State has invested heavily in talent, creating a roster designed for success in high-stakes games. The Buckeyes possess a clear advantage at receiver and will need to leverage that against Tennessee’s defense, which has proven formidable this season.
Pick: Ohio State
Michael: After facing criticism for their previous game plan against Michigan, Ohio State’s coaching staff is expected to make adjustments. They will aim to exploit Tennessee’s defense while capitalizing on their own talent at receiver.
With a talented trio of receivers, Ohio State is set to challenge Tennessee’s defensive strengths. This game presents a crucial opportunity for the Buckeyes to demonstrate their capabilities.
Pick: Ohio State
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