The 12-Team College Football Playoff Kicks Off: First-Round Matchups Set to Thrill
The wait is over, college football fans! The debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff is finally here, and the excitement is palpable. After the field was finalized on Sunday, we’re now just days away from what promises to be the most thrilling part of this new format: the first-round games. Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride.
If you could dream up the perfect venues for the first-ever on-campus playoff games, the chosen locations would be hard to beat. From the electric atmosphere of Happy Valley to the historic charm of South Bend, the iconic Horseshoe in Columbus, and the roaring crowd at DKR in Austin, these matchups are set to unfold in some of the most legendary environments in college football. Fans of powerhouse programs, playoff regulars, and first-time contenders alike will be treated to a spectacle unlike any other.
The eight teams competing in this round are a fascinating mix of Power 5 programs. Some entered the season with championship dreams, while others clawed their way into contention. A few may have stumbled along the way, but thanks to this expanded playoff format, they now have a shot at redemption and the ultimate prize. Let’s dive into the first-round matchups and what to expect from each team.
No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame
When: Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ET. TV: ABC/ESPN
Indiana and Notre Dame are set to clash in South Bend, and this game has all the makings of a classic. Both teams boast 11-1 records, but their paths to this point couldn’t be more different.
Indiana Hoosiers (11-1)
Key player: Quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been a revelation for the Hoosiers. The Ohio transfer ranks third nationally with a QBR of 85.7, trailing only Heisman hopefuls Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel. Rourke has thrown for 27 touchdowns with just four interceptions, completing 70% of his passes. While he struggled in Indiana’s lone loss to Ohio State, he rebounded in spectacular fashion with six touchdown passes in a 66-0 rout of Purdue.
X factor: Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds has been a game-changer for Indiana. The freshman All-American turned first-team All-Big Ten standout has a knack for making big plays, including a 67-yard pick-six against Washington. His ability to disrupt Notre Dame’s offense will be crucial.
How Indiana wins: The Hoosiers thrive on turnovers, ranking fifth nationally with a turnover margin of 15. But Notre Dame is even better, tied for second with a margin of 16. Indiana must force the Irish into rare mistakes, especially in the red zone, where Notre Dame has been flawless this season. If Rourke protects the ball and the defense steps up, Indiana could pull off the upset.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1)
Key player: Quarterback Riley Leonard has been the steady hand guiding Notre Dame’s offense. While his passing numbers aren’t eye-popping, his dual-threat ability (721 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns) makes him a nightmare for defenses. Leonard has been especially sharp in the latter half of the season, throwing 11 of his 16 touchdown passes in the last five games.
X factor: Defensive tackle Howard Cross III is set to return after missing the last month with an ankle injury. The preseason All-American is a disruptive force in the middle and could be the difference-maker for the Irish defense.
How Notre Dame wins: The Irish need to play their game: control the clock, sustain drives, and keep Indiana’s explosive offense off the field. Leonard’s ability to mix the run and pass will be key, as will the home-field advantage of Notre Dame Stadium. If the Irish can jump out to an early lead, they’ll be tough to beat.
No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State
When: Dec. 21, Noon ET. TV: TNT/Max
SMU’s high-flying offense meets Penn State’s stout defense in a matchup that promises fireworks. Both teams have something to prove, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
SMU Mustangs (11-2)
Key player: Quarterback Kevin Jennings has been a revelation since taking over as the starter in Week 4. Despite a tough loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game, Jennings has shown poise and playmaking ability, throwing for 304 yards in that game alone.
X factor: Defensive lineman Jared Harrison-Hunte has been a force for SMU, anchoring a defensive front that held Clemson to just 64 rushing yards in the ACC title game. His ability to disrupt Penn State’s offense will be critical.
How SMU wins: The Mustangs need to avoid early mistakes and turnovers, which plagued them in the ACC championship game. If Jennings can stay upright and the offensive line holds up against Penn State’s pass rush, SMU has the firepower to pull off the upset.
Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2)
Key player: Tight end Tyler Warren is the heart of Penn State’s offense. With six receiving touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns, and even a passing touchdown, Warren is a versatile weapon who can break a game wide open.
X factor: Linebacker Abdul Carter is a game-wrecker. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year has 10 sacks and two forced fumbles, and his ability to pressure Jennings will be key.
How Penn State wins: The Nittany Lions need to capitalize on their home-field advantage and force SMU into uncomfortable situations. If they can establish the run and control the clock, they should advance to the quarterfinals.
Stay tuned for more previews of the other first-round matchups, including Clemson vs. Texas and Tennessee vs. Ohio State. The road to the national championship starts here, and it’s going to be unforgettable.
Originally Written by: Paolo Uggetti
