Get Ready for 12-Team College Football Playoff: First Round Matchups and What to Watch

The College Football Playoff has grown! From a four-team bracket, it now includes 12 teams. The bottom eight seeds are playing on Friday and Saturday, while the top four seeds have a bye. Here's a guide to the first-round games. On Friday, Indiana (11-1) faces Notre Dame (11-1). Indiana's offense is strong, scoring 43. 3 points on average. Their defense is also tough, allowing just 70. 8 rushing yards. Notre Dame is known for its defense, allowing only 13. 6 points per game. This matchup is a clash of strengths.

On Saturday, SMU (11-2) plays Penn State (11-2). SMU's quarterback, Kevin Jennings, and running back Brashard Smith have been key players. Penn State leans on its defense, which allows only 16. 4 points per game, and its dynamic offense led by quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren. Later on Saturday, Clemson (10-3) takes on Texas (11-2). The quarterbacks, Cade Klubnik from Clemson and Quinn Ewers from Texas, have faced each other before. Clemson's success depends on big plays, while Texas has a top-notch defense. Finally, Tennessee faces Ohio State. Tennessee's quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, is highly rated by NFL scouts. Ohio State's red-zone defense is the best in the country, but they have struggled with consistency. This is only the second meeting between these two storied programs.

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