College football bowl games today: The schedule has three playoff games

On By Littum

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We’ve answered the first big question of the expanded College Football Playoff era. It seems that home field advantage in the opening round is actually quite important.

We now address the other major plot point as the quarterfinal round approaches, which is whether it’s ultimately better to have a conference title and a first-round bye. Penn State didn’t seem to have any ill effects from its opening win against SMU after putting away Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

The last three games in the quarterfinals on New Year’s Day should give us more of an indication of any trends. The day starts in Atlanta, moves to California for the second matchup and ends, fittingly, near Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Three teams will advance to complete the semifinals, while three will see their season end. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the matchups and schedule to plan your New Year’s Eve viewing.

Time/TV/Place: Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET, ESPN, Atlanta.

Why watch: The Sun Devils undoubtedly had hopes of landing in the Fiesta Bowl in their backyard, but they won’t complain too much about earning a first-round bye after all the criticism leveled at the Big 12 all fall. The Longhorns, the second team to reach this round who also participated in their conference title game, hope to come through without further ado. The good news for Texas is that QB Quinn Ewers turned in a much sharper performance against Clemson, making excellent use of RB Jaydon Blue and TE Gunnar Helm. The task of limiting the big winners belongs to Arizona State DBs Myles Rowser and Xavion Alford. The centerpiece of the Sun Devils’ offense is, of course, RB Cam Skattebo, one of this year’s breakout stars who amassed 2,074 yards from scrimmage and finished fifth in the Heisman voting. QB Sam Leavitt will give him the ball as much as possible, but he needs help from wide receivers with Jordyn Tyson out for the season. Texas has an active defense, but LB Anthony Hill Jr. can usually be found mid-fight.

Why it might disappoint: The theory that there is a real talent gap between the SEC and the Big 12 is being tested in real time. On the flip side, though, it’s fair to wonder how much the Longhorns’ depth has been stretched by playing the extra game.

WHO WILL WIN?: Expert predictions for Arizona State-Texas in the Peach Bowl

Time/TV/Place: Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET, ESPN, Pasadena, California.

Why watch: If we’re going to have a playoff rematch, it might as well be an encore of an instant classic. If this comes close to matching the drama of Oregon’s narrow 32-31 escape at Autzen Stadium on the night of Oct. 12, it will be worth watching. Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel arguably got even better after that contest, but the Buckeyes’ active secondary of safeties Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs is just as dialed in. After an almost timid approach against Michigan, Ohio State showed a much stronger offensive game plan against Tennessee with QB Will Howard making use of his ultra-talented receiving corps with Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. They also had some success in their first meeting with the Ducks, but LB Matayo Uiagalelei has been unleashed more often and can be a disruptive force.

Why it might disappoint: It couldn’t possibly, right? The Buckeyes looked like the team they were expected to be when we last saw them, but the Ducks were certainly able to hang with them before.

SECOND CHANCE: Will Howard enjoys another shot at Oregon

WHO WILL WIN?: Expert predictions for Ohio State-Oregon in the Rose Bowl

Time/TV/Place: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. ET, ESPN, New Orleans.

Why watch: The eighth round concludes with this heavy showdown of history programs. In a first round of dominant performances Fighting Irish might have delivered the most impressive of the lot, shutting down the potent Indiana passing game. The talented back seven led by DB Xavier Watts and LB Jack Kiser now turn their attention to Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton, who will make his starting debut with the highest effort. He’ll bring an element of mobility to the offense that starter Carson Beck didn’t, but he may still need to lean on RBs Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier to limit his risk. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard is an even more dangerous dual threat, and RB Jeremiah Love can also break big runs. The Georgia front seven has a lot of versatility, but LB Jalon Walker is often a key part of the game plan.

Why it might disappoint: It can turn into a point duel if the defense takes responsibility. It can also be a challenge for either team to overcome a multi-score deficit if there are early mistakes.

WHO WILL WIN?: Expert predictions for Georgia-Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl