The excitement is palpable as the first round of the 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off, bringing postseason action right to campus. This is a monumental moment for college football fans, but it also raises some intriguing questions. Will weather conditions play a significant role in these December matchups? With snow predicted for the Friday night clash between No. 10 Indiana and No. 7 Notre Dame, and freezing temperatures looming over the Saturday showdown between No. 9 Tennessee and No. 8 Ohio State, teams will need to adapt quickly. Even the game featuring No. 12 Clemson and No. 5 Texas is expected to see temperatures in the 60s in Austin, Texas. How will these teams handle the elements?
Weather Challenges Ahead
The forecast is certainly a factor to consider. For Indiana, playing in snowy conditions could mean a heavy reliance on the run game. The Hoosiers, under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, face a formidable Notre Dame squad that boasts a strong rushing attack. Will Indiana’s defense, which allowed just 2.5 yards per carry this season, be able to contain the Irish’s dynamic duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price?
On the other hand, the weather will also affect the game between No. 11 SMU and No. 6 Penn State. SMU has been a scoring machine this season, averaging 38.5 points per game. However, they will need to be strategic in their approach to slow down a relentless Penn State pass rush led by Abdul Carter. Can the Mustangs find a way to keep their offense rolling in challenging conditions?
Predictions for the First Round
Let’s dive into our predictions for the first-round matchups.
- First-round game: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame (-7)
Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m., ABC
Snow is in the forecast for this on-campus playoff game, setting the stage for a classic battle between two in-state rivals. Indiana’s quarterback Kurtis Rourke will need more support from his run game than he received against Michigan and Ohio State, where they averaged a mere 1.8 yards per carry. With Notre Dame’s elite secondary and a strong turnover margin, this game could be tightly contested.
Pick: Notre Dame wins 28-24 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
- First-round game: No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State (-8.5)
Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 p.m., TNT
Weather could also play a crucial role in this matchup. SMU’s up-tempo offense, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, will face a tough challenge against Penn State’s defense. Can the Mustangs’ running back Brashard Smith find success against a formidable Nittany Lions defense? With Drew Allar at the helm for Penn State, they will look to capitalize on home-field advantage.
Pick: Penn State wins 31-20 and COVERS the spread.
- First-round game: No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas (-11.5)
Saturday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m., TNT
Clemson enters this game as a double-digit underdog, a rare position for them. Coach Dabo Swinney will need to unleash the running game with Phil Mafah to support quarterback Cade Klubnik. Texas, with quarterback Quinn Ewers playing at home, will look to exploit Clemson’s defensive weaknesses. If the Longhorns can establish a strong ground game, they could run away with this one.
Pick: Texas wins 31-17 and COVERS the spread.
- First-round game: No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State (-7.5)
Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m., ABC
This matchup raises the question: how will an SEC team fare in Big Ten weather? Ohio State is coming off a disappointing loss to Michigan and will be looking to bounce back. With both teams possessing strong defenses, it could be a battle of wills. Tennessee’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava has shown promise on the road, but can he handle the Buckeyes’ defensive pressure?
Pick: Ohio State wins 23-17 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Will There Be Upsets?
As we look ahead to these matchups, the question remains: will we see any shocking upsets? All four games have point spreads of seven points or more, suggesting that the favorites are expected to win. However, college football is known for its unpredictability, and the playoff format adds an extra layer of excitement.
With a track record of 195-59 straight up and 127-127 against the spread during the regular season, the stakes are high. Will the first round of the College Football Playoff live up to the hype? Fans are on the edge of their seats, ready to witness the drama unfold.
As we gear up for these thrilling matchups, one thing is for sure: the College Football Playoff is here, and it promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? The answers await us in these crucial games.
