The thrilling 12-team College Football Playoff era kicks off this Friday night, featuring a crucial showdown between No. 7 seed Notre Dame and No. 10 seed Indiana at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. This in-state rivalry will mark the first time these teams face off since 1991, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.

The action continues Saturday with a tripleheader on tap. The day begins with No. 11 seed SMU traveling to face No. 6 seed Penn State, both teams making their College Football Playoff debuts. Expect a tense environment as the game starts at noon ET on TNT. At 4 p.m. ET, No. 5 seed Texas will host No. 12 seed Clemson in a highly anticipated clash featuring two of college football's most iconic programs. The Longhorns, boasting an impressive 11-2 record, aim to capitalize on their successful season, with their only losses coming against powerhouse Georgia. In contrast, Clemson enters as the first three-loss team in playoff history, having scored a dramatic win over SMU in the ACC Championship Game.

Closing out the first round Saturday evening is a face-off between No. 8 seed Ohio State and No. 9 seed Tennessee at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes come into this game facing significant pressure after a shocking loss to rival Michigan, while the Volunteers will look to make their mark in their first-ever playoff appearance.

Let’s dive into the predictions from CBS Sports experts for these thrilling matchups:

(10) Indiana at (7) Notre Dame 8 p.m. (Friday) | ABC

Expect fireworks in this matchup of explosive offenses, but the game might start off slow as both teams try to gauge each other's strategies. Indiana has had its struggles against ranked teams this season, while Notre Dame has shown vulnerability at times, notably suffering a surprising defeat to Northern Illinois earlier in the year. Given the circumstances, expect a tight game, with a pick for Indiana to cover the spread at +7.5.

(11) SMU at (6) Penn State Noon | TNT

Weather could play a role in this contest, as there may be snow, but it’s the wind—or lack thereof—that could impact scoring. Penn State boasts a formidable defense led by All-American Abdul Carter. While SMU has been solid defensively, they may struggle against Penn State's offensive strengths. Don’t underestimate SMU’s quarterback Jennings; he could make things interesting. Expect an over on the total, with a prediction of both teams hitting the 30-point range as the score approaches a thrilling climax.

(12) Clemson at (5) Texas 4 p.m. | TNT

This matchup will serve as a crucial indicator of Clemson’s standing among college football's elite. Texas, while not flawless, has demonstrated they possess the best defense in the sport. With Clemson’s offensive line facing challenges, Texas is expected to maintain control and pull away late in the game, with a pick favoring Texas at -11.5.

(9) Tennessee at (8) Ohio State 8 p.m. | ABC

The spotlight is intensely focused on Ohio State; despite their wealth of talent, they need to shake off their recent disappointments. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Buckeyes can overcome their past loss to Michigan and perform to expectations against a formidable Tennessee defense. In a closely matched battle, Tennessee could seize the moment, making a strong case to cover the +7.5 spread.

As the playoffs get underway, excitement is palpable, and fans will be eagerly anticipating how these high-stakes matchups unfold!