The long-awaited inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff is finally here, and never before has there been so much excitement!

Kicking off the action will be the thrilling contest between in-state rivals No. 7 seed Notre Dame and No. 10 seed Indiana on Friday night at Notre Dame Stadium. Remarkably, this marks their first encounter since way back in 1991, promising to be an electrifying showdown.

Saturday's Tripleheader

As we transition into Saturday, the competition intensifies with a tripleheader. First up at noon is No. 11 seed SMU taking on No. 6 seed Penn State, both teams are making their College Football Playoff debuts. Following that, prepare for an explosive matchup at 4 p.m. ET, where 5th-seeded Texas faces off against 12th-seeded Clemson. Texas shines with an impressive 11-2 record, while Clemson makes history as the first three-loss team to enter the playoff after a thrilling victory over SMU in the ACC Championship Game.

Ohio State vs. Tennessee

The first round will be concluded on Saturday evening with an electrifying clash between No. 8 seed Ohio State and No. 9 seed Tennessee at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State is under immense pressure to bounce back after a shocking defeat to their rival Michigan, while Tennessee aims to make headlines in its first-ever playoff appearance.

Expert Predictions for the First Round

Now, let’s dive into the expert predictions for the crucial first round:

(10) Indiana at (7) Notre Dame

*Friday, 8 p.m. ET | ABC* Though both teams boast explosive offenses, expect a gritty battle right out of the gate. Indiana, despite its challenges this season against ranked opponents, will aim to catch Notre Dame off guard, who has shown vulnerabilities. While it may be a tough road for Indiana, they're expected to keep the game tight. **Pick: Indiana +7.5**.

(11) SMU at (6) Penn State

*Saturday, Noon ET | TNT* Snow might be in the forecast, but the betting focus is on the wind. Penn State holds a formidable defense led by All-American star Abdul Carter, but SMU brings a talented offense that could surprise. This matchup suggests both teams may able to rack up points. **Pick: Over 53.5**.

(12) Clemson at (5) Texas

*Saturday, 4 p.m. ET | TNT* This game will be a critical measure of Clemson's true capabilities against top-tier teams. Texas boasts the best defense in college football, creating a nightmare scenario for Clemson's beleaguered offensive line. Expect a close game initially, but Texas is likely to surge in the latter stages. **Pick: Texas -11.5**.

(9) Tennessee at (8) Ohio State

*Saturday, 8 p.m. ET | ABC* Ohio State faces intense scrutiny following their loss to Michigan. Can talent reign supreme, or will Tennessee's formidable defense hold them back? This match is shaping up to be a nail-biter, and many experts, including myself, are predicting an upset. Tennessee is poised to cover the spread. **Pick: Tennessee +7.5**.

Conclusion

Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend packed with memorable moments and potential upsets as college football’s elite teams clash for glory! Stay tuned for all the action as we crown the next champion in the College Football Playoff!