Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State lead the way as the four first-round byes in the inaugural edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff.
While that quartet was essentially locked in following Saturday’s conference title game, there was drama at the bottom of the field. The committee opted for SMU over Alabama in the final at-large spot despite the Mustangs falling in the ACC title game.
First-round matchups
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson
No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana
No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee
