The schedule includes three playoff matches

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

We now address the second major plot point as the quarterfinal round approaches, namely whether having a conference title and a first-round bye is ultimately better. Penn State appeared to have no ill effects from its opening win over SMU after defeating Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

The last three games of the quarterfinals on New Year’s Day should give us more clues about possible trends. The day begins in Atlanta, moves to California for the second match and ends, fittingly, near Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Three teams reach the semi-finals while three end their season. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the encounters and schedule to plan your New Year’s viewing.

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

Why watch: The Sun Devils were undoubtedly hoping to end up 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 this fall was expressed. The Longhorns, the second team to reach this round and also played in their conference title game, are hoping to get through without further attrition. The good news for Texas is that QB Quinn Ewers had a much better performance against Clemson and made excellent use of RB Jaydon Blue and TE Gunnar Helm. The job of containing the big winners falls to Arizona State DBs Myles Rowser and Xavion Alford. The focal point of the Sun Devils’ offense is, of course, RB Cam Skattebo, one of the year’s breakout stars, who racked up 2,074 yards from scrimmage and finished fifth in Heisman voting. QB Sam Leavitt will get him the ball as often as possible, but he will need 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 in the middle of the action.

Why it might disappoint: The theory that there is indeed a talent gap between the SEC and the Big 12 will soon be tested in real time. On the other hand, it’s fair to wonder how much the Longhorns’ strength has increased with this extra game.

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

Time/TV/Location: Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. ET, ESPN, Pasadena, California.

Why watch: If we have to have a rematch in the playoffs, it might as well be an encore to an instant classic. If this comes anywhere close to the drama of Oregon’s narrow 32-31 win at Autzen Stadium on the evening of Oct. 12, it’s worth a look. Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel may have improved after this fight, but the Buckeyes’ active secondary with safeties Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs is also in action. After an almost timid approach against Michigan, Ohio State showed a much stronger offensive game plan against Tennessee. QB Will Howard utilizes his highly talented receiving team of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. They also had some success in their first meeting with the Ducks, but LB Matayo Uiagalelei was used more and could be a disruptive force.

Why it might disappoint: It could be impossible, right? The Buckeyes looked like the team we expected them to be when we last saw them, but the Ducks have certainly been able to keep up with them before.

SECOND CHANCE: Will Howard is enjoying another chance at Oregon

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

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

Why watch: The round of 16 ends with this heavyweight showdown of the fabled programs. In a first round of dominant performances, the Fighting Irish might have delivered the most impressive performance, shutting down Indiana’s potent passing game. The talented back seven, led by DB Xavier Watts and LB Jack Kiser, now turns its attention to Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton, who will make his high-stakes starting debut. He’ll bring an element of mobility to the offense that starter Carson Beck didn’t have, but he may still need to lean on RBs Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier to limit his risk. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is an even more dangerous dual threat, and RB Jeremiyah Love can also break off big runs. Georgia’s front seven is very versatile, but LB Jalon Walker is often an important part of the game plan.

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The schedule includes three playoff matches

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