ESPN Predicts Winners of CFP First-Round Games

In previous seasons, the College Football Playoff (CFP) featured just four teams, with all games played at neutral sites. But things are changing dramatically with the expansion to 12 teams this year.

In addition to the four highest-seeded teams having byes, some games will be played on campus for the first time ever. After the first round, the quarterfinals and beyond will return to neutral sites.

On Sunday night, ESPN college football writer Adam Rittenberg broke down all four CFP first-round games and shared his score predictions.

Starting with next Friday's battle of Indiana, Rittenberg predicted the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish would defeat the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers, 31-21, in South Bend.

He claimed, "Notre Dame's defensive front seven will be the difference, as Leonard engineers a big second half and the Irish advance."

Next up on the CFP's slate is the "White Out." The No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions will welcome the No. 11 SMU Mustangs to State College next Saturday, and Rittenberg predicts that James Franklin's squad will get it done.

By a score of 34-23, Rittenberg thinks Penn State running backs "Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen will be the difference," and the Nittany Lions' "secondary will do enough to contain SMU's passing game."