In its second annual year, the NCAA College Football Playoff is less than a week away from being back in action. Two games to watch are the Capital One Orange Bowl and the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The Bowl will feature number-one-ranked Clemson versus Oklahoma (#4). Meanwhile, the Classic will showcase a face-off between Alabama (#2) versus Michigan State (#3). Both games look to be even bigger and better than the inaugural event last year, making this event a must-watch over winter break.

At 4 PM on Thursday, December 31, the Orange Bowl will air on ESPN as the players face off at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The top ranked Clemson Tigers are helmed by head coach Dabo Swinney, who led them to an undefeated season at 13-0. On the other hand, the Oklahoma Sooners are led by Coach Bob Stoops, posting a near perfect record of 11-1.

The Clemson Tigers are led by one of this year’s Heisman Trophy candidates, quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson has been a dual threat this season, accumulating over 4,400 yards and 41 touchdowns combined. Leading the attack on the ground, running back Wayne Gallman has over 1,300 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Meanwhile, wideout Artavis Scott, Watson’s favorite target, has led the way with over 800 yards and five receiving touchdowns.

The Oklahoma Sooners also boast impressive players. The Sooners are led by another dual threat quarterback in Baker Mayfield, who has over 3,800 yards and 42 touchdowns on the season. Tailback Samaje Perine has rushed for almost 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. Top wideout Sterling Shepard has had a great season, with over 1,200 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Right after the Tigers and Sooners play, ESPN will show the Cotton Classic at 8 PM. The Alabama Tide and MSU Spartans will play at AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas. The Tide are coached by Nick Saban, while the Spartans are coached by Mark Dantonio.

While the Alabama Tide have constructed an effective pass attack, they are most efficient on the ground, led by running back Derrick Henry, a Heisman Trophy winner. Henry has rushed for almost 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns, making him the most dangerous threat on the ground in the entire playoff.

On the other side of the field are the Spartans. The most notable name on this team is quarterback Connor Cook. Cook has thrown for almost 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. His favorite target is wide receiver Aaron Burbridge, who hauled in over 1200 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. The passing attack is not the only thing to fear about this team, however. The running scheme is very well balanced, with over three backs having rushed for over 480 yards this season alone.

Only time will tell as to which teams advance to the championship, and then who wins it all. To find out, tune into ESPN this New Year’s Eve or check back in with the Banner after break!