A season ago, our College Football Playoff breakdowns could have been completed in two tidy installments.

Thanks to the expanded postseason, though, we now have multiple rounds, each with delightful matchups to dive into.

Although the format is by no means perfect, it has given us something we can all enjoy.

More football.

In fact, it's not just more. It's high-quality games featuring quality teams trying to stay alive. And the next round of games is not short on intrigue. Before we break down these games and give a pick for each one, let's do some quick housekeeping.

Locks of the Week will have picks for each round of the playoffs. We've also done separate breakdowns for the bowls. If you're looking for complete breakdowns of the entire CFB slate, we have you covered.

With that done, let's pick some winners.

Fiesta Bowl: Penn State (-11) vs. Boise State

The greatest force in college football this season, Ashton Jeanty, will go up against one of the nation's elite rushing defenses, and the end result should be thrilling.

It is nearly impossible to quantify just how good Jeanty has been this year. For further proof, just ask Oregon, which gave up 300 yards of offense and three touchdowns to the Heisman Trophy runner-up early in the regular season.

The 21-year-old is so good after contact, and Penn State—like most teams—won't keep him contained the entire game.

The issue, however, is pretty much everywhere else.

Penn State might not have Jeanty in the backfield, but the backs it has are excellent, the offensive line is solid, and the quarterback play is quite good as well. The Nittany Lions should also have a significant size advantage, which was evident in the team's first-round playoff game against SMU.

That feels and probably sounds like a cliché take, but there's a reality to face. Like a heavyweight boxer, Penn State will invest time and reps leaning on a Boise State defense that ranked outside the top 30 nationally. It might not show early, but it will eventually.

They are the bigger team. They are the more physical team. As such, they will do whatever possible to ensure Maddux Madsen, Boise State's starting QB, has to beat them.

Penn State, while not perfect, is awfully talented. That talent will show up in a big way on New Year's Eve.

Peach Bowl: Arizona State (+12.5) vs. Texas

Whether they should have had a bye or not is of no importance now.

The Arizona State Sun Devils are in the College Football Playoff, and they have nothing to apologize about. They earned this spot by running through the Big 12, culminating with a dominating performance over Iowa State in the conference championship.

They are balanced on offense, fearless and incredibly well coached. While it's reckless to handicap teams and matchups by heart, it's hard not to bottle up all that Arizona State has done—and all the spirit behind it—and wonder just how this all will translate.

Which leads us to Texas, one of the most talented teams in the country. There's no denying this, even if the Longhorns lacked wins over ranked teams during the regular season.

Steve Sarkisian's team was solid against Clemson in the opening round, especially while running the football. Arizona State was solid against the run this year, finishing No. 27 nationally. This will be a critical piece in keeping this game close.

At quarterback, Quinn Ewers has been good, although he hasn't looked quite right in some time. Texas still has the weapons to score, but so does Arizona State. It wouldn't be a playoff preview without talking about Cam Skattebo, ASU's star running back and the heart and soul of this team.

Skattebo, coupled with QB Sam Leavitt, gives this team a shot. In fact, it gives it much more than that. ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham won't be scared, and that should worry Texas plenty.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State (-2.5) vs. Oregon

It's been said before, and it should be said again: It's an absolute travesty that this game will be played in the second round and not later in the bracket.

For Oregon, the only unbeaten team remaining, well, you get the drill.

Although the first round was riddled without blowouts, no performance was more eye-opening than Ohio State's 42-17 win over Tennessee.

This was the team we were waiting most of the year to see. This is way its vast array of offensive weapons should be used. This was the most talented team in the country finally putting it together, at least for one night.

Indeed, it was plenty impressive. Oregon knows this, because it's seen it up close.

In October, the Ducks beat Ohio State by a single point at home in one of the best games of the year. The Oregon offense was superb, showcasing just how good Dillon Gabriel and his many capable offensive targets can be.

If there is a concern for Ohio State in this matchup, it should start there. The Ducks torched Penn State's secondary in the Big Ten Championship, and they should find success here.

There's a reason this total is hanging around 55. Both teams can and will score. They produced more than 60 points the first time they played, and it wouldn't shock if they did that again. (Yes, we're offering up some bonus picks. The over is very live.)

But the play here is the Buckeyes, which should come at no disrespect to Oregon. Ohio State is the most talented team in the country, and it seems to be realizing it before it's too late.

Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame (+1) vs. Georgia

There is only one place we can possibly begin, and it's the obvious place.

Carson Beck's elbow has been surgically repaired, and he's already declared for the draft. To say this sport moves quickly these days would be an understatement.

Enter Gunner Stockton, who joined the game at Georgia during the SEC Championship Game when Beck's elbow was injured. He looked overwhelmed at first, which is to be expected. Given the opportunity and setting, he was supposed to be.

Still, he kept Georgia in the contest, helping his team win earn a bye and a conference title. He's also a former 4-star prospect with a wealth of talent.

There's a lot to like about Stockton, although getting him up to speed as the starter in only a few weeks is a lot to ask. He's not only competing in a playoff game, but he's also competing in a playoff game against the nation's No. 3-ranked overall defense.

Notre Dame also ranked No. 3 in turnover margin, which feels like an important distinction against an inexperienced QB. Georgia, which turned the ball over plenty this year, ranked No. 55 in the same category.

The Fighting Irish don't mind playing ugly, and this game will be ugly. The total has been locked in at the mid-40s, which speaks to the kind of contest we're likely to get. Turnovers will be crucial, and that's where it feels like ND has an edge.

Even with Beck, Georgia has been sloppy at times. Talented, yes, but the play hasn't always been crisp. Look for Notre Dame to win with defense and just enough offense.