The College Football Playoff resumes Thursday with a New Year’s Day tripleheader, a lineup that features some of the sport’s most iconic bowl venues.

The lineup features three teams that have been fairly regular playoff participants since the four-team format was introduced a little over a decade ago. Each member of that trio on this day faces a relative newcomer to the CFP, in part a product of increased access to the field afforded by the expansion to 12.

Here’s what you need to know as you watch to see who will join Wednesday night’s Cotton Bowl winner in next week’s semifinals.

Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon

Time/TV: noon ET, ESPN in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Why watch: As the 4-5 pairing, this is arguably the most intriguing contest of the round. The Ducks, as expected, handled their assignment against James Madison with little difficulty. The Red Raiders could prove to be a different matter, though they, too, are something of a mystery with little on their resume outside the Big 12. Texas Tech’s calling card all season has been its ferocious defense, exemplified by LBs David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez making numerous plays in opponents’ backfields. Ducks’ QB Dante Moore usually gets superb protection with help from RB Noah Whittington, but he might have to pick and choose when to take deep shots. Red Raiders’ QB Behren Morton is a capable passer in his own right, and RBs Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams lend plenty of ground support. The Oregon defense features LB Bryce Boettcher at its center and Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei bringing heat from the edges.

Why it could disappoint: The only close contest the Red Raiders played all season resulted in their lone loss to Arizona State. They aren’t likely to make this one the kind of rout to which they’ve become accustomed, so we’ll probably learn if they can deliver when under true game pressure. Oregon hasn’t had many tight finishes either, though the Ducks did need a last-minute drive to escape Iowa.

Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama

Time/TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN in Pasadena, Calif.

Why watch: The Hoosiers passed their biggest test to date, conquering Ohio State in the Big Ten final to earn the top seed. Their reward, however, is now a date with the most successful program of the playoff era, though the Crimson Tide are seeking their first title post-Nick Saban. Though Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has said he’s not a fan of his team’s long layoff, the extra time has allowed WRs Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt to get back to full speed. That is excellent news for Heisman winning QB Fernando Mendoza as he looks to solve the active Crimson Tide secondary, featuring DBs Bray Hubbard and Zabien Brown. Alabama QB Ty Simpson was able to overcome a slow start last time out in his rematch with Oklahoma, but he’ll have to be sharper early against the Hoosiers’ equally formidable pass defense, led by DBs Louis Moore and D’Angelo Ponds.

Why it could disappoint: The common thread in the Crimson Tide’s three losses was that they were soundly beaten at the line of scrimmage, which might bode ill for them here as that is an important area of strength for the Hoosiers. While there are big-play threats on both teams, it will likely be the less glamorous ground game that will determine the outcome.

Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Mississippi

Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN in New Orleans.

Why watch: For the second time in the playoffs, the Rebels face a team they saw before in the regular season. This time, though, Ole Miss is looking to avenge a loss. The Bulldogs, perhaps playing the best football of any of the eight remaining teams when they dispatched Alabama in the SEC finale, must hope the lengthy down time hasn’t sapped their momentum. The Bulldogs’ offense is not a quick-strike unit, but QB Gunner Stockton is completing 70.7% of his throws, and his group converts on 45.2% of its third-down chances. Ole Miss LB Princewill Umanmielen and DL Will Echoles must keep Georgia off schedule. Rebels QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy are just as good at keeping the chains moving, but LB C.J. Allen and the Bulldogs were all but immovable over the last month of the season.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t, although Georgia’s dominant performance in its most recent outing in the SEC finale might have opposing fans nervous. Having been in action more recently could work to the Rebels’ advantage given their unusual coaching circumstances.