Three key questions will be answered when College Football Playoff bracket’s released

We’ve witnessed March Madness, and now it’s time for December Drama.

This Sunday afternoon, a college football bracket featuring 12 teams will be revealed as part of the expanded College Football Playoff in its first year.

After years of only four teams being selected, the expansion aims to give more programs a chance at the championship, creating additional excitement during the regular season.

The pairings will be announced shortly after noon, with the top four seeds going to the highest-ranked conference champions instead of the four highest-ranked teams.

Here’s a preview of what to expect:

Who is No. 1?

It’s no surprise that undefeated Oregon secured the top spot by winning the Big Ten championship game against third-ranked Penn State.

While being the No. 1 seed comes with a bye, it may not provide a significant advantage in the quarterfinals.

Imagine if second-place teams in major conferences received lower seeds in the NCAA Tournament on the hardwood.

Is Alabama in?

Alabama seemed out of contention after a disappointing performance against Oklahoma, but recent wins have put them back in the mix.

Despite being ranked 11th, Alabama’s position is not entirely secure, as a loss by SMU could impact their chances.

It’s unlikely that Miami, ranked 12th, will make the cut, with Arizona State holding the Big 12 champion spot.

What does the opening round look like?

Oregon, Georgia, and Boise State secure byes, with Arizona State or Clemson vying for the fourth spot.

Notre Dame secures the top at-large spot and faces Clemson in the opening round.

Texas drops to the sixth seed after a conference championship loss, setting up a matchup against Alabama.

The quarterfinals will be played on campus before moving to bowl sites.