College Football Playoff: Biggest storylines to watch in this week's quarterfinal games

The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kick off on New Year’s Eve, as the best eight remaining teams in the country square off to determine a national champion.

The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kick off on New Year’s Eve, as the best eight remaining teams in the country square off to determine a national champion.

After the first round featured games on home fields, the action now shifts to neutral sites. The four quarterfinal games will take place at the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl.

Let’s dive into what to expect from all the action.

The Hurricanes enter this game as a first-round winner after surviving a 10-3 defensive struggle against Texas A&M. The Buckeyes have been one of the best teams in the country all season, losing only once (and not until the Big Ten title game).

This could be another tough night for the offenses. Miami’s biggest strength this year has been along the defensive line, a group that registered seven sacks in the team’s playoff opener. Ohio State, meanwhile, hasn’t given up more than 16 points in a game yet this season.