It’s bowl season, which also means it’s bowl pick ’em season. Opt-outs, transfers and coaching decisions make predicting bowl games difficult, but several members of The Athletic ’s college football staff have made picks for every bowl game and the four first-round College Football Playoff games.

The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are almost upon us, and fanbases from all eight teams are excitedly looking forward to their marquee matchups. Which teams are best positioned to advance this week,