The four teams in the playoffs are starting to get back to work this week in preparation for their Dec. 31 playoff games. Clemson meets Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl at 4 p.m. and Alabama plays Michigan State afterward at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

How banged up is everyone? Well, Michigan State has dealt with injuries all year, including to standout QB Connor Cook. He should be good to go by New Year’s Eve.

Here’s a look at what we know about the four teams:

Michigan State Spartans

No one in the playoffs have been more banged up all year than the Michigan State Spartans. It’s no different now, but the time off should be helping them.

All eyes are on QB Connor Cook, who’s been battling a shoulder injury for a month and should benefit great from three weeks off. He was injured Nov. 14 in the Maryland win and was forced to miss the big showdown with Ohio State because of the injury. He returned for the Big Ten championship game against Iowa and survived, but took some licks.

“I’m feeling a lot better, but obviously there were some shots I took in that (Big Ten title) game that hurt a little bit, but having three weeks is going to be crucial,” Cook said late last week. “(Alabama) is a very physical team. Their front seven is probably going to be the best front seven we’ll play all year, (and) their DBs can come up and hit like linebackers.

“We’re ready for a physical game, and not just on offensively, but our defense is ready to play the same type of game as well.”

The Spartans have had a ton of injuries all season, especially on defense. Defensive backs Jalen Watts-Jackson and Vayante Copeland are out for the year, as is linebacker Ed Davis.  Two others, DE Montez Sweat and DB Mark Meyers were suspended.

Safety R.J. Williamson is recovering from biceps surgery and fullback Trevor Pendleton (leg) is working hard to get back in time for the playoffs.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Wide receivers Robert Foster (rotator cuff) and Chris Black (ankle) have been out for a while and will not return for the postseason either.

RB Kenyon Drake (broken arm) should be ready to help out after having a few more weeks for the bone to heal. He’ll get some carries behind Derrick Henry. OLB  Denzel Devall should be OK too after suffering a minor knee injury late in the year.

Clemson Tigers

Clemson had to play without safety T.J. Green during much of the ACC Championship Game win over North Carolina because he was ejected for targeting. But the foul occurred during the first half, so he is fully eligible for the playoff game against Oklahoma.

Clemson lost WR Mike Williaams in October to a neck injury. They’ve also played all year without LB Korrin Wiggins, who suffered a torn ACL.

Oklahoma Sooners

DB Jordan Thomas is questionable for the semifinals because of some legal issues. He failed to appear in court over a traffic violation and was arrested.

RB Rodney Anderson was lost for the season in October because of a leg injury.