- NCAA. NCAAF Week 0 Predictions: What are the odds for every game in the first week of college football?
As the 2024 college football season approaches, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most thrilling seasons in history.
With a new 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format set to debut, fans are eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their spot in this expanded playoff field.
The CFP's new 12-team playoff: What to expect
With the season just around the corner, it's time to make some serious calls on who will make the cut for the CFP and ultimately compete for the national championship.
The stakes have never been higher, and with the new playoff system, the potential for surprises is greater than ever.
The expanded 12-team playoff brings with it new dynamics and possibilities.
Under this system, the five highest-ranked conference champions automatically earn a spot, while the remaining seven slots are filled by the next highest-ranked teams.
This format opens the door for more conferences to be represented and, theoretically, allows a single conference to place as many as eight teams in the bracket-though that scenario is highly unlikely.
Georgia's head coach, Kirby Smart, who leads the reigning national champions, believes the SEC could realistically see three teams make it into the playoff.
"I think that would be shooting the moon, and three is probably more realistic," Smart told ESPN last month.
With teams like Alabama, LSU, and Texas all in the mix, the SEC will undoubtedly play a significant role in the playoff picture.
Projected CFP 12-team playoff bracket
1. Georgia Bulldogs: The defending national champions are expected to claim the top seed by winning the SEC.
Georgia's dominance on both sides of the ball, coupled with veteran leadership, makes them a formidable contender once again.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: Projected to win the Big Ten, Ohio State enters the season with a stacked roster and high expectations.
With a new quarterback under center, the Buckeyes will look to navigate a tough schedule and secure their place in the playoff.
3. Florida State Seminoles: As the projected ACC champions, Florida State is poised to earn a first-round bye.
The addition of transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei bolsters their lineup, giving them the edge in a competitive conference.
4. Utah Utes: Utah is predicted to win the Big 12 in their first year in the conference.
With experienced leadership and a stout defense, the Utes are set to make a splash in the playoff field.
First-Round Matchups to Watch
Boise State Broncos at Texas Longhorns: Boise State, representing the Mountain West, could face SEC runner-up Texas.
Despite Texas's high ranking, the rules dictate that only conference champions can secure a top-four seed, leaving the Longhorns at No. 5.
Alabama Crimson Tide at Ole Miss Rebels: Two SEC powerhouses could meet in this first-round matchup.
The winner faces Georgia, setting up a potential rematch from the regular season.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Oregon Ducks: As the Big Ten runner-up, Oregon takes on a Penn State team that missed the Big Ten title game but remains a strong contender in the playoff.
Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Notre Dame, as an independent, can't earn a first-round bye but hosts Miami in a matchup that could set the tone for the rest of the playoff.
On the bubble: Teams that could miss out
LSU Tigers: Despite a projected strong season, LSU could find itself on the outside looking in due to the inclusion of conference champions like Boise State.
Tennessee Volunteers: Tennessee's improvement from last year might not be enough to overcome tough road losses, leaving them just short of the playoff field.
Oklahoma Sooners: Oklahoma faces a challenging schedule in its first SEC season, which may keep them out of the playoff despite a solid campaign.
With the new playoff format, every game counts more than ever, and fans can expect a season full of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments.