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The College Football Playoff (CFP) is entering its final stretch, and the most recent rankings release marks the last preview before Selection Sunday, when the official 12-team playoff bracket will be unveiled. This year, the playoff landscape is especially intriguing due to the shift from a four-team format to a 12-team playoff, a change that has sparked widespread debate and heightened competition.
With several upsets in recent weeks, including key losses by Miami and Ohio State, the playoff picture is coming into focus. The most recent CFP rankings have Oregon, Texas, Penn State and Notre Dame in the top four, but only Oregon and Texas are currently projected to receive first-round byes under the new 12-team structure.
The expanded format offers more opportunities for teams from conferences like the Big 12, and as of now, Arizona State and Iowa State are both in contention for a spot in the final bracket.
The Playoff race
The battle for Big 12 representation in the 2024 College Football Playoff is down to two key contenders: Arizona State and Iowa State. Both teams have strong 10-2 records, and the final outcome of the Big 12 Championship Game could determine which team secures a coveted spot in the CFP.
According to the most recent rankings, Arizona State is currently ahead of Iowa State at No. 15, while Iowa State sits at No. 16. This ranking is crucial because the fifth-highest-ranked conference champion automatically qualifies for the playoff under the new 12-team format.
If Arizona State wins the Big 12 Championship, they are likely to secure a spot in the CFP bracket. However, if Iowa State emerges victorious, it could leapfrog Arizona State and claim the Big 12's automatic playoff spot.
With the stakes so high, this game is one of the most critical matchups of the season. The team that advances could face a formidable opponent, as early projections have them matched up against higher-seeded teams like Penn State or Ohio State in the first round.
Current CFP Rankings and Bracket Projections
As of Week 5, the top four seeds projected to receive first-round byes are No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Texas, No. 3 Penn State and No. 4 Notre Dame.
This positioning reflects their performance throughout the season, as well as their conference championship potential. Following them are other top contenders such as Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee, SMU, Indiana, and Boise State, all of whom are vying for strong seeding in the first round of the playoffs.
Here's how the projected first-round matchups could shape up based on current rankings and projections:
- No. 12 Arizona State at No. 5 Penn State
- No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State
- No. 11 Alabama at No. 6 Notre Dame
- No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Georgia