The 2024 College Football Playoff is set to be one of the most thrilling yet, with the introduction of a new 12-team bracket format. Fans can expect intense matchups and unforgettable moments as top teams compete for the national title. Expect a review of each team's season, previews of the matchups, and discuss their odds of winning it all.
Matchup Previews
First Round:
Indiana vs. Notre Dame (Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ET): Indiana Hoosiers (11-1) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1): Two teams from the same state, Indiana and Notre Dame, are each making their first CFP appearance. After winning their first game of the season, Notre Dame suffered a shocking upset to Northern Illinois 16-14. Since then, they’ve been on a ten game winning streak. The Hoosiers took a blow when they faced #6 ranked Ohio State on 11/23. Notre Dame is favored to win this matchup.
SMU vs. Penn State (Dec. 21, noon ET): SMU Mustangs (11-2) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2): Another team making their first appearance in the College Football Playoffs, Penn State sits at 11-2 after a loss to Ohio State earlier in the year and a second one to Oregon in the Big 10 Championship. They host the SMU Mustangs, who also have a record of 11-2 after falling to BYU and Clemson, both ranked opponents. Penn State is favored in this matchup.
Clemson vs. Texas (Dec. 21, 4 p.m. ET): Clemson Tigers (10-3) vs. Texas Longhorns (11-2): Clemson, making its seventh playoff appearance, is the biggest underdog in the first round. They lost to three opponents, two ranked (Georgia and South Carolina), and one unranked (Louisville). The Longhorns suffered two losses, both to Georgia, the most recent being in the SEC Championship. Texas is favored in this matchup.
Tennessee vs. Ohio State (Dec. 21, 8 p.m. ET): Tennessee Volunteers (10-2) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2): This game features two strong defenses. Tennessee lost to unranked Arkansas earlier in the year, followed by #2 Georgia most recently. Ohio State has two losses, one to HUGE rival Michigan and the second to #1 ranked Oregon, completing a very solid season. Ohio State is favored by 7 points.
The new 12-team College Football Playoff format includes automatic bids for the top five conference champions and three at-large teams. The top four seeds receive first-round byes, while the remaining eight teams play in the first round. The quarterfinals and semifinals are held at traditional New Year's six bowl sites, with the championship game scheduled for January 20, 2025, in Atlanta. This expansion aims to include more teams and provide more opportunities for teams to compete for the national title, making the playoff more inclusive and exciting.
Comments