The 2024 college football regular season has officially wrapped up. This year instead of waiting until after January 1st for the postseason, playoff games will start December 20th.
The NCAA has introduced a new playoff format which will extend the playoffs to include 12 teams instead of four. The addition of eight more teams has created some controversy about which teams are gifted with easier paths to the championship compared to others.
Another controversy started during the CFP (College Football Playoff) bracket reveal when SMU got into the playoffs over Alabama. Critics argued that Alabama was the better team but because Alabama went 9-3 with losses to 2 unranked teams, the committee that decides who gets into the playoffs chose the 11-2 SMU Mustangs.
Playoff Matchup Previews
#12 Clemson @ #5 Texas
Clemson snuck into the playoffs after defeating SMU in the ACC title off of a last second field goal. The Tigers have been a very strong team for the last decade and this year is no different. QB Cade Klubnik is starting for the second year in a row and has shown some major improvements. Despite Clemson’s storied history, it will be tough to keep up with the electric Texas Longhorns. Texas has tons of top tier NFL prospects including QB Quinn Ewers, WR Isaiah Bond, and CB Jahdae Barron. The Longhorns ran through their schedule on their way to an impressive 11-2 record with both losses coming to the Georgia Bulldogs. With the amount of firepower on offense mixed with one of the best defensive units in college football, Texas should be able to overcome Clemson.
#11 SMU @ #6 Penn State
The SMU Mustangs were one win away from winning the ACC in their first year in the conference. SMU has been one of the biggest surprises of the year as they entered the season not even in the conversation to make the playoffs. SMU plays a very fast paced offense and at times can catch opposing defenses off guard. The Nittany Lions of Penn State have one of the biggest home field advantages in all of sports. Beaver Stadium holds over 100,000 fans all wearing white. The fans have had tons to cheer about this season thanks to the elite duo of QB Drew Allar and RB Nick Singleton. But, when talking about Penn State, a must mention future top-10 pick is Abdul Carter. The DE has been a game wrecker for Penn State and will play a huge role in the playoffs.
#10 Indiana @ #7 Notre Dame
Indiana had the best regular season in team history finishing with a nearly undefeated record of 11-1. The Hoosiers played a rather light schedule this season and their only loss came to Ohio State. The first round matchup with Notre Dame will show if Indiana has their “A” game. Notre Dame has been in this position before but this time they have an extremely loaded roster. At the head of the roster is QB Riley Leonard who transferred in from Duke. Leonard has been one of the most accurate QB’s in all of college football and has led this team to a 11-1 record. Notre Dame are favored in the game and it’s hard to argue against them in this matchup.
#9 Tennessee @ #8 Ohio State
By far the most anticipated matchup of the first round Tennessee and Ohio State are sure to live up to the hype. Tennessee is strong on both sides of the ball. RB Dylan Sampson led the SEC in rushing yards this season and is very hard to bring down. DL James Pearce will be picked in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft and will need to step up to match the explosive running back duo of the Buckeyes. Quinshon Judkins and Tre’Veyon Henderson are just two of the dynamic players for this strong Ohio State squad. Both RB’s are going to excel in the NFL following this season. Following the disappointing loss to Michigan, we will see if Ohio State can bounce back against Tennessee.
Winner of #12 Clemson vs #5 Texas @ #4 Arizona State
No matter who wins the Clemson vs Texas matchup they will most likely be favored against Arizona State. The Sun Devils have surpassed all expectations largely due to the RB Cam Skattebo. Skattebo had over 200 all purpose yards in the BIG 12 championship game and is in peak form. Either Clemson or Texas will have to shut down Skattebo if they want to advance.
Winner of #11 SMU vs #6 Penn State @ #3 Boise State
Speaking off great running backs, Boise State has the best RB in the country. Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty has over 2,000 rushing yards and has been unstoppable all season. Jeanty has nearly carried Boise State into the playoffs. SMU or Penn State will have trouble controlling Jeanty no matter how many players they put in to defend him.
Winner of #10 Indiana vs #7 Notre Dame @ #2 Georgia
The Dawgs of Georgia have probably the easiest matchup regardless of who they play. A dominant defense is in Georgia’s DNA and boy do they have one this year. It is more than likely that Georgia will be able to advance to the semifinals thanks to their wall of defense.
Winner of #9 Tennessee vs #8 Ohio State @ #1 Oregon
Oregon is the only remaining D1 football team that is undefeated. The Ducks have been perfect up to this point of the season. Unfortunately for Oregon they will play a top-10 team no matter what. Oregon has already defeated Ohio State once this season but it was a very tightly contested contest. Home field advantage will be huge for Oregon and could play a significant role in the outcome of the season.
Championship Prediction
#8 Ohio State 31 – #2 Georgia 24
The Buckeyes have been electric all season and I predict they will play their best football in the postseason.
