With the conclusion of the conference championship weekend, attention now shifts to the College Football Playoff selection committee as they prepare to finalize the brackets for the inaugural 12-team CFP.
It appears that Oregon and Georgia have secured the top two seeds for this groundbreaking format, while three teams are contending for the remaining two first-round byes. The candidates include Big 12 champion Arizona State, ACC champion Clemson, and Mountain West champion Boise State.
Arizona State boasts an impressive record of 11-2, highlighted by a commanding victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game. Under coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils have transformed from a 3-9 team last season to a powerhouse that has won six consecutive games, averaging an impressive 37.2 points per game during this streak.
Clemson also celebrates a recent triumph over SMU in the ACC title game, although they previously lacked a ranked win until securing this victory. This win marks the 14th consecutive year that Dabo Swinney’s program has achieved nine or more wins.
Boise State, led by standout running back Ashton Jeanty, has enjoyed a strong season with nearly 2,500 rushing yards. Jeanty is on the verge of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record of 2,629 yards and aims to make history in Boise State’s first appearance in the CFP.
The committee will announce the final selections on Sunday at noon ET. Here are the current projections for the CFP standings:
1. Oregon (Big Ten, 13-0)
2. Georgia (SEC, 11-2)
3. Arizona State (Big 12, 11-2)
4. Clemson (ACC, 10-3)
5. Notre Dame (Independent, 11-1)
6. Penn State (Big Ten, 11-2)
7. Indiana (Big Ten, 11-1)
8. Texas (SEC, 11-2)
9. Ohio State (Big Ten, 10-2)
10. Tennessee (SEC, 10-2)
11. Boise State (Mountain West, 12-1)
12. Alabama (SEC, 9-3)
In the quarterfinal matchups, Oregon and Georgia will receive byes, while Arizona State and Clemson await their respective challengers.
The first-round matchups promise excitement:
– Notre Dame faces Alabama, boasting a formidable defense against Alabama’s explosive offense led by quarterback Jalen Milroe.
– Penn State will take on Boise State, featuring the standout Ashton Jeanty going up against a potent Penn State rushing attack.
– Indiana meets Tennessee in a match that will spotlight their high-paced offensive styles and defensive prowess.
– Texas faces Ohio State in what has the potential to be a thrilling contest, showcasing two of the most gifted rosters in college football.
This year’s College Football Playoff is set to showcase some of the country’s best teams and talents, offering fans a thrilling postseason filled with potential upsets and unforgettable moments. The excitement builds as teams prepare to enter this new chapter in college football history.
As we enter this exciting playoff format, fans can remain hopeful that this expansion will provide more opportunities for schools to compete at the highest level and create memorable experiences for both players and supporters alike.