The College Football Playoff (CFP) is in its final phase, with the last set of rankings released this Tuesday before the definitive selections are made on Selection Sunday. This marks an exciting moment as fans await the first-ever 12-team bracket in the College Football Playoff history.
Tuesday’s rankings stirred anticipation, particularly following unexpected losses from teams like Miami and Ohio State last weekend. The rankings are as follows:
1. Oregon (12-0) – ***Bye***
2. Texas (11-1) – ***Bye***
3. Penn State (11-1)
4. Notre Dame (11-1)
5. Georgia (10-2)
6. Ohio State (10-2)
7. Tennessee (10-2)
8. SMU (10-2) – ***Bye***
9. Indiana (11-1)
10. Boise State (11-1) – ***Bye***
11. Alabama (9-3)
12. Miami (10-2)
Teams such as Miami and Ole Miss missed out on a chance for playoff contention, primarily because they will not participate in their conference championships. This highlights the significance of conference performance in determining playoff eligibility. Another key point is Alabama’s performance against ranked teams, which gave them an edge over Miami despite their three losses.
The first-round matchups for the playoffs have been generated as follows:
– No. 12 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Penn State
– No. 9 Tennessee vs. No. 8 Ohio State
– No. 11 Alabama vs. No. 6 Notre Dame
– No. 10 Indiana vs. No. 7 Georgia
The excitement builds as the schedule for the playoff rounds has been confirmed, with first-round games scheduled for December 20-21, 2024.
The CFP rankings show airing on December 3, alongside the Selection Day reveal on December 8, provide fans with an excellent opportunity to understand the playoff landscape and root for their favorite teams. This playoff season not only brings thrilling matchups but also a new chapter in college football history, paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive postseason format.
As we look forward to the playoffs, we can celebrate the increased opportunities for more teams and the thrilling games that await. The changes in the playoff system promise to enhance the excitement and engagement of college football fans nationwide, bringing new stories and rivalries to the forefront.