As the conference championship weekend wraps up, the College Football Playoff selection committee faces a critical decision. This year’s inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff is set to unveil the teams that will compete for the national title.
Currently, Oregon and Georgia appear to have secured the top two seeds for the playoff. Three teams are vying for the additional two first-round byes: Arizona State, the Big 12 champion; Clemson, the ACC champion; and Boise State, the Mountain West champion.
Arizona State has put together a strong season, finishing at 11-2 following a commanding victory against Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game. Under coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils transformed from a 3-9 record last season to a formidable contender, winning six consecutive games and averaging 37.2 points during this streak.
Clemson, coming off a win against SMU in the ACC title match, ended the season with a record of 10-3. This victory against a ranked opponent added significant weight to their resume, marking the 14th consecutive year of nine or more wins under coach Dabo Swinney.
Boise State, led by standout running back Ashton Jeanty, boasts nearly 2,500 rushing yards this season, with the potential to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record during their first CFP appearance. Their only defeat came in a close finish against the top-ranked team in the nation.
The selection committee’s decision will be revealed at Noon ET on Sunday. In the meantime, here are the projected rankings:
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)
The playoff’s quarterfinal matchups will feature some compelling contests. Oregon and Georgia will receive byes, while Arizona State and Clemson also await the results of thrilling first-round games.
The first-round matchups consist of:
– Notre Dame vs. Alabama: Alabama’s explosiveness, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, will be a significant test for Notre Dame’s stingy defense.
– Penn State vs. Boise State: Both teams aim for victory in their first CFP appearance, showcasing their top-tier rushing talents.
– Indiana vs. Tennessee: Two first-time playoff teams facing off, promising a high-speed, thrilling matchup.
– Texas vs. Ohio State: A projected heavyweight clash with two exceptionally talented rosters.
As anticipation builds for the playoff, fans are eager to see how these dynamic teams will perform on the national stage, demonstrating the high level of competition in college football today. It’s a hopeful time for fans of all teams, as they dream of witnessing their program’s journey in the highly anticipated playoff.
This inaugural playoff format promises to provide excitement and drama, potentially setting the stage for memorable moments in college football history.