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2024 NCAAF Playoff Projections: A Season of Surprises and Shifts

11/26/2024

1:00 EST

As we approach the end of the 2024 college football season, the landscape for the College Football Playoff (CFP) has taken on an intriguing shape. With the new 12-team format, the field has expanded, allowing for more teams to vie for the coveted national championship. Here’s a detailed look at how the playoff projections are shaping up:

The Contenders:

1. Oregon Ducks – Leading the pack, Oregon has been the epitome of consistency. Their undefeated season has been marked by strong offensive plays and a defense that’s tightened up just at the right time. The Ducks are projected to secure the No. 1 seed, earning a first-round bye.

2. Georgia Bulldogs – Despite some challenging games, Georgia has managed to hold onto a spot in the top echelons. Their blend of experience and emerging talent has kept them competitive, earning them a projected No. 2 seed.

3. Miami Hurricanes – Miami has had a resurgence, with their dynamic offense leading the charge. Their ability to win close games has put them in a prime position for the No. 3 seed.

4. Arizona State Sun Devils – A surprise to many, Arizona State’s late surge has caught the eyes of the selection committee. Their recent victories have been emphatic, securing them the No. 4 seed.

The At-Large Bids:

Ohio State Buckeyes – Despite a loss, Ohio State’s strength of schedule and quality wins keep them in the conversation. They are projected to face Boise State in a first-round game.
Tennessee Volunteers – Tennessee’s performance against top-ranked teams has solidified their spot, with a potential matchup against Notre Dame looming.
Texas Longhorns – Texas has shown they can compete with the best in the SEC, which should earn them a spot in the playoffs, likely against Penn State.
Penn State Nittany Lions – Their season has been a tale of resilience, with a potential matchup against Texas that could be one of the playoff’s most intriguing games.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Always a strong independent, Notre Dame’s schedule strength and close games against ranked opponents have kept them in the mix.
SMU Mustangs – SMU has capitalized on a weaker ACC, securing a spot after a convincing regular season.
Indiana Hoosiers – Dropping from an undefeated streak, but their record still speaks volumes, likely facing Boise State.
Boise State Broncos – The best from the Group of Five, Boise State’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, earning them a playoff berth.

Key Insights:

Conference Champions: The new format ensures automatic bids for the top conference champions, which has favored teams like Oregon (Big Ten), Miami (ACC), and Arizona State (Big 12).
Surprises: Teams like Arizona State have defied expectations, showcasing the unpredictability of college football.
Misses: Notable exclusions include Alabama and Ole Miss, who, despite strong performances, couldn’t secure a spot due to the competitive nature of the SEC this year.

Looking Ahead:

The first round of the playoffs will see exciting matchups with higher-seeded teams hosting, providing a home advantage that could play a significant role. The quarterfinals are set to be hosted by New Year’s Six bowl games, adding an extra layer of prestige and pressure.

This season’s CFP projections highlight the depth and quality across college football, with traditional powerhouses and emerging teams alike making strong cases for their national championship aspirations. As the regular season concludes, the final rankings will set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating playoff run.

The expansion to a 12-team format has not only increased excitement but also fairness in giving more teams a shot at glory. As teams prepare for their final regular season games, every play counts more than ever in this new era of college football playoffs.