The 2024 College Football Playoff is a big change for college football, expanding from four teams to twelve. With six conference champions getting automatic bids and six more spots for at-large teams, the new format gives more teams a shot at the national title. This means more excitement, more upsets, and a better chance for underdogs to make a run. It’s a major shift that promises to shake up the postseason and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
In the first game of the 2024 College Football Playoff, #5 Texas takes on #12 Clemson. Texas, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, has been one of the best teams this season with a high-powered offense and a strong supporting cast. Ewers will look to lead the Longhorns past a tough Clemson defense that comes in with plenty of momentum after winning the ACC Championship. Clemson’s defense, known for its pass rush and stingy secondary, will be a tough challenge for Texas. The winner of this game will advance to face #4 Arizona State in the quarterfinals, making for an exciting next step in the playoff race. This game will be on December 21 at 2:00 p.m. MST.
In the second game of the first round, #8 Ohio State takes on #9 Tennessee in a matchup featuring two high-powered offenses. Tennessee’s freshman quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, has been a key figure in their success this season. Known for his strong arm and ability to make plays under pressure, Iamaleava has quickly become one of the most promising young quarterbacks in college football. His ability to push the ball downfield and create big plays in Tennessee’s fast-paced, pass-heavy offense will be crucial against Ohio State’s defense.
Ohio State, meanwhile, will rely on their own talented players, including freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has emerged as one of the top targets in the Buckeyes’ offense. Smith’s speed and big-play ability make him a constant deep threat, adding another layer of explosiveness to Ohio State’s attack. The winner of this game will advance to face #1 Oregon in the quarterfinals, setting up a highly anticipated matchup with the top-seeded Ducks. This game will be played on December 21 at 6:00 p.m. MST.
In the third game of the first round, #6 Penn State hosts #11 SMU in a matchup between two teams with different playoff histories. Penn State, a consistent contender in recent years, has struggled to break through but now has the advantage of home field and the famous “White Out” atmosphere to fuel them. SMU, the surprise of the season, makes its first playoff appearance after a Cinderella run, thanks to a high-powered, pass-heavy offense. The Mustangs face their toughest challenge yet in a tough road game against a strong Penn State team. The winner will advance to face #3 Boise State in the quarterfinals. December 21 at 10:00 a.m. MST will be the start of this electric game.
In the final first-round game, #7 Notre Dame faces #10 Indiana. Notre Dame, one of college football’s most historic programs, enters the playoff with hopes of adding another championship to its storied legacy. Indiana, with a rookie head coach, has been a surprise this season, losing just once and playing disciplined football. While Notre Dame is the favorite, Indiana’s strong season under a first-year coach makes them a dangerous underdog. The winner will face #2 Georgia in the quarterfinals. This game will be played on December 20 at 6:00 p.m. MST.
Texas has bounced back after years of struggle, led by Quinn Ewers and a talented offense. They’re ready to make a deep playoff run. Clemson, despite inconsistency, brings one of the nation’s top defenses and will be a tough out if their offense can find its rhythm. Ohio State remains a contender with a potent offense and solid defense, aiming for another playoff title.
Tennessee, led by freshman QB Nico Iamaleava, boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the country, but their defense must step up. Penn State brings a strong defense and balanced attack, with their famous “White Out” adding to the playoff atmosphere. SMU, the Cinderella story, has shocked many with its dynamic offense and hopes to continue its magical run.
Notre Dame, with its storied history, is looking to add another championship to its legacy. Indiana has been a surprise, with a rookie head coach and a disciplined team that lost only once this season, making them a dangerous underdog.
The teams with byes also bring strong storylines. Boise State, led by Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty, is poised for a title run. Georgia, despite losing QB Carson Beck, comes off an SEC Championship and is still a threat. Oregon, undefeated and led by Heisman contender Dillon Gabriel, enters as the #1 seed with a balanced squad. Arizona State, considered a preseason underdog, is coming off a Big 12 Championship and looking to prove their success is no fluke.
These 12 teams will battle it out for a spot in the semifinals, where the road to the national championship will get even tougher.
Alabama, Miami, and Ole Miss all had strong cases for the 2024 playoff but were left out. Alabama beat SEC Champion Georgia but had key losses that kept them out. Miami, led by Heisman candidate Cam Ward, had a great ACC season but was beaten out by SMU. Ole Miss, with one of the top offenses led by QB Jaxson Dart, also missed out, despite a strong record. While these teams may feel snubbed, the expanded playoff gives more teams a shot, though debates about exclusion will persist.
