The excitement is palpable as the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff bracket is unveiled! However, there’s a notable absence that has fans buzzing—Alabama is out, while SMU has made a surprising entrance. This decision by the selection committee has sparked discussions and debates among college football enthusiasts nationwide.
Alabama’s Surprising Exclusion
After a thrilling ACC championship game on Saturday night, where SMU narrowly fell to Clemson, the committee faced a tough choice. In the end, they opted for the Mustangs over the Crimson Tide, which means Alabama will not be part of this year’s playoff. This marks a significant moment, as it ensures that there will be no three-loss team in the expanded bracket, aside from Clemson. The absence of Alabama means only three SEC teams will compete in the playoffs, a stark contrast to previous years where the conference dominated the field.
Who’s in the Playoff?
The 12-team playoff format introduces a new level of excitement, and the bracket is filled with potential. SMU has claimed the No. 11 seed and will face Penn State in the first round. Meanwhile, the top seeds are set, with Oregon (No. 1) and Georgia (No. 2) earning byes. Boise State (No. 3) and Arizona State (No. 4) will also enjoy the luxury of waiting for their quarterfinal opponents after securing first-round byes.
The remaining playoff teams are filled with powerhouse programs, including Texas at No. 5, Penn State at No. 6, Notre Dame at No. 7, and Ohio State at No. 8. Each of these teams will host a playoff game, but the path to the semifinals may be tougher for the lower seeds.
Celebration for Some, Disappointment for Others
For teams like SMU and Indiana, the selection day was a cause for celebration. Their journeys to the playoffs have been remarkable and filled with challenges. In contrast, teams like Oregon and Georgia expected to be in this position, as did Texas and Ohio State. They view the bracket’s finalization as just the beginning of their quest for a championship.
The committee’s decision has left a bitter taste for some, particularly for Alabama. Three of last year’s semifinalists—Michigan, Washington, and Alabama—failed to make the cut this year. While Michigan and Washington faced coaching changes and roster turnover, Alabama’s absence is particularly shocking, leaving coach Kalen DeBoer reflecting on what could have been after a tumultuous season.
First Round Matchups Revealed
The first round of the playoffs is set to be electrifying! Here are the matchups:
- Texas vs. Clemson (5 vs. 12)
- Penn State vs. SMU (6 vs. 11)
- Notre Dame vs. Indiana (7 vs. 10)
- Ohio State vs. Tennessee (8 vs. 9)
These matchups promise to deliver thrilling action as teams battle for a place in the quarterfinals. The excitement is building, and fans can hardly wait to see how these games unfold!
Understanding the New Playoff Format
This year’s playoff format is a game-changer. With 12 teams, the structure guarantees at least one Group of 5 team in the mix. The top four conference champions are automatically seeded 1-4, while the remaining eight spots are filled with at-large bids and the highest-ranked conference champions.
In this inaugural bracket, the field includes five conference champions: Oregon from the Big Ten, Georgia from the SEC, Boise State from the Mountain West, Arizona State from the Big 12, and Clemson from the ACC. This diversity adds layers of intrigue to the playoff landscape.
When Does the College Football Playoff Start?
Mark your calendars! The first round of playoff games kicks off on Friday, Dec. 20. With the expanded format, fans can look forward to a total of 11 games instead of just two semifinal games and a national title game. This is a significant shift in the college football calendar, moving the first round to mid-December.
Here’s a quick look at the playoff schedule:
- First Round: Dec. 20-21
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
- Semifinals: Jan. 9 and Jan. 10
- National Championship: Jan. 20
Final Thoughts on the 2024 College Football Playoff
As we gear up for the playoffs, the stakes are higher than ever. The excitement surrounding the new format, combined with the unexpected twists of this season, has set the stage for an unforgettable playoff experience. Will SMU rise to the occasion, or will established powerhouses like Oregon and Georgia dominate?
With so much on the line, every game will be crucial. The journey to the national championship is about to begin, and fans are ready for the thrill of college football at its finest!
