The excitement in college football is palpable as the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) field has been unveiled! This historic moment marks a new chapter in the postseason landscape, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The top four conference champions—Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State—have secured the coveted first four seeds and will enjoy first-round byes.
Teams that will host playoff games
Now, let’s dive into the teams that will be hosting playoff games for the first time in college football history! Seeds No. 5 through No. 8 are ready to battle it out on their home turf. Texas, claiming the No. 5 spot, will host No. 12 Clemson. Not far behind, No. 6 Penn State will take on No. 11 SMU. The action continues as No. 7 Notre Dame faces off against No. 10 Indiana, while No. 8 Ohio State welcomes No. 9 Tennessee.
Top four seeds
The top four seeds are formidable contenders, each with their own unique strengths and stories.
No. 1 Oregon Ducks (+350)
Oregon has been a powerhouse this season, finishing undefeated at 13-0 in their first year in the Big Ten. The Ducks have showcased their dominance, often winning comfortably against their opponents. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the charge, Oregon’s offense ranks 15th in scoring, averaging 35.9 points per game. Their defense is equally impressive, allowing just 17.8 points per game. With three wins over playoff teams, including a decisive victory against No. 20 Illinois, Oregon appears poised for a deep playoff run.
No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (+360)
Georgia’s journey to the playoffs has been anything but smooth. The Bulldogs faced setbacks, including a loss to Alabama and a surprising defeat against Ole Miss. However, their resilience shone through in the SEC title game, where they secured a thrilling victory over Texas. Quarterback Carson Beck’s injury raised concerns, but backup Gunner Stockton stepped up when it mattered most. Georgia’s tenacity and experience make them a team to watch.
No. 3 Boise State Broncos (+6000)
In a remarkable season under head coach Spencer Danielson, Boise State finished 12-1, with their only loss coming against Oregon. The Broncos earned an automatic bid as a Group of Five team, marking a significant milestone. Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty has been a standout, leading the FBS in rushing yards with 2,497 and 29 touchdowns. The question remains: can Boise State compete with the powerhouses of college football?
No. 4 Arizona State Sun Devils (+4000)
Arizona State has defied expectations, emerging as one of the hottest teams in the playoff. Predicted to finish last in the Big 12, the Sun Devils clinched a first-round bye after a convincing win over Iowa State in the conference title game. With dynamic running back Cam Skattebo and quarterback Sam Leavitt leading the charge, ASU is a team that could surprise many in the postseason.
2024 CFP Odds
As we look ahead to the playoffs, the odds are shaping up. Oregon and Texas are currently the favorites at +350, closely followed by Georgia at +360 and Ohio State at +525. The odds reflect the competitive nature of this year’s playoff, where any team could make a run for the championship.
Who will win the 2024 College Football Playoff?
Predicting the winner of the College Football Playoff is always a challenge. Unlike the March Madness basketball tournament, college football is notoriously unpredictable. While top seeds like Oregon and Georgia seem like safe bets, history shows that surprises can happen. The excitement lies in the uncertainty—who will rise to the occasion and seize the championship?
The last four teams in
Let’s not forget about the teams that have made it into the playoff field, including Clemson, SMU, Indiana, and Tennessee.
No. 12 Clemson Tigers (+5000)
Clemson squeezed into the playoff after a dramatic season. Despite a tough loss to South Carolina, they secured their spot by winning the ACC title against SMU. With quarterback Cade Klubnik leading an improved offense, the Tigers are eager to prove their worth in the postseason.
No. 11 SMU Mustangs (+4000)
In their first season in the ACC, SMU exceeded expectations by reaching the conference title game. Their near-upset against Clemson showcased their potential, and now they aim to make a name for themselves in the playoffs.
No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers (+4500)
Indiana has been the feel-good story of the season, achieving their first-ever 10-win season. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have built a strong roster through the transfer portal and are ready to make their mark.
No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers (+2800)
Tennessee is making its first-ever playoff appearance, and the excitement is palpable. With a potent offense led by running back Dylan Sampson, the Volunteers are looking to capitalize on this historic moment.
College Football Playoff schedule 2024
The playoff schedule is set, and fans are eager to tune in. The first round kicks off on December 20 with Indiana at Notre Dame, followed by several thrilling matchups on December 21. The quarterfinals will take place on New Year’s Day, leading up to the semifinals on January 9 and 10, culminating in the national championship on January 20.
As the playoffs approach, the anticipation builds. Which team will rise to the occasion and claim the championship title? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this year’s playoff promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, surprises, and unforgettable moments!
