The 12-team College Football Playoff is a thrilling new chapter in college football, but it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the journey each team must embark on to reach the championship. This year, the seeding of the playoff bracket has sparked some controversy, as the matchups don’t align perfectly with the final College Football Playoff rankings. For instance, No. 1 Oregon, which boasts an impressive 13-0 record, will face the winner of No. 8 Ohio State and No. 9 Tennessee in the quarterfinals. How does that make sense when the Buckeyes and Volunteers were ranked No. 6 and No. 7, respectively?
Understanding the Bracket
It’s a puzzling situation, and many fans are left scratching their heads. What would a bracket based solely on the final rankings look like? Here’s a glimpse:
| 12-TEAM BRACKET BY CFP RANK |
| No. 1 Oregon |
| No. 8 Indiana vs. No. 9 Boise State |
| No. 4 Penn State |
| No. 5 Notre Dame vs. No. 12 Clemson |
| No. 2 Georgia |
| No. 7 Tennessee vs. No. 10 SMU |
| No. 3 Texas |
| No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 11 Arizona State |
This configuration certainly appears more logical. Yet, the reality is that the playoff is about more than just rankings; it’s about the path to victory. Some teams may find themselves on a more favorable route to the semifinals and ultimately the national championship, while others may face a more daunting challenge.
Ranking the 2024 College Football Playoff Teams
As we gear up for the playoff, let’s break down the teams and their paths to glory.
1. Oregon (13-0)
- Seed: 1
- Scoring offense: 35.9 ppg. (15th)
- Scoring defense: 17.8 (13th)
The Ducks are the team to beat. With a potential rematch against Ohio State looming and a semifinal matchup against Texas, Oregon’s path is challenging but not insurmountable. Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel leads the charge with 3,558 passing yards. Oregon has proven it can win in various ways, whether it’s through a dominant offense or a stout defense.
2. Georgia (11-2)
- Seed: 2
- Scoring offense: 33.2 ppg. (29th)
- Scoring defense: 20.4 ppg. (23rd)
Georgia’s journey is filled with uncertainty. Will it be Carson Beck or Gunner Stockton leading the team? The Bulldogs have faced tough opponents, going 4-0 against playoff teams. With a favorable path that could see them face Indiana, Notre Dame, or Boise State, they remain a formidable contender as long as their quarterback situation stabilizes.
3. Texas (11-2)
- Seed: 5
- Scoring offense: 33.6 ppg. (26th)
- Scoring defense: 12.5 ppg. (2nd)
The Longhorns have a loaded roster and a solid path to the semifinals, facing Clemson and Arizona State. Despite perceptions of struggle in big games, they’ve beaten four ranked teams this season. Can head coach Steve Sarkisian guide them back to the semifinals?
4. Notre Dame (11-1)
- Seed: 7
- Scoring offense: 39.8 ppg. (3rd)
- Scoring defense: 13.6 ppg. (3rd)
Notre Dame is on a roll, scoring 49 or more points in four of their last five games. With a potential matchup against Georgia, the Irish will need to prove they have the right mix of offense and defense to claim their first national championship since 1988.
5. Ohio State (10-2)
- Seed: 8
- Scoring offense: 35.5 ppg. (18th)
- Scoring defense: 10.9 ppg. (1st)
The Buckeyes are an enigma, capable of either a first-round exit or a championship run. With the best scoring defense in the playoff, they could surprise many if they overcome the emotional toll of their loss to Michigan.
6. Penn State (11-2)
- Seed: 6
- Scoring offense: 33.6 ppg. (25th)
- Scoring defense: 16.4 ppg. (8th)
Penn State is favored against SMU and Boise State but needs to prove itself in crunch time. With a strong home record, they could make a deep run if quarterback Drew Allar steps up.
7. Tennessee (10-2)
- Seed: 9
- Scoring offense: 37.2 ppg. (8th)
- Scoring defense: 13.9 ppg. (5th)
The Volunteers have the tools for a playoff run, but can quarterback Nico Iamaleava handle the pressure? Their path is challenging, but they could be the dark horse in this playoff.
8. Arizona State (11-2)
- Seed: 4
- Scoring offense: 33.1 ppg. (30th)
- Scoring defense: 21.3 ppg. (30th)
The Sun Devils are on fire, winning their last six games. They’ll need to maintain that momentum as they face tough competition in the playoffs.
9. Boise State (12-1)
- Seed: 3
- Scoring offense: 39.1 ppg. (4th)
- Scoring defense: 21.9 ppg. (36th)
Boise State is ready to make a statement under coach Spencer Danielson. With a standout performance from Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty, they have the potential to surprise everyone.
10. Indiana (11-1)
- Seed: 10
- Scoring offense: 43.3 ppg. (2nd)
- Scoring defense: 14.7 ppg. (7th)
The Hoosiers have a high-scoring offense, but can they handle the pressure against Notre Dame? Their ability to run the ball will be crucial.
11. Clemson (10-3)
- Seed: 12
- Scoring offense: 35.5 ppg. (16th)
- Scoring defense: 22.3 ppg. (43rd)
Clemson may be a double-digit underdog against Texas, but their experience in the playoffs could play a significant role.
12. SMU (11-2)
- Seed: 11
- Scoring offense: 38.5 ppg. (6th)
- Scoring defense: 20.8 ppg. (28th)
The Mustangs are the underdogs in this playoff, but they have the potential to pull off a Cinderella story against Penn State.
As the playoff approaches, excitement builds around the unique paths each team must navigate. Who will rise to the occasion and seize their moment? The journey is just beginning!
