(Yes this is a UrinatingTree reference.) But this year, we were given the delight of an expanded college football playoff system. Gone were the days of only the top four teams making it, controversy almost every week, and bowl games becoming meaningless. Now we get even more teams, more controversy, and now the NY6 bowls actually have more meaning! Out of the 134 teams playing D1 FBS football, 12 teams managed to make their way into the playoffs. Others will get to go bowling, others won’t, and then you see UCF hiring Scott Frost as their head coach once again, and Florida State whining about Georgia’s performance against Texas. But now, we take a look at the 12 teams who can make a case in the playoffs, who are the contenders, and who are the frauds.
#12 Clemson @ #5 Texas: Winner takes on #4 Arizona State in the Peach Bowl
The Clemson Tigers managed to find themselves back in the playoffs, after surviving an attempted comeback by the SMU Mustangs. These Tigers aren’t the world beaters we’d seen in previous years, but Dabo Swinney believes they can pull off another massive championship run, this time as the apparent 12th seed. Being led by QB Cade Blubnik, they found themselves losing horribly to Georgia, getting gassed by Louisville, and a close loss to #15 South Carolina. But their veteran experience in these situations established themselves as another contender for the playoffs, as they knocked off SMU’s chances at a bye and got their guaranteed spot.
As for their opponent, the Texas Longhorns are looking for something they yearn for; Proving themselves. Their OT loss to the Georgia Bulldogs didn’t spell true disaster for them, but the defense tried to do everything they could against them. It’s just that Quinn Ewers could not get anything done, having multiple red zone opportunities and only coming away with field goals. They get a chance at a home playoff game against the Tigers but don’t expect this one to easily be in their favor. If their only ranked win was to a Texas A&M squad, Clemson could easily pull off an upset.
The winner will take on…the Arizona State Sun Devils?!? A team projected to finish last in their conference, being led by Cam Skattebo and a high-flying offense, the Sun Devils were able to handily beat Iowa State by multiple scores. Because of this, They’ll be able to host the Peach Bowl and get a week of needed rest, and take on the winner of Clemson @ Texas. Logistics say they’ll get pummeled by the winner of the first match, but they are proven to play spoiler. Either way, a tremendous season for the Sun Devils, who can get a chance to keep this streak alive.
#11 SMU @ #6 Penn State: Winner takes on #3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl
A new year, a new controversy involving Alabama. This year, the last seed to place in the playoffs would come down to either Alabama or SMU. Some say Alabama should be in, having ranked wins and a higher strength of schedule. Yet everyone seemed to forget about their losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma (Blown out by them no less). Because of this, SMU gets one last chance to make a name for themselves in the playoffs, having only lost a close game to Clemson by a field goal. Yet, Kevin Jennings proves to be another dual-threat QB, managing to have an undefeated regular season in conference play, and just one loss to a former-ranked BYU at the beginning of the year.
However, they have to face a major test. Penn State, similar to Texas, wants to be able to prove its worth in the playoffs. Coming off a brutal loss to Oregon, they will have the opportunity of playing a home playoff game. The only issue is that James Franklin doesn’t fare well against highly ranked-teams. A loss here surely could run him out of town if the cards fall in the right direction against the Nittany Lions.
The winner gets to take on the Boise State Broncos. Being led by Heisman favorite Ashton Jeanty, the Broncos quite literally ran through their schedule, their only loss of the year coming to, surprisingly, Oregon. Once again, they get the liberty of playing in the Fiesta Bowl, the same bowl game that put them in the history books back in 2007 with the Statue of Liberty play. Once again, logistics favor Penn State massively, but all it takes is the incompetence of James Franklin to mess up everything entirely and we may just see SMU play Boise State in the quarterfinals, just as everyone expected at the start.
#10 Indiana @ #7 Notre Dame: Winner takes on #2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl
The Battle for Indiana is now an official playoff game! While everyone was arguing about either Alabama or SMU making it in, Indiana managed to sneak out of the fraud allegations, and now gets to be part of the playoff with new head coach: Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers weren’t expected to do much this year, but managed an impressive 11-1 record, although their only loss was to a ranked Ohio State by multiple scores. They still have the ability to be the darling of the playoffs, but their matches won’t be easy.
Especially since they start off against in-state rival, Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish ended the season with a similar 11-1 record, their only loss being to the now Famous Idaho Potato Bowl-bound NIU Huskies…not the best loss they could have. But they managed to rally to brutalize their remaining schedule and look to continue their conquest against the conferences of CFB.
The winner gets to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Managing to come off an OT win against the Texas Longhorns, there are some questions about how they would fare now that Gunner Stockton, the backup QB, will probably be leading the team. They’ve had some impressive victories, but some confusing ones like #14 Ole Miss. Now, they get to host the Sugar Bowl and are the logistical favorites in these matchups. Can either the power of Indiana end the possible dynasty of the Bulldogs, or will they shake off the so-called threats of either “Indiana” or “Notre Dame” with ease?
#9 Tennessee @ #8 Ohio State: Winner takes on #1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl
Tennessee, being led by the cardiac kid known as Nico (Ireallywishyouwouldchangeyournamebythetimeyouwenttothenfl) Iamaleava, had major success in their first year under him. Having a championship-worthy defense, the first-year QB, under an NIL controversy no less, managed to get Tennessee to the promised lands, and hopes these can be a yearly tradition. Now they need to keep going with that tradition, and hopefully make it a guaranteed championship win every year.
Their opponent is the Ohio State Buckeyes, a team being held back by Ryan Day. They could have a shot to come back and rematch Oregon to take a playoff bye, but thanks to losing to Reliaquest Bowl Bound Michigan, they now need to take the long route to get there. This is most likely the closest game by a large margin compared to others, as Ohio State is only slightly ahead of Tennessee. Yet, assuming Ryan Day can’t get it done once again, there needs to be serious conversations to finally fire his reign of error.
The winner takes on the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks, being led by one of the best QBs, stat-wise, of Dillion Gabriel, stand alone as the only undefeated team remaining. Their best wins include knocking off Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State, and (with hindsight) Boise State surprisingly. They are the best favorites to win it all, and Dan Lanning hopes to finally bring a championship to Oregon. Their path won’t be easy, but it starts by hosting the famous Rose Bowl and working their way up… that is assuming they won’t lose a heartbreaking game, such as almost blowing it to Wisconsin.
Also, Lol Alabama.
