Will It Be Mayhem in the First Round of the CFP?

Published: Wednesday, December 11, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

It’s finally time.  

Since the inception of the College Football Playoff in the 2014 season, the model was structured so four teams could make it. But after controversy after controversy, it seemed like the model seemed as unfavorable as its predecessor, the BCS. But now, the format has expanded to 12 teams making it; on Sunday, the teams that made the field were announced.

Oregon, Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State all received first-round byes for winning their conferences. Clemson, while they won the ACC Championship, did not receive a bye, which upset Tigers fans. In the first round, Clemson, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, SMU, Penn State, Indiana and Notre Dame will all look to advance.  

In a season full of craziness, what will occur in the first round of the new 12-team playoff?

No. 12 Clemson @ No. 5 Texas:

Starting with the Longhorns, the taste is bitter for them following their loss in the SEC Championship Game to Georgia in overtime Saturday. There is no denying though that this team will be hard to stop in the playoffs. Offensively with quarterback Quinn Ewers and with one of the best defenses in the country, Austin will be rocking come December 21st.  

Now for Clemson, it was shocking for some to see them get here, given that they were humiliated by Georgia early in the season. But for head coach Dabo Swinney, he has orchestrated a great turnaround and is ready to grab another National Championship with his program. Unfortunately for Coach Swinney and his program, that will not happen.

Projected winner: Texas

No. 9 Tennessee @ No. 8 Ohio State:

The SEC vs the Big Ten, two historic programs, and the right to move on and face… No. 1 Oregon. For the Buckeyes, they would love another shot at facing the Ducks in the Rose Bowl following the classic in Eugene in October. But the question now is how will they respond, given that in “The Game” vs Michigan, they were once again unable to contain Michigan’s rushing attack.  

Tennessee’s dynamic running back, Dylan Sampson, has been incredible this season and could pose a challenge for the Ohio State defense. But will the Volunteers be able to contain the offensive firepower from the Buckeyes, like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka? This one can really be influenced by what happens in the trenches, especially with the Ohio State offensive line and Tennessee's defensive line. 
But an upset may be brewing in Columbus.

Projected winner: Tennessee  

No. 11 SMU @ No. 6 Penn State:

If you told someone from the 1980s that the SMU Mustangs would re-emerge as a great program, they would laugh at you hysterically. The Mustangs dominated in their first season in the ACC and while they lost a heartbreaker on Saturday, their redemption arc is somewhat complete. Fans were hoping SMU would be included in the field over the 9-3 Alabama squad.  

While the Mustangs have exceptional talent like QB Kevin Jennings, Penn State has been waiting for this moment and Happy Valley will be rocking. From standout RB Nick Singleton, to the speedy defensive end Abdul Carter, to the versatile tight end Tyler Warren, the Nittany Lions are frightening. This team could easily be undefeated if not for losses against Ohio State and Oregon in the Big 10 Championship game.  

As a result…

Projected winner: Penn State  

No. 10 Indiana vs No. 7 Notre Dame:

The battle for Indiana supremacy could be determined on a frigid Friday night in South Bend next week. The story of Hoosiers football under new HC Curt Cignetti has been an incredible and unforgettable season in Bloomington, Indiana. QB Kurtis Rourke was an All-Big 10 second team selection, and their defense was one that annoyed opposing offenses.

However, the Fighting Irish have the home-field advantage, and on the turf are a nuisance to their opponents. RB Jeremiyah Love broke out on the scene this season and should be vital to the Irish’s success offensively. Defensively, the Irish generated pressure and forced plenty of turnovers, like safety Xavier Watts, who was top five in the nation in interceptions with five.

Projected winner: Notre Dame

If it is anything like the regular season, December 20th and 21st should be two beautiful and eventful days in the sport. 

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

 

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