The College Football Playoff (CFP) has taken a significant step forward with its expansion to a 12-team format. The new format, which will debut in the 2024 season, promises to bring more excitement and inclusivity to the sport. As the college football season heats up, the first set of bowl projections are in, and Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State are among the top teams leading the pack.
The 12-team format will feature the five conference champions from the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC), as well as seven at-large teams. The top four seeds will receive a first-round bye, while the remaining teams will compete in the first round. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played at neutral sites, with the championship game being held at a designated site.
Oregon, currently ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll, is one of the top contenders for a spot in the playoff. The Ducks have been dominant this season, with a 9-1 record and a win over then-No. 3 Ohio State. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Bo Nix, has been nearly unstoppable, averaging over 40 points per game.
Georgia, ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, is another team that is expected to make a deep run in the playoff. The Bulldogs have been impressive on both sides of the ball, with a stout defense that has allowed just 10 points per game. Their offense, led by quarterback Stetson Bennett, has been efficient and effective, averaging over 30 points per game.
Boise State, currently ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll, is a dark horse contender for a spot in the playoff. The Broncos have been one of the most consistent teams in the country, with a 9-1 record and a win over then-No. 10 BYU. Their offense, led by quarterback Hank Bachmeier, has been explosive, averaging over 35 points per game.
Arizona State, ranked No. 20 in the AP Poll, is another team that is vying for a spot in the playoff. The Sun Devils have been one of the most improved teams in the country, with a 7-3 record and a win over then-No. 15 UCLA. Their offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, has been potent, averaging over 30 points per game.
Other teams that are expected to make a push for the playoff include Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, and Oklahoma. These teams have a rich history of success and have the talent and depth to make a deep run in the playoff.
The expansion of the CFP to a 12-team format is expected to bring more excitement and inclusivity to the sport. The new format will provide more opportunities for teams to compete for a national championship, and will also increase the revenue generated by the playoff.
The CFP has also announced that it will be increasing the revenue distribution to participating teams. The new revenue distribution model will provide more money to the teams that participate in the playoff, as well as to the conferences that have teams participating in the playoff.
The expansion of the CFP is a significant step forward for college football. The new format promises to bring more excitement and inclusivity to the sport, and will provide more opportunities for teams to compete for a national championship.
