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Full Expert Predictions for the 12-Team College Football Playoff Bracket

2024-12-08

The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff bracket has now been firmly established. The Oregon Ducks, remaining undefeated throughout, managed to secure the top seed. Meanwhile, the SMU Mustangs demonstrated their mettle by edging out the Alabama Crimson Tide and sneaking into the final spot. The Boise State Broncos were awarded the Group of 5 automatic bid and also received a first-round bye as one of the highest-ranked conference champions. The Georgia Bulldogs from the SEC and the Arizona State Sun Devils from the Big 12 both claimed byes after winning their respective title games on Saturday.

The Road to the National Championship Begins

The Monthlong March to the Title

The monthlong journey towards the national championship game kicks off on December 20 with the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish hosting the No. 10 seed Indiana Hoosiers. On December 21, three more first-round games will take place at campus sites. The quarterfinals will be fiercely contested on December 31 at the Fiesta Bowl and on January 1 at the Peach, Rose, and Sugar Bowls. The semifinals will be held by the Orange and Cotton Bowls on January 9 and 10 respectively, before Atlanta hosts the highly anticipated title game on January 20.

This is an exciting time for college football fans as they eagerly await the outcome of each game. The matchups are carefully crafted to determine the ultimate champion, and every team is fighting hard to make their mark on the history of college football.

The Bracket Predictions

Sports Illustrated college football writers Pat Forde and Bryan Fischer have made their bracket predictions. They foresee a tough battle between No. 5 Texas and No. 12 Clemson. While some predict Texas to come out on top, others believe Clemson will give them a run for their money. Similarly, in the matchup between No. 9 Tennessee and No. 8 Ohio State, there is a lot of uncertainty. Some believe Ohio State's experience will give them the edge, while others think Tennessee's momentum will carry them to victory.

Another closely watched matchup is between No. 6 Penn State and No. 11 SMU. Both teams have shown great potential throughout the season, and it will be a battle to see who advances to the next round. And of course, the showdown between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana is sure to be a thrilling one.

The Game Times and TV Information

The game times and TV information have been carefully scheduled to ensure that fans across the country can catch every moment of the action. The Fiesta Bowl will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, at 7:30 p.m. ET on December 31 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The Peach Bowl will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 1 p.m. ET on January 1 and will also be shown on ESPN. The Rose Bowl will be at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, at 5 p.m. ET on January 1 and will be aired on ESPN. And the Sugar Bowl will be at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans at 8:45 p.m. ET on January 1 and will also be broadcast on ESPN.

These game times and TV selections ensure that fans can enjoy the excitement of the College Football Playoff from the comfort of their own homes or at the stadiums.

The Semifinals and the Title Game

The semifinals held by the Orange and Cotton Bowls on January 9 and 10 respectively will be intense battles. The Orange Bowl will be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on ESPN. The Cotton Bowl will be at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. ET and will also be broadcast on ESPN. And finally, on January 20, Atlanta will host the much-anticipated title game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be aired on ESPN.

Each team is gearing up for these crucial games, knowing that one slip-up could mean the end of their championship dreams. The competition is fierce, and every player is giving it their all to bring home the national championship.