Football
Predicting the 2024 College Football Playoff Rankings and Bracket
2024-12-08
As the final College Football Playoff rankings of 2024 are set to be announced on Sunday, Dec. 8, the landscape is bound to undergo significant changes after the conference championship weekend. Let's take a closer look at where the top 25 teams might land and the potential playoff bracket.

Unveiling the 2024 College Football Playoff Predictions

Oregon (13-0) - The Unbeaten Ducks

The Big Ten champion Ducks enter the postseason as the No. 1 team and seed. Their undefeated record speaks volumes about their dominance on the field. They have shown remarkable consistency and are primed to make a strong showing in the playoffs.

With their winning streak intact, Oregon is a force to be reckoned with. Their performance throughout the season has earned them the top spot and they will be looking to continue their success in the postseason.

Notre Dame (11-1) - The Fighting Irish

Notre Dame finds itself in an interesting position. The two teams ranked ahead of them, Texas and Penn State, lost last week, while the team ranked behind them, Georgia, won the SEC title. Despite a home loss to Northern Illinois earlier in the season, the committee has seemingly not held it against them.

This shows the committee's recognition of Notre Dame's overall performance and their ability to bounce back. As a result, the Fighting Irish are likely to maintain a high ranking and be a serious contender in the playoffs.

Georgia (11-2) - The SEC Champions

The SEC Champion Bulldogs have had a thrilling finish to their season. Going into overtime in each of the last two weeks, they have emerged victorious and will move up to No. 3 in the rankings.

Georgia's ability to perform under pressure and come out on top is a testament to their team spirit and coaching. They will be looking to build on this momentum and make a deep run in the playoffs.

Texas (11-2) - The Longhorns

The debate between Texas and Ohio State for the No. 4 ranking and No. 6 seed is a hot topic. Texas has two losses to Georgia, while Ohio State has a loss to Oregon and Michigan. However, the committee is likely to consider more than just the opponents beaten.

Texas' overall performance and their wins against strong opponents will play a significant role in determining their ranking. They will be hoping to secure a favorable seed and make a strong case for a championship run.

Ohio State (10-2) - The Buckeyes

Ohio State benefits from a head-to-head win over Penn State and will be ranked No. 5 in the country. However, their position in the rankings is potentially the worst as they will be the No. 7 seed in the playoffs.

This shows the challenges faced by teams with multiple losses. Despite their strong performance, they may be at a disadvantage in terms of seeding. But the Buckeyes will be looking to prove themselves on the field and make a statement in the playoffs.

Tennessee (10-2) - The Vols

Tennessee will move up one spot in the rankings due to their wins. The committee clearly values their win over Alabama and has put them over a trio of one-loss teams. This shows the importance of key wins in the eyes of the committee.

Tennessee's performance has been consistent throughout the season and they will be looking to build on their success and make a deep playoff run.

Penn State (11-2) - The Nittany Lions

Penn State's best win is over Illinois, but their strength of schedule is not the best, ranking just 36th in the country. As a result, they will drop to No. 7 in the rankings and play on the road in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite their strong performance, the committee takes into account various factors when ranking teams. Penn State will need to prove themselves on the road if they want to advance in the playoffs.

Boise State (12-1) - The Broncos

Boise State moves up in the rankings thanks to a conference championship win. Their victory shows their ability to perform in big games and they will be looking to carry this momentum into the playoffs.

With a strong record and a conference championship under their belt, Boise State is a team to watch in the playoffs.

Indiana (11-1) - The Hoosiers

Indiana was ranked above Boise State last week, but they will fall below the Broncos this week. While the order may not matter for seeding, it shows the fluidity of the rankings and the importance of each win.

Indiana has had a successful season and will be looking to continue their momentum in the playoffs.

SMU (11-2) - The Mustangs

The No. 10 ranking is up for grabs between SMU and Alabama. Despite losing a conference championship game, SMU showed enough to the committee to earn the final spot. They will not be penalized for playing during conference championship week.

SMU's performance in close games and their ability to fight until the end make them a dangerous team in the playoffs. They will be looking to prove themselves and make a name for themselves.

Alabama (9-3) - The Tide

Alabama's three losses are more than two, and their lack of a conference championship game this week has hurt their chances. Despite having some impressive wins, they will miss the playoff this year.

Alabama will be looking to learn from this experience and come back stronger in the future.

Miami (FL) (10-2) - The Hurricanes

The Committee's decision to keep Miami behind Alabama shows the importance of playing on the field. Miami's performance has been solid, but they will need to find a way to get on the field and prove themselves.

They will be looking to make a statement in the future and earn a spot in the playoffs.

Ole Miss (9-3) - The Rebels

Like Miami, Ole Miss is locked in place this week. Their performance has been consistent, but they will need to find a way to improve their ranking in the future.

Ole Miss will be looking to make a strong showing in the offseason and come back stronger next season.

Arizona State (10-2) - The Sun Devils

A conference championship move Arizona State in front of South Carolina, but they will still need to prove themselves against stronger opponents. Their head-to-head win over the SEC Champion may not be enough to move them up further.

Arizona State will be looking to build on their success and make a name for themselves in the playoffs.

South Carolina (9-3) - The Gamecocks

South Carolina will be ranked above Clemson due to their recent win. This shows the importance of recent performance and the ability to perform when it matters most.

South Carolina will be looking to continue their winning ways and make a deep playoff run.

Clemson (10-3) - The Tigers

The ACC Champions have a nonconference in-state ceiling in the rankings, but they will still make the playoff. Their performance in the ACC championship game was impressive and they will be looking to build on that success.

Clemson will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs and will be looking to make a deep run.

Iowa State (10-2) - The Cyclones

Staying consistent with how the committee treats conference championship losses, Iowa State will remain ranked ahead of BYU. Their performance throughout the season has been solid and they will be looking to continue their success.

Iowa State will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a name for themselves.

BYU (10-2) - The Cougars

BYU stays put at No. 18. Their performance has been consistent and they will be looking to improve their ranking in the future.

BYU will be a dangerous team in the playoffs and will be looking to make a statement.

Missouri (9-3) - The Tigers

Missouri stays put at No. 19. Their performance has been solid and they will be looking to build on that success in the future.

Missouri will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Army (10-1) - The Black Knights

A conference championship launches Army into the top 20 of the rankings. Their performance in the conference championship game was impressive and they will be looking to continue their success in the playoffs.

Army will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Illinois (9-3) - The Illini

Illinois could rank above Army, but they will stay put. Their performance has been solid and they will be looking to improve their ranking in the future.

Illinois will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Syracuse (9-3) - The Orange

See above for Syracuse. Their performance has been solid and they will be looking to improve their ranking in the future.

Syracuse will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Colorado (9-3) - The Buffaloes

Colorado will likely fall below Army without a conference championship. Their performance has been solid, but they will need to find a way to improve their ranking in the future.

Colorado will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Memphis (10-2) - The Tigers

Memphis will remain ranked this week. Their performance has been consistent and they will be looking to build on that success in the future.

Memphis will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Duke (9-3) - The Blue Devils

Duke takes UNLV's spot after the Rebels lost the Mountain West Championship game. Their performance this season has been impressive and they will be looking to make a name for themselves in the playoffs.

Duke will be a tough opponent in the playoffs and will be looking to make a deep run.

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