Major college football has long struggled to determine its national champion, and the newly expanded 12-team playoff bracket set to be announced aims to address this issue. However, it is not a perfect solution.
As the College Football Playoff pairings were about to be revealed, there was uncertainty following a dramatic end to conference championship weekend. The selection committee faced a crucial decision: whether to include Alabama or SMU in the final spot.
Alabama, with a 9-3 record, was ranked 11th by the CFP and did not play during the weekend. On the other hand, SMU (11-2) lost the ACC title game to Clemson in a close match. Despite having a weaker schedule, SMU only had two losses compared to Alabama's three.
The playoff format involves the top four conference champions earning byes into the quarterfinals, with the remaining eight teams playing first-round games. Notable teams expected to be in the mix include Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State, among others.
The tournament structure will see the quarterfinals held at various bowl games on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, with the semifinals at the Orange and Cotton Bowls on Jan. 9-10. The national championship game is scheduled for Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
Despite Oregon being the favorite according to BetMGM Sportsbook, this season has been particularly challenging to predict due to various factors like conference realignment, the transfer portal, and players' ability to profit. Upsets have been common, making the selection process for the expanded playoff even more complex.
Injuries, like the one to Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, could further impact the playoff landscape. However, teams like Georgia, with a strong track record, remain competitive and resilient.
The evolving landscape of college football continues to shape the sport, with the 12-team playoff representing a significant shift from the previous four-team format. The upcoming playoff promises excitement and unpredictability as teams vie for the national championship.
