2024 College Football Postseason Preview

SET SAIL FOR THE SEVENS SEAS OF PIRACY LADS! And by that I don’t mean Alabama, Michigan, Washington, and Oklahoma not being in the CFP thank you very much. In this case its structure of the tournament itself. (This is why you don’t lose to 6 win teams just saying) For the first time in history the National Championship will not be decided until the end of January. 12 hungry and talented teams enter the ultimate ring and only one of them will come away with the ultimate prize of National Champion. Now how much chaos is there going to be around the nation when this thing is settled?

Oregon Ducks: It says something when a team that comes into a conference like the BIG 10 and takes it by storm in one year to the point where every opponent must feel their wrath. (Penn State did the same thing back in 1994) The Ducks have done just that and then some. The only undefeated team in the nation enters the postseason with all of the momentum and dreams of finally winning a Natty. Just look at that offense. MY GOSH THAT OFFENSE! Dillon Gabriel has finally played up to the potential that he once had back in Oklahoma, and with the deepest crew of weapons in the country, there’s a lot to look forward to. The combination of Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart have been carving up defenses all season (Johnson’s return from injury was the spark they needed), and when they get contained they’ll just trot out Justin James and Noah Whittington. Defensively they did give up 37 points to Penn State in the Big Ten Championship, but they still are a rock solid especially now that Matayo Uiagalelei is healthy coming off the edge. On paper this team should be able to make it all the way, however the Football Gods delivered glorious karma to them in the final CFP rankings poll. Having to get Rocky Top or THE Ohio State University after the Bye in theory is not a good reward. But then again, if any team can overcome that roadblock based on what we’ve seen this year. It’s Oregon.

Georgia Bulldogs: WHAT’S THAT COMING DOWN THE TRACK!? It’s a team that has big game DNA in their blood. This year for the Bulldogs has been interesting in more ways than one. They massacred their first two opponents, nearly got upset by Kentucky, lost a thriller to Alabama, nearly got knocked out of playoff contention because they laid an egg against Ole Miss, then suffocated Tennessee, and nearly got shell shocked by Georgia Tech. But then they gave Texas a big fat Welcome to the SEC. Those two wins over the Longhorns are why the Dawgs are in the position they’re in. And like Kirby Smart teams, this is a roster that has talent and depth everywhere. Trevor Etienne missed most of the year due to injury yet Nate Frazier filled that RB role nicely. Arian Smith has emerged as their headliner out wide, and oh yeah they still have that vaunted defense that rises up when the moments get tough. Jalon Walker and Malaki Starks have led the way this year, and guys like CJ Allen and Daylen Everette in particular have fed off of it. However the fate of this team comes down to the health of Carson Beck. He had a solid season worthy of a potential 1st Round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft if the cards play out right, but he got knocked out of the SEC Title Game and his status might be in doubt for the playoffs. However Gunner Stockton may have to play the Stetson Bennett role which is to come out of nowhere and lead this team to glory. If that’s the case, the rest of the nation will cry foul again.

Boise State Broncos: Raise your hand if you thought a team from the Mountain West Conference was going to get a Bye in the CFP. I don’t see any hands right now. That might be because those teams may not be as talented as the Power Four, but don’t tell that to Boise State. This team has ignored every single doubt about them, and now has the chance to make some noise this postseason. When their only loss was to Oregon on a last second field goal, it comes to show you how strong this team really is. However one name has captivated fans around the country. Ashton Jeanty. This man has not only led the nation in rushing, he’s put together the most dominant season by a college RB since at least Larry Johnson in 2002, maybe even Barry Sanders in 1988. If you think he’s the entire offense then you’d be wrong. The Maddux Madsen to Cameron Camper connection was the most potent QB-WR combo in the Mountain West this year. Which is key because that’ll take pressure off of Jeanty to perform against the big boys. On defense they have 5 players with 6 or more sacks including Jayden Virgin-Morgan who has had a career year and should boost his stock going into the NFL Draft whenever that comes. From how I see it the Broncos will be playing with house money this postseason, especially considering that a Mountain West team is making its debut in the playoffs. If they can take down Penn State or SMU, that’ll be massive for this program going forward.

Arizona State Sun Devils: Remember when almost every single pundit in the nation picked these guys to finish last in the BIG 12? We all did. In just two years, Ball So Hard University has gone from one of the biggest gong shows in College Football, to the surprise story of the year. The best season that the Sun Devils have had since Dennis Erickson’s Cinderella Squad of 2007. (They were very good in the mid 2010s, but not this good) And they have plenty of feel good stories on this team. Sam Leavitt was considered a major afterthought going into the season. This year he has proven every single doubter of his wrong. The same goes for Cam Skatteboo who if not for a certain guy in Boise would be considered as the best back in the nation. It comes to show you what a difference good coaching and a few smart recruiting decisions can do for a team. Herman Edwards and his dinosaur philosophies held the team back for years and it created a culture of fear. Kenny Dillingham has completely changed the culture and has turned it into a smashmouth in your face type of playstyle that would make ASU’s own Terrell Suggs proud. (Bob Bowman and Michael Phelps would also be pleased) I would say that a miracle run is in store but your first opponent could very well be the most expensive team in all of College Football, and they have their own demons that they want to exorcise. In simplest terms, you’ll get a lot of people on your side if you beat them.

Texas Longhorns: The trendy preseason favorite to win the National Championship enters the playoffs with sky high expectations after another great regular season. Last year was considered the learning experience for the Longhorns especially by their fanbase and media, and on paper they have the tools to make it all the way. Even though most of the nation has been calling for Arch Manning to start, Quinn Ewers has stepped up to the plate and taken matters into his own hands like he did last year. Well when they aren’t playing Georgia that is. With how much talent there is on the roster, especially emerging stars in Matthew Golden and Quintrevion Wisner on offense as well as Anthony Hill and Colin Simmons on defense, anything less than a trip to the Natty is unacceptable. Right now as we speak, if there is any coach who is under more pressure to go far in these playoffs it’s Steve Sarkisian. Not only does Sark have to overcome his drunken offense narratives against stronger opponents, and being carried to relevance by Nick Saban, his first hurdle is having to get past his boogeyman Dabo Swinney and Clemson in the 1st Round. If Texas gets hammered in the 1st Round, no one outside of Austin is going to feel bad for them I’ll tell you that.

Penn State Nittany Lions: The team that was the annual bridesmaid of the original 4 team College Football Playoff over the first decade of its existence is finally getting their chance at glories not seen since the 80s and early 90s. Even though they lost to Oregon in the BIG 10 Championship Game in heartbreaking fashion, their performance even in defeat proves that the Nittany Lions have a much more different vibe than in previous years. Drew Allar has taken positive steps as a QB and as a leader, and it certainly helps to have one of the best RB rooms in the country, plus a generational talent in Tyler Warren be used in lethal ways. (The most versatile player in all of College Football is no small feat) On defense, Abdul Carter is another in a long line of great PSU linebackers (The Stix City Tradition never dies) and even if KJ Winston has been injured for most of the year, Jaylen Reed has enjoyed his coming out party in the secondary. Is this the year that James Franklin can put it all together and make a deep run in the playoffs? (This is probably the best coaching job he’s done at PSU given that he had three new coordinators to start the year) In theory it very well could be considering that their side of the bracket is very manageable. I swear if they don’t make it to the Semi-Finals, especially a 1st Round exit, this team has to be cursed. (The NCAA has been very unkind to them for the better part of six decades whether it was heinous or not)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Let me take you back to the first weekend of September. The Irish suffered perhaps the most shocking upset that College Football has seen since Michigan lost to Appalachian State in 2007. They were 30 point favorites at home against Northern Illinois and proceeded to get embarrassed not in the final score, but how they played throughout the game. In most years, this would be a death sentence that would be hard to recover from. (Look at how they got embarrassed by Marshall in 2022) Instead Notre Dame was given an Injection of Fire. (Stealing a Ravens reference used by a friend of mine from Penn State Sports Night eh?) From that point forward, the Irish turned into dynamite kids and staked their claim as a major CFP power. Beginning with a 66 point display against Purdue, these leprechauns have made every single whippersnapper that thought they were dead bag in September eat a massive amount of crow. Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love may be the only star players on this roster, but everyone else has played well beyond expectations. (Their defense has been the definition of underrated) Despite their turnaround from that embarrassment in Week 2, Notre Dame lacks a signature win even though they crushed both Army and Navy when they were both unbeaten at the time. And luckily for Marcus Freeman’s bunch, they have a perfect opportunity to win their first playoff/New Year’s Six game since 1992. (The Ghosts of David Gordon and Boston College loom large) If they can’t get past their scornful little brother to the east, the Irish will be memed like they’ve never been memed before.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Times are getting desperate in Columbus. Once again, Ohio State has massive expectations of making it to a National Championship, yet unlike recent years there have been more cracks than ever. The biggest thing I’ve noticed about the Buckeyes this year is their inconsistency. And it’s cost them big time. Think of nearly getting beat by Nebraska at home, as well as terrible clock management against Oregon. Even when they maintained their previous narratives over Penn State thanks to two epic goal line stands, the Bucks proceeded to crap the bed against the weakest Michigan team in a decade, ON THEIR HOME SOIL! What bugs me is that this team is capable of making a run at a title yet their biggest enemy all season has been themselves. I know how good their WR room is, especially Jeremiah Smith. I know that Will Howard is an upgrade at QB compared to what they had last year. I know they have the most dominant defense in the country led by JT Tuimoloau and Lathan Ransom. (Captain Jack Sawyer too) All of that means nothing if Ryan Day panics and lets his emotions get the best of himself and the rest of this team. Even as a fan of a rival, I know how good Ohio State is at their peak. But will they prove that to the nation when push comes to shove. Honestly, I have no idea.

Tennessee Volunteers: At midseason, the insufferability in Rocky Top was reaching levels not seen since Peyton Manning and Tee Martin. Even though they suffered a setback against Arkansas, the Vols ripped the dagger away from Alabama and were looking like one of the most dangerous teams in the country. That was until they ran into Georgia. (It happens to a lot of teams though) Other than those hiccups, Tennessee has been strong throughout the season, and in my opinion they may be the biggest dark horse contender in the entire playoffs. With the balanced attack they have on offense led by Nico Iamaleava and Dylan Sampson, they have the talent to go far on that side of the ball. Same goes for the defense, featuring the strongest Front Seven in the SEC not named Georgia. James Pearce and Joshua Josephs have been perhaps the best DT duo in the nation, and it’s shown on the stat sheet. Well when they aren’t playing said Dawgs in Athens. (Luckily the Vols won’t have to face them until the Championship Game if each of them get there) Once again, the pieces are in place for a push towards their first title in over 25 years. If they make a deep run this year, Josh Heupel will become an icon in Knoxville given how fast he’s turned this program around since he got there.

Indiana Hoosiers: Remember when we all thought Curt Cignetti went way too far in his introductory Pep Rally given this school’s track record over the last few decades? Turns out that he was right this whole time. In one season, this energetic coach has dragged the Hoosiers kicking and screaming towards something they haven’t seen since Lee Corso was the coach in the late 1970s. Legitimate Contenders. Yes they’ve feasted on a paper soft schedule, and Cignetti was given his Welcome to the BIG 10 moment against Ohio State at the Horseshoe, but this is the most optimism that Bloomington has seen in a long long time. Kurtis Rourke and Elijah Sarratt in particular have fed off of this new era of football at IU and have put together some outstanding performances this season. (Exhibit A: A 56-7 stomping of Nebraska on National TV) Their defense led by a tackling machine in Aiden Fletcher reflects the image of Cignett. Tough, physical, and not afraid to be brash. This is a crew that not only has made every single doubter of theirs eat their words, but they have the chance to do something that was once considered unthinkable. OVERTAKE NOTRE DAME! If they do that, they’re going to a lot of people on their side, myself included. (Anytime a team embarrasses the Fighting Irish on a grand stage, you become America’s Team for about a week)

SMU Mustangs: It’s finally over. The years of failure, of being a punchline in the College Football landscape, as well as the sins of the Death Penalty of 1987, WASHED AWAY! The Mustangs are back! In their first year in the ACC, they have not only adapted to a much harder schedule than compared to the American Conference, but they have done something that was deemed unimaginable a decade ago. Making it to the College Football Playoff. Yes people can say that they shouldn’t have gotten in over Alabama, but SMU earned their spot. (Once again, this is why you don’t lose to Oklahoma and Vandy) What makes this season even more incredible is that they’ve done it with a completely different approach. Preston Stone was supposed to be the savior of the program, but due to injuries and bad play, he was demoted from the starting job. So in comes Kevin Jennings, who not only stepped in for Stone, but elevated everyone else around him to the tune of an 11 win season. It also helps when Breshard Smith rushes for almost 1300 yards, and you have a defense that’s allowed the fewest points in the ACC. Not to mention the one thing that led to the Death Penalty in the 80s has been their biggest calling card this year. The ability to pay high quality athletes in order to come play for them. (The Mustangs knew what they were doing the whole time even if it took 40 years for the rest of the nation to catch on) Even if they get humbled in front of a sea of white in State College, this has been a dream season for this program. And hopefully it sparks them for years to come.

Clemson Tigers: This is a stark contrast compared to most teams during the Dabo Swinney Era. This crew may not be the most talented team or the most successful team that Swinney has had, but if there’s one thing you can count on with these guys it’s that they play a 60 minute game every single week. For a while they looked like a Top 10 team in the nation. Then they hit a wall against Louisville and South Carolina. But once again, the Tigers never say die mentality was put on full display when things mattered. Even against SMU who nearly mounted a furious comeback in the ACC Championship Game, Clemson held them off and clinched a spot in the playoffs. Cade Klubnick this year has become the next great QB thanks to a 3000 yard season through the air. Antonio Williams has been his main option to rip defenses in half. Speaking of defense, it’s another in a long line of great Swinney units. TJ Parker has been one of the best pass rushers in the nation, and oh yeah Khalil Barnes has been a ball hawk right from the jump. Yes they may be up against the best team money can buy in the 1st Round, but don’t be surprised if this team puts up a great fight. That’s all you can hope for right. PAUSE.

This has been some season for College Football. Not only have you had so many upsets and ever changing storylines, but now you have a playoff bracket that could very well break the internet depending on how this 12 team tournament goes. Predictions please!

Prediction: If we thought the 4 team playoff was up for grabs, the 12 team playoff is going to make that format look like choirboys. From how I see it, basically every team in this tournament has a shot at the National Title. Crazy I know. From how I see it, considering that there has been so much chaos this season, there won’t be as much come playoff time. Why? Because the National Championship will come down to the two teams who have stood out more than any other this year. Oregon and Georgia. One of College Football’s Ultimate Legacies of Failure against its Newest Dynasty in the heart of the ATL for all the marbles. However if Carson Beck isn’t able to go and my prediction backfires on that side of the bracket, GOD HELP US ALL!