As the college football season progresses, excitement builds around the impending release of the first official College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings on November 5. This year marks a significant shift in the playoff format, expanding to 12 teams, which adds a new layer of intrigue and strategy to the postseason landscape. Each week leading up to the rankings, analysts and fans alike are eager to speculate on which teams will secure their spots in this expanded playoff field.
With the absence of CFP rankings to guide us, we turn to the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 as our primary reference point. Historically, the AP poll and the CFP rankings align closely by the end of the season, making it a reliable barometer for projecting the playoff field. As we reach the halfway mark of the 2024 season, let’s take a closer look at the projected playoff field and the teams that are making waves.
### First-Round Byes
#### 1. Texas (6-0, Projected SEC Champion)
The Texas Longhorns have solidified their position at the top of the rankings following a commanding 34-3 victory over their arch-rival Oklahoma. After a slow start that saw Oklahoma take an early lead, Texas rallied to score the final 34 points of the game. Quarterback Quinn Ewers will need to shake off any rust as the Longhorns prepare for a challenging matchup against Georgia in Week 8, a game that could serve as a preview of the SEC championship.
#### 2. Oregon (6-0, Projected Big Ten Champion)
Oregon has made a significant leap into the top four after a thrilling 32-31 win over Ohio State. The Ducks showcased their defensive prowess and offensive versatility, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel proving why he was a summer Heisman favorite. His ability to both pass and run effectively has made Oregon a formidable contender in the playoff race.
#### 3. Miami (6-0, Projected ACC Champion)
The Miami Hurricanes enjoyed a bye week in Week 7, allowing them to prepare for a challenging road game against Louisville. The Cardinals have been known to pull off surprises at home, and Miami will need to be on high alert. With their undefeated record, the Hurricanes are poised to make a strong case for a playoff spot, but they must navigate this tricky matchup carefully.
#### 4. Iowa State (6-0, Projected Big 12 Champion)
Iowa State has quietly established itself as a powerhouse in the Big 12, recently defeating West Virginia 28-16. The Cyclones demonstrated their ability to control the game, with Carson Hansen leading the charge on the ground. As they continue to dominate their conference, Iowa State is positioning itself for a potential playoff berth.
### First-Round Games
#### No. 12 Boise State (5-1, Projected MWC Champion) vs. No. 5 Penn State (6-0, At-Large)
This matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of running games. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has been a standout performer, averaging an impressive 9.9 yards per carry and emerging as a Heisman contender. On the other side, Penn State boasts a dynamic rushing attack led by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both of whom have surpassed 400 rushing yards this season. This game could be a showcase of offensive firepower.
#### No. 11 Tennessee (5-1, At-Large) vs. No. 6 Ohio State (5-1, At-Large)
In a matchup that diverges from the current AP rankings, Tennessee’s path to the playoffs could be complicated by their upcoming games against Georgia and Alabama. Despite being ranked ahead of LSU in the AP poll, the Vols face a challenging road ahead. A potential rematch with Georgia looms, adding further stakes to their playoff aspirations.
#### No. 10 LSU (5-1, At-Large) vs. No. 7 Georgia (5-1, At-Large)
The LSU Tigers have been making headlines, particularly with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier emerging as a top passer in the nation. Following a dramatic overtime win against Ole Miss, Nussmeier has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards this season. Meanwhile, Georgia’s Carson Beck has been a focal point for the Bulldogs, but his performance has seen some inconsistencies compared to last season. This matchup could be a pivotal moment for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning.
#### No. 9 Clemson (5-1, At-Large) vs. No. 8 Alabama (5-1, At-Large)
A potential rematch of the storied Clemson-Alabama rivalry in the first round of the expanded playoff would be a fitting spectacle. Clemson’s offense has shown signs of resurgence, scoring over 40 points in four of their last five games. Alabama, led by Jalen Milroe, will need to tighten up their ball security as they prepare for a crucial stretch of games. This matchup could reignite old rivalries and set the stage for an unforgettable playoff experience.
As the season unfolds, the anticipation for the first official CFP rankings grows. With the expanded playoff format, every game carries significant weight, and teams are vying not just for conference titles but for a chance at the national championship. The landscape of college football is as dynamic as ever, and fans are in for an exhilarating ride as we approach the playoff picture.