College football playoff predictions suggest a potential rematch between Georgia and Texas. In the current landscape, 10 teams remain undefeated, but only nine have made it into the AP poll, with none hailing from the SEC.
The newly added teams in the now 16-member SEC are feeling the heat. Texas and Oklahoma are like freshmen on a varsity team, getting a harsh lesson in the competitive nature of the league as they face seasoned opponents.
Texas’ most impressive victories include matches against Oklahoma and Michigan. However, the Longhorns now find themselves grappling with a 15-point defeat to Georgia, which stands as their best performance this season. This situation raises questions about their readiness for the playoff.
Now, let’s examine the latest CFP projections for the 2024 college football season:
1. Oregon
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 7-0
2. Georgia
Conference: SEC
Record: 6-1
3. Miami (Fla.)
Conference: ACC
Record: 7-0
4. Iowa State
Conference: Big 12
Record: 7-0
5. Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 5-1
6. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 6-0
7. Texas
Conference: SEC
Record: 6-1
8. Clemson
Conference: ACC
Record: 6-1
9. BYU
Conference: Big 12
Record: 7-0
10. LSU
Conference: SEC
Record: 6-1
11. Tennessee
Conference: SEC
Record: 6-1
12. Boise State
Conference: Mountain West
Record: 6-1
With the projected seeding established, the first-round matchups can be outlined:
1. Oregon: Bye (will face the winner of 8. Clemson vs. 9. BYU)
2. Georgia: Bye (will face the winner of 7. Texas vs. 10. LSU)
3. Miami: Bye (will face the winner of 6. Penn State vs. 11. Tennessee)
4. Iowa State: Bye (will face the winner of 5. Ohio State vs. 12. Boise State)
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5. Ohio State (Big Ten championship runner-up) vs. 12. Boise State (highest-ranked Group of 5 champion)
This matchup could face challenges. The Broncos are set to compete against UNLV, a team that has shown remarkable improvement, being the best to emerge from Las Vegas in four decades. Coach Brennan Marion’s innovative GoGo offense has proven to be a tough puzzle for defenses. Still, Ashton Jeanty has emerged as one of the most dominant offensive players nationwide, and if he breaks free, UNLV may struggle to contain him.
Ashton Jeanty of Boise State has established himself as one of the most formidable offensive players in college football this season. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
6. Penn State (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 11. Tennessee (one of the top-12 teams)
Tennessee continues to struggle with creating explosive passing plays against SEC rivals, and quarterback Nico Iamaleava has not yet surpassed 200 yards in any league game. Nevertheless, Dylan Sampson stands out as one of the most effective running backs in college football, and he may present a challenge for Tom Allen’s Nittany Lion defense on neutral ground.
7. Texas (one of the top-12 teams) vs. 10. LSU (one of the top-12 teams)
For the first time this season, Texas’ offense appeared vulnerable. The Longhorns were scoreless in the first half against Georgia, managing only 15 points throughout the game due to Georgia’s effective pressure. If LSU can replicate Georgia’s defensive strategy, this matchup could echo the thrilling 2019 game between Texas and LSU in Austin, a contest that ignited LSU’s undefeated national title campaign.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has thrown for 1,101 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions in five games this season. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
8. Clemson (ACC championship runner-up) vs. 9. BYU (Big 12 championship runner-up)
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has amassed 1,644 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading BYU to a flawless 7-0 record. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
