A new era of college football is on the horizon for 2024. The College Football Playoff (CFP) will now feature a 12-team playoff format, a first in its history. This format includes the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams, who will receive automatic bids and at-large spots, respectively.
During a recent segment on “The Herd,” Colin Cowherd shared his projected CFP rankings for the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
1. Oregon:
National Championship odds: +800
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: -300
According to Cowherd, Oregon is poised to be the top Big Ten team this season.
2. Georgia:
National Championship odds: +300
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: -550
Georgia is considered a strong contender by Cowherd, with favorable odds to make the Playoff.
3. Ohio State:
National Championship odds: +400
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: -650
Cowherd sees Ohio State as a formidable team in the running for the Playoff.
4. Texas:
National Championship odds: +800
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: -235
Texas is expected to be a competitive force this season, with decent odds to secure a Playoff spot.
5. Alabama:
National Championship odds: +1400
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: +100
Cowherd believes that Alabama, along with Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas, will be the standout teams in college football.
6. Florida State:
National Championship odds: +2500
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: +140
Florida State is predicted to emerge victorious in a weak conference, thanks to their strong coaching staff and recruiting momentum.
7. Penn State:
National Championship odds: +2200
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: -140
Penn State’s favorable schedule and exciting offense could propel them to a Playoff berth, according to Cowherd.
8. LSU:
National Championship odds: +1800
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: +120
LSU, led by coach Brian Kelly, is expected to improve defensively and secure a spot in the Playoff.
9. Notre Dame:
National Championship odds: +2500
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: -165
Despite not being a top-tier team, Notre Dame’s schedule and potential win against USC could earn them a Playoff spot.
10. Ole Miss:
National Championship odds: +1500
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: -130
With coach Lane Kiffin and a high-scoring offense, Ole Miss is likely to make a Playoff appearance.
11. Utah:
National Championship odds: +6000
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: +220
Utah is favored to win the Big 12 and secure a spot in the Playoff, beating out other conference rivals.
12. Liberty:
National Championship odds: +50000
Odds to make the College Football Playoff: +400
Liberty, representing Conference USA, is a dark horse entry in the Playoff race, meeting the requirements for a ‘Group of 5’ Conference champion.
Despite the expanded format, tough decisions await the committee in selecting Playoff teams. Cowherd suggests that a strong SEC team like Tennessee could be left out in favor of teams like Utah and Liberty.
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