The official college football rankings have been released with the new 12-man playoff. Despite SMU’s nail-biting loss in the ACC championship against the Clemson Tigers, the committee decided to let them in, putting Alabama as the first team out. Unexpected teams like Boise State, SMU, and Arizona State proved their worth when they finished with a combined record of 34-5. Penn State, Indiana, Boise State, SMU, Arizona State, and Tennessee will each make their first playoff appearance in school history.
First Round
Ohio State Vs Tennessee Volunteers
Number eight Ohio State looks to continue their dominant run despite the heartbreaking loss against Michigan in their last game of the season. However Ohio State will have to face the Scorching hot Tennessee Volunteers led by red shirt freshman Nico Iamaleava and SEC player of the year, running back, Dylan Sampson. Will Tennessee be able to keep up with Ohio State’s high powered offense led by senior quarterback Will Howard or will Ohio State’s Defensive front crumble by Dylan Sampsons tough running?
Texas vs Clemson
Number five Texas, a favorite to win the national championship, looks to continue to prove their dominance despite their only two losses against Georgia. The two way quarterback system featuring Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning leads one of the most unique offensive schemes in college football, however, one of the most effective offenses in college football with the help of standout wide receivers Mathew Golden and Isiah Bond. Clemson however would like to continue their hot streak after defeating SMU to take home the ACC championship. Will Clemosn continue on the legacy of head coach Dabo Swinney or will Ewers and the Longhorns prove dominance on saturday,
Penn State vs SMU
Number 6 Penn State Nittany Lions led by quarterback Drew Allar and head coach James Franklin will look to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to number one ranked Oregon in The Big 10 championship. The Nittany Lions have steamrolled through their competition despite their two losses against number nine Ohio State and number one Oregon. Penn State going into the Big 10 championship was seen as fraudulent or unproven but they answered back with a thriller of a game against number one ranked Oregon. Despite the loss Penn State proved they belonged in the best team in College football conversations. Number 11 SMU however will seek to continue their historic season with many saying it is the best season in school history. SMU jumped onto the scene hot and haven’t looked back since. Going into the first round two of the hottest teams in college football will butt heads but only one will win.
Notre Dame vs Indiana
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish who finished number seven are described as “dominant” by Ex-Pro Bowler and head of College Gameday Pat Mcafee, as they are one of the most fierce teams in college football. Notre Dame faces number ten Indiana who finished the season 11-1 however many believe Indiana is one the most overstated football teams in america. The hoosiers have yet to beat a ranked opponent this season and with most of their wins coming off below average teams many believe the hoosiers are unproven. Are the Hoosiers going to answer back to the hate or will the Fighting Irish continue their dominant season?
Bye’s
Boise State
The Boise State Broncos have proven to be one of the most fierce teams in the country. The Broncos are led by first team All-American, Heisman runner up, Doak Walker Award winner, and Maxwell award winner Ashton Jeanty, running back. Jeantys presence on the field is felt every game with having more than 50% of the total offense on Boise State and out running every running back in the country. Boise State ranks third with their only loss coming off of number one ranked Oregon. With the help of Jeanty, the Broncos aim to bring home the schools first National Championship capping off their historic season.
Oregon
Number one ranked Oregon has been the team to beat this year in College Football. Oregon ranks number one in the country with the help of Heisman finalist Dillion Gabriel and standout running back Jordan James. The Oregon ducks are yet to lose this season with a total record of 13-0. The Ducks have had one of the best seasons in school history and will look to cap off the season with their first National Championship since 2012.
Arizona State
The number four ranked Arizona State Sun Devils have proved all expectations wrong this year with a historic season. The sun devils were projected to be ranked dead last in the Big-12 by the AP polls. The Sun Devils are led by redshirt freshman Sam Leavitt who has jumped onto the scene as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country. Head coach Kenny Dillingham looked to prove everyone wrong at the start of the season by coaching one of the most raw rosters in the country to a playoff team. With the help of senior running back Cam Skatteboo the sun devils were able to claim the Big 12 championship with a dominating win over Iowa State to seal their spot in the college football playoffs.
Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs ranked number two in the college football playoff after their latest win in the SEC championship over Texas. The Bulldogs led by head coach Kirby Smart look to add to their massive trophy room by claiming their fifth national championship. The bulldogs have proven to be one of the most dominant teams in the country with their latest win over the Longhorns. Despite standout quarterback Carson Beck’s injury in the second quarter of the SEC championship, backup quarterback Gunner Stocketon sealed the game with a game winning drive in overtime. Will the bulldogs remain a force to be reckoned with and continue their legacy?
