The anticipation is building as college football fans eagerly await the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. With six teams receiving votes in a survey of 30 college football writers and editors at The Athletic, the excitement is palpable. This new format is a significant change from the previous 10 years of postseason tournaments that only featured four teams in the field.
Among the teams in contention, Oregon emerged as the favorite, garnering the majority of the votes. However, there was a diverse range of picks as our staff filled out their brackets ahead of the first round. Even the No. 12 seed, Clemson, with three losses, managed to secure a national championship vote.
As the first round kicks off with Indiana facing Notre Dame, it’s clear that the consensus among our voters is leaning towards the higher-seeded teams. Per BetMGM, the favorites are favored by at least 7.5 points in every first-round game. Austin Mock’s projections model also gives each favorite a strong chance of advancing, with Tennessee being the closest in votes to upset Ohio State.
Moving on to the quarterfinals, Oregon faces a tough draw in the Rose Bowl, despite being the only unbeaten team in the nation. With the possibility of a rematch against Ohio State, the Ducks will need to bring their A-game. However, the majority of our staff has faith in Oregon to come out on top.
In the Peach Bowl, Arizona State, the fourth seed, will go up against Texas, the overwhelming favorite. Texas’s strong defense and potent offense make them a formidable opponent, with only a few choosing Arizona State to pull off the upset.
The Sugar Bowl presents an intriguing matchup between Indiana and Notre Dame, with the staff split on a potential Georgia-Notre Dame showdown. Notre Dame’s resilient defense and determination to bounce back from setbacks make them a compelling contender.
The Fiesta Bowl sees a mix of predictions, with Penn State favored by most but Boise State gaining significant support from our staff. Mock’s model disagrees, favoring Penn State’s chances of success.
Looking ahead to the semifinals, Oregon, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Texas are the frontrunners, with Oregon being the popular choice among our staff. The potential matchups promise intense competition, with every team vying for a spot in the national championship game.
As we approach the climax of the College Football Playoff, the national championship game looms large. Oregon is seen as the frontrunner to secure the title, with 17 of our 30 voters backing them for an undefeated season. However, contenders like Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Clemson also have strong cases for a championship run.
In the end, the matchup for the national championship game on Jan. 20 in Atlanta remains uncertain. Oregon vs. Georgia emerges as a popular choice among our voters, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of this new playoff format. With multiple potential scenarios and surprises in store, college football fans are in for a thrilling ride.
