Now that Week 1 of the season is officially over, we have a little better idea of how the College Football Playoff will shake out. It’s true that no team can be officially eliminated after one week, especially not with 12 potential bids, but there are some teams whose chances of making it are slimmer than they were before the season began.
Despite a rather impressive looking win on Week 1, I cannot in good conscience put the Nebraska football team in, even as an at-large team. That’s just how good the Big Ten is because I think we’re in for a fun 2024 season.
Having said that, if the Huskers keep rolling, especially next week, they could get themselves into the conversation.
A quick reminder of how this all works. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded 1-4 and each will receive a first-round bye. Teams seeded 5-12 will play each other in the first round on the home field of the higher-ranked team. Without further ado, here's how I see things shaking out for the College Football Playoff field.
2024 Week 1 12-team College Football Playoff prediction
Rank | Team | Why are they here | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Georgia | SEC Champions | 1 |
2 | Ohio State | Big Ten Champions | 2 |
3 | Utah | Big 12 Champions | 3 |
4 | Miami | ACC Champions | 9 |
5 | Notre Dame | At Large | 5 |
6 | Kansas | At Large | NR |
7 | Alabama | At Large | 7 |
8 | Missouri | At Large | 12 |
9 | Penn State | At Large | NR |
10 | MIchigan | At Large | 11 |
11 | USC | At Large | NR |
12 | Tulane | AAC Champions | NR |
There are some additions to this week's predictions. The biggest of the bunch is that Florida State, who I had as the No. 4 seed before the season began, dropping out entirely.
I just don't think the ACC is very good this season, nor getting two teams and the Miami Hurricanes handled their business in a way that was plenty impressive. Essentially taking their at-large big is the Kansas Jayhawks who jump into the field.
Another team that's dropping out is Boise State. While I still think they're the best of the Mountain West, I'm not confident they're going to be ranked high enough. In their place is the Tulane Green Wave with the only mid-major berth.
Penn State also jumps into the rankings after watching them take on West Virginia, as does USC after their impressive win over LSU.
If I am right about this, Matt Rhule will get his wish, and four Big Ten teams will make the College Football Playoff field.