Playoff Expansion Changing the Game: In Atlanta, the aftermath of Georgia’s SEC title game loss and subsequent exclusion from the College Football Playoff stirred frustration among Bulldog fans. The upcoming Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 against Florida State is the consolation.
Looking ahead to 2024, the playoff landscape shifts as the CFP expands to a 12-team format. This adjustment would diminish the weight of current debates. For instance, the SEC Championship Game’s outcome between Georgia and Alabama wouldn’t significantly impact Georgia’s chances, while Alabama might still contend with an 11-2 record.
In the BCS era’s 25-year history, college football’s postseason evolved from two teams to four, and now, with the upcoming expansion, to 12 teams. Six highest-ranked conference champions secure automatic bids, and the remaining six highest-ranked teams complete the new format.
If this year’s playoff scenario replicated in 2024, the matchups would unfold like this:
Top four seeds get byes
No. 12 Liberty at No. 5 Florida State
No. 11 Ole Miss at No. 6 Georgia
No. 10 Penn State at No. 7 Ohio State
No. 9 Missouri at No. 8 Oregon
An intriguing aspect is that the initial games would take place at each higher-ranked team’s on-campus stadium before moving on to major New Year’s Six bowls for the rest of the bracket.
In the coming year, these debates lose relevance. Georgia and Florida State will have their fair chance, yet the absence of these lively discussions might leave fans nostalgic for the entertaining aspect they added to the game.
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Our Reader’s Queries
How will expanded playoffs work?
Next season, the College Football Playoff is set to grow from four teams to 12. The expanded playoff field will feature the six top-ranked conference champions, who will be granted automatic bids. Additionally, the top four teams will skip the first round and advance directly to the quarterfinals.
Are the college playoffs changing?
In September of last year, the College Football Playoff Board of Managers approved a plan to expand the CFP field to 12 teams. Originally, they decided to roll out the 12-team format in 2026, but that plan has since shifted, and it will now kick off in the 2024-25 season.
What are the changes in college football in 2024?
The Big 10 is making a major impact on the upcoming college football season with significant realignment. Four new teams are joining their conference, marking a historic move in the 2024 realignment. This will increase the size of their conference to 18 teams, solidifying their position as a major player in college football.
What happens if Alabama beats Georgia?
A victory over Georgia in the SEC championship game will secure Alabama’s spot in the playoffs. Failing to defeat Georgia means Alabama must compete against Texas for a playoff position. If Texas loses in the Big 12 championship, it will significantly improve Alabama’s chances.