For those who may have missed it or opted for other entertainment options during the NFL games, here’s a condensed summary of the much-awaited launch of the College Football Playoff.
The average score across the four games resulted in winners scoring 36 points while losers managed just 17.
Each matchup had a margin of victory of at least 10 points, making it feel less competitive overall. Notably, throughout the four games totaling 240 minutes, there was only one lead change.
This innovative playoff format aimed to integrate a wider array of teams from various regions into a sport that has been dominated by a handful of teams over the last decade.
However, it remains uncertain whether this expansion will indeed diversify the field or merely provide a few weeks of competition before reverting to the familiar scenario of four teams vying for the championship—those with the most realistic chances of winning.
On a positive note, attendance was impressive, with stadiums full of fans at Texas, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Ohio State.
After Texas triumphed over Clemson 38-24 in front of enthusiastic fans, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian expressed satisfaction with the playoff structure. He described the home playoff format as a significant improvement amidst current criticisms of the sport.
The television ratings will likely illustrate how this new playoff system fares against the NFL, especially since its games coincided with two thrilling NFL matchups that kept audiences engaged until the end.
Looking ahead to the quarterfinals over New Year’s, we will gain further insights about potential championship contenders and whether this playoff format is indeed optimal. Here’s a glimpse at the matchups:
In the Fiesta Bowl on December 31, No. 6 Penn State faces No. 3 Boise State. Although Penn State is the lower-seeded team, they are favorites due to their overall team strength, despite Boise State’s standout player, Ashton Jeanty, leading the nation in rushing.
The Peach Bowl on January 1 features No. 5 Texas against No. 4 Arizona State. Texas is favored, while Arizona State is considered the tournament’s Cinderella story, having fought to stay in the competition since November 2.
The Rose Bowl will match No. 8 Ohio State against No. 1 Oregon on the same day. Questions arise about the desirability of this rematch, given that their earlier encounter in October was highly contested and memorable.
In the Sugar Bowl, No. 7 Notre Dame takes on No. 2 Georgia. There are concerns regarding Georgia’s quarterback Carson Beck, who may not recover in time following an injury sustained during the SEC title game.
As the transfer portal closure approaches on December 28, teams will need to navigate any player departures as they gear up for the elite eight.
The transfer portal has created a complex environment, with Arizona State losing 12 players and Tennessee losing 11 since its opening. Whether these players had a chance to contribute to their remaining teams is debatable, but financial motivations in the current college football landscape cannot be ignored.
Tennessee’s coach Josh Heupel remarked on the ongoing situation, recognizing the need for a more streamlined approach to the game calendar that would better serve the players and the sport.
Though Deion Sanders’ Colorado team won’t compete in the playoffs, they are preparing for their bowl game against BYU on December 28.
Despite the lack of national title stakes, Coach Sanders aims to instill a sense of purpose in his players, including Heisman winner Travis Hunter and first-round draft prospect Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders’ focus on playing meaningful football, even in a less significant bowl game, contrasts sharply with the transactional nature associated with the transfer portal.
“This is not just a bowl game for fun; we’re going to showcase Buff football,” the coach emphasized.
