Ranking the 12 games in 2024 with the biggest implications for a 12-team playoff…

Ranking the 12 games in 2024 with the biggest implications for a 12-team playoff…

The landscape of college football is set for significant shifts in the 2024 season, with the advent of a 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). The expanded playoff format will include the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams, emphasizing the importance of a compelling resume for teams aiming for at-large bids. As the traditional power dynamics undergo transformations, this article highlights twelve pivotal games across various conferences that will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative for the CFP.

1. **Texas vs. Georgia (Sept. 21):**
– Significance: Georgia’s quest for a quality road win after being excluded from the final four in the previous season.
– Impact: Influences Georgia’s journey in the newly configured SEC.

2. **Georgia at Alabama (Sept. 28):**
– Significance: Provides insight into Alabama’s performance under new coach Kalen DeBoer and influences SEC standings.
– Impact: Strengthens the resume of the winner, potentially impacting SEC championship game seeding.

3. **Ohio State at Oregon (Oct. 12):**
– Significance: Critical for Ohio State’s playoff hopes as a potential at-large contender or conference champion.
– Impact: Shapes perceptions of Ohio State’s performance and their path to the playoff.

4. **Texas at Michigan (Sept. 7):**
– Significance: Texas aims to rebound after a potential loss to Georgia, crucial for at-large bid contention.
– Impact: Strengthens Texas’ position in the playoff race, depending on the outcome of the Georgia game.

5. **Florida State at Notre Dame (Nov. 9):**
– Significance: Notre Dame’s pursuit of an at-large bid or seeding improvement, depending on FSU’s ACC performance.
– Impact: Strengthens the resume of the winner, influencing Selection Day considerations.

6. **Michigan at Ohio State (Nov. 30):**
– Significance: The historic rivalry continues to impact the Big Ten landscape and playoff positioning.
– Impact: Ohio State’s chances to impress the committee, especially if they lose to Oregon earlier in the season.

7. **Oklahoma vs. Texas (Oct. 12):**
– Significance: Early-season SEC clash influencing standings and first-round bye considerations.
– Impact: Winner gains an edge in the SEC, influencing playoff positioning.

8. **Ole Miss at LSU (Oct. 12):**
– Significance: Critical for Ole Miss’ playoff aspirations, a statement road win against a ranked opponent.
– Impact: Strengthens the resume of the winner, with a challenging schedule ahead.

9. **Michigan at Washington (Oct. 5):**
– Significance: Implications for seeding, Big Ten championship, and selection committee considerations.
– Impact: Michigan’s pursuit of a quality road win in a challenging nonconference schedule.

10. **Arizona at Utah (TBA):**
– Significance: Critical for Arizona and Utah’s playoff hopes, given schedule strength concerns.
– Impact: Winner gains an advantage in the competitive Big 12 race.

11. **Boise State at Oregon (Sept. 7):**
– Significance: Boise State’s opportunity to impress the committee as a Group of 5 contender.
– Impact: The importance of nonconference wins for playoff positioning.

12. **LSU vs. USC (Sept. 1):**
– Significance: Nonconference clash with potential playoff implications for at-large bids.
– Impact: Strengthens the resume of the winner, considering USC’s challenging schedule in the Big Ten.

As college football enters a transformative era, these twelve games are poised to be instrumental in shaping the narrative for the 12-team College Football Playoff, with each matchup contributing to the evolving landscape of the sport.