The race for the coveted spots in the 2024 College Football Playoff is reaching a fever pitch as we enter Week 9 of the season. With several top contenders jockeying for position and a host of one-loss teams still clinging to hope, let’s dive into the playoff picture and see where things stand.
Projected Top Seeds
Through eight weeks of action, the playoff committee’s projected top seeds include a few familiar faces along with some surprises. Oregon has ascended to the No. 1 position after an impressive string of victories, including a marquee win over Ohio State. The Ducks are followed closely by Georgia, Miami, and BYU in the race for the top four seeds and coveted first-round byes.
Last Two In
Clinging to the final spots in the 12-team playoff field are Indiana and Boise State. The Hoosiers have quietly put together an impressive campaign, but their weak strength of schedule could come back to bite them. Meanwhile, Boise State is carrying the banner for the Group of 5, hoping to crash the Power 5 party.
Indiana was one of the biggest weekly risers in the playoff race, with its chances of reaching the CFP jumping by 17% after the win against Nebraska, according to the Allstate Playoff Predictor.
ESPN Analytics
First Four Out
Just on the outside looking in are Notre Dame, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Illinois. The Fighting Irish are hoping to overcome an early-season stumble, while the Cyclones and Wildcats are locked in a fierce Big 12 battle. Illinois faces a make-or-break trip to Oregon this weekend that could vault them into contention or dash their dreams.
Group of 5 Hopefuls
In the race to be the top Group of 5 representative, Boise State holds the edge over UNLV, Navy, Army, and Tulane. The Broncos’ win over Washington State could be the difference-maker, but a tricky road trip to UNLV looms large.
UNLV’s road win against Oregon State gave the Rebels’ résumé a much-needed boost. Friday night’s game against Boise State will determine the Mountain West Conference’s leader in the playoff race.
According to a source close to the committee
The Road Ahead
With several weeks still to play, the playoff picture remains fluid. Key matchups loom that could make or break the dreams of contenders:
- Oregon faces a tough test against rising Illinois
- Georgia seeks to regain its footing against rivals Florida and Tennessee
- Miami looks to emerge from a tightly contested ACC
- The Big 12 and Pac-12 titles remain up for grabs
As the season enters its final stretch, the intensity will only rise. Teams will jostle for position, records will fall, and the committee will face tough choices. Who will rise to the occasion and punch their ticket? The countdown to the 2024 College Football Playoff is on, and the bubble is ready to burst.
