For the primary time, 12 groups will determine the nationwide championship on the sector. What do it is advisable know concerning the dozen groups that made the College Football Playoff? Let this be your information to how all of them bought right here and the way far they will count on to advance.
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College Football Playoff information: 12-team format, vital dates, recreation places
Oregon Ducks (13-0)
Seed: 1 | Committee rating: 1
First recreation: Rose Bowl, Jan. 1, vs. winner of No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State
Last nationwide title: Never
Coach: Dan Lanning (third season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 15 offense, No. 21 protection
How they bought right here: Once the profitable Bo Nix period ended, Lanning knew he was another dynamic quarterback away from main a veteran roster to a Playoff berth. So the Ducks went portal buying and landed one of many most-seasoned quarterbacks in faculty soccer historical past, Dillon Gabriel, to see if he may function the ultimate piece to the puzzle. He has been, after which some. Defensively, Lanning’s pedigree has paid off in spades in serving to the Ducks go undefeated of their first Big Ten season.
Offensive MVP: Dillon Gabriel, QB. The sixth-year senior broke information for many begins by a quarterback (62) — beforehand held by Nix — and have become the NCAA’s all-time chief in whole touchdowns. He’s had 5 3,000-yard seasons at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. This 12 months, he’s finishing 73.2 p.c of his passes and has been exactly the match the Ducks wanted.
Defensive MVP: Matayo Uiagalelei, DE. The youthful brother of Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, Matayo has a team-high 10.5 sacks and performs on a stacked defensive position that, at the very least till the Big Ten title recreation, established itself as troublesome to run on. For the Ducks to make a deep run, they’ll want their stars on protection to shine once more.
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Spotlight on: Dan Lanning, head coach. All the items are in place. The Ducks are the lone unbeaten group in faculty soccer, the No. 1 seed and the group more than likely chosen by pundits to win all of it. In three quick years, Lanning has constructed the roster right into a behemoth, however the Playoff is the place the margins are judged harshly as a result of the margins matter.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 54 p.c to make the semifinals, 33 p.c to make the championship recreation and 21 p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? Win the entire thing. Oregon has been on the doorstep of a nationwide title on and off for over a decade. With the appropriate head coach, proper employees, proper personnel and most-experienced quarterback within the historical past of the game, it kind of seems like if the Ducks can’t do it this 12 months, then when? They owned the Big Ten in Year 1, which is not any small feat. But within the postseason, on impartial fields, anybody will be bought. Especially this 12 months. — Christopher Kamrani
Georgia went 2-0 in opposition to Texas en path to the SEC title. (Jeffrey Vest / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
Georgia Bulldogs (11-2)
Seed: 2 | Committee rating: 2
First recreation: Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1, vs. winner of No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame
Last nationwide title: 2022
Coach: Kirby Smart (ninth season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 45 offense, No. 36 protection
How they bought right here: It was predictable this Georgia group would win the SEC and be a top-two seed within the Playoff — however few noticed the rocky path to getting there. Georgia has a 4-0 report in opposition to groups within the Playoff but additionally misplaced to 2 groups that hardly missed it, wanted eight overtimes to beat Georgia Tech, beat Kentucky by one level, was tied late with Florida and customarily lacked consistency on either side of the ball. Now it would enter the CFP with out its beginning quarterback, Carson Beck, who damage his elbow within the SEC championship and was changed by Gunner Stockton. But for all the problems, that is nonetheless a resilient and proficient group that has the possibility to stumble its manner into a 3rd nationwide title in 4 years.
Offensive MVP: Trevor Etienne, RB. Beck could also be injured, however Etienne is wholesome for the stretch run after lacking most of three video games with a rib damage. Etienne, who transferred from Florida earlier than the season, is a dynamic runner and receiver who the offense can lean on within the Playoff.
Defensive MVP: Jalon Walker, LB. A Swiss Army knife linebacker who strikes round to attempt to do essentially the most harm, Walker leads the group in tackles for loss (9.5) and can be the emotional chief of a protection that has loads of high-level expertise.
Spotlight on: Mike Bobo, offensive coordinator. This is his second stint at Georgia, and whereas his offenses have all the time ranked excessive — his 2014 group nonetheless has the college report for scoring common — he has by no means been in a position to persuade a loud a part of the fan base. He lastly bought an SEC championship this 12 months, and did it after having to modify quarterbacks at halftime. But a nationwide title could be candy revenge on all these critics.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 54 p.c to make the semifinals, 31 p.c to make the championship recreation and 13 p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? Considering the favorable draw, something lower than making it again to Atlanta for the nationwide championship can be a failure. And even then, let’s be sincere: This is a program with two latest nationwide titles, so being runner-up isn’t adequate both. — Seth Emerson
Boise State Broncos (12-1)
Seed: 3 | Committee rating: 9
First recreation: Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, vs. winner of No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State
Last nationwide title: Never within the FBS, 1980 within the FCS
Coach: Spencer Danielson (first full season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 5 offense, No. 71 protection
How they bought right here: By hopping on the again of star operating again Ashton Jeanty. Boise State locked up one of many computerized bids reserved for the 5 highest-ranked convention champions and would be the Playoff’s lone Group of 5 group because the Mountain West winner. But whereas most assumed coming into the season that the G5 consultant would get the 12-seed, the Broncos ended up at No. 3 with a first-round bye.
Boise’s solely loss got here on Sept. 7 on a last-second area objective on the highway in opposition to Oregon, which is now the undisputed No. 1 group. That was the one Power 4 opponent on the schedule this season, however Jeanty and Boise State ran roughshod over the remainder of the schedule. Boise has typically carried the banner for the Group of 5, courting again to the Statue of Liberty upset of Oklahoma within the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. It’s solely becoming the Broncos will do it once more within the first 12-team area.
Offensive MVP: Ashton Jeanty, RB. This one’s simple: Jeanty has already registered one of the proficient seasons in faculty soccer historical past. He leads the FBS in dashing with 2,497 dashing yards, adequate for fourth-best all-time, and whole touchdowns with 30.
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Defensive MVP: Ahmed Hassanein, DE. A stout defensive entrance is anchored by Hassanein, a senior and back-to-back All-Mountain West first group honoree with 42 whole tackles and eight.5 sacks.
Spotlight on: Jeanty’s pursuit of historical past. There are loads of high quality gamers on this Boise State roster, however Jeanty is the straw that stirs the drink. He’s vying with Colorado’s Travis Hunter for the Heisman Trophy. Jeanty is simply 132 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season dashing report, set over the course of 11 video games in 1988.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 33 p.c to make the semifinals, 10 p.c to make the championship recreation and three p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? In most years, a G5 group merely reaching the Playoff will qualify as a rousing success. That applies to this Boise State squad, particularly contemplating it earned a first-round bye. This will go down as a historic season for the Broncos no matter what comes subsequent. However, a win within the quarterfinals would definitively justify the first-round bye. — Justin Williams
Ashton Jeanty has rushed for at the very least 127 yards in each recreation. (Loren Orr / Getty Images)
Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2)
Seed: 4 | Committee rating: 12
First recreation: Peach Bowl, Jan. 1, vs. winner of No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas
Last nationwide title: Never
Coach: Kenny Dillingham (second season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 32 offense, No. 40 protection
How they bought right here: Picked to complete final within the Big 12, the Sun Devils was one of many season’s greatest tales. After a 3-9 debut, Dillingham and his employees deftly made use of the switch portal to stage a reversal nobody anticipated. The Sun Devils beat 4 ranked groups, together with a 45-19 rout of Iowa State to win the Big 12 championship. Dillingham calls his group a gaggle of “misfits,” but it surely’d be a mistake to underestimate the Sun Devils. They have received six in a row and are taking part in with confidence.
Offensive MVP: Cam Skattebo, RB. Most backs run from contact; Skattebo seeks it out. At 5-11, 215 kilos, the Sacramento State switch, who attracted minimal faculty consideration out of highschool, is a load to convey down. He is the nation’s solely again to submit 1,500-plus dashing and 500-plus receiving yards and is shouldering a fair larger load with high receiver Jordyn Tyson out for the season due to an damage.
Defensive MVP: Xavion Alford, S. A primary-team All-Big 12 choice, Alford is a key a part of an Arizona State protection that has restricted opponents to 21.3 factors per recreation. Alford is second on the group with 82 tackles and has two interceptions. Arizona State hasn’t allowed greater than 23 factors since Nov. 9.
Spotlight on: Sam Leavitt, QB. In his first full season, Leavitt has confirmed to be among the many nation’s high younger quarterbacks. He has a robust arm and throws effectively on the run. He additionally isn’t afraid to run from stress and choose up first downs. Leavitt missed Arizona State’s Oct. 19 loss at Cincinnati due to an damage. When he’s on the sector, the Sun Devils are 11-1.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 21 p.c to make the semifinals, 4 p.c to make the championship recreation and 1 p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? Sometime quickly, protection of the Sun Devils will shift from the feel-good story to the precise group. But it’s troublesome. Entering this season, followers would have been proud of bowl eligibility. A spot within the expanded Playoff (with a first-round bye!) was past anybody’s creativeness. Just getting within the area has made this one of many extra memorable seasons at school historical past. — Doug Haller
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Texas Longhorns (11-2)
Seed: 5 | Committee rating: 3
First recreation: Dec. 21 vs. No. 12 Clemson
Last nationwide title: 2005
Coach: Steve Sarkisian (fourth season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 35 offense, No. 1 protection
How they bought right here: A 12 months after breaking by means of to the Playoff, the Longhorns loaded up for one more run by returning most of their offensive line, quarterback Quinn Ewers and a bunch of defensive stars. Sarkisian’s highschool recruiting and growth paired with strategic use of the switch portal and huge NIL assets helped assemble among the best rosters within the nation. Texas’ resume is missing — the Longhorns didn’t beat a group ranked within the committee’s ultimate high 25 — however 10 of its 11 wins have been by double digits, with its solely losses to SEC champion Georgia.
Offensive MVP: Gunnar Helm, TE. Helm has emerged because the group’s most reliable goal within the passing recreation. He leads the group with 49 receptions and has caught 83.1 p.c of his targets, additionally a team-high. He strikes the chains and is a useful purple zone goal that opponents should account for.
Defensive MVP: Anthony Hill Jr., LB. He leads the group in tackles (90) and tackles for loss (16) and is an explosive, versatile athlete who causes issues for opposing offenses. Hill is only a sophomore however has performed at an All-America stage.
Spotlight on: Quinn Ewers, QB. Texas’ third-year starter has been good however inconsistent. Since coming back from an indirect damage on Oct. 12, he has thrown 17 landing passes and 7 interceptions (that ratio ranks 53rd within the FBS in that span), averaged 7.2 yards per try (69th) and accomplished 64.1 p.c of his passes (forty fifth). When Ewers is on, he’s one of many nation’s greatest, however we haven’t seen that stage of play constantly. Having a backup with a ton of expertise and a well-known final title (Arch Manning) harbored intrigue all year long, however Sarkisian solely benched Ewers as soon as for Manning, with the remainder of the redshirt freshman’s snaps coming in mop-up responsibility or rather than an injured Ewers.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 73 p.c to make the second spherical, 61 p.c to make the semifinals, 29 p.c to make the championship recreation and 18 p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? Winning the nationwide championship is the objective, however making the title recreation would nonetheless be a notable accomplishment. Texas already made the semifinal final 12 months. Getting a step additional could be a hit, even when a title-game loss could be disappointing. — Sam Khan Jr.
Texas is 23-4 with two Playoff bids previously two seasons. (Alex Slitz / Getty Images)
Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2)
Seed: 6 | Committee rating: 4
First recreation: Dec. 21 vs. No. 11 SMU
Last nationwide title: 1986
Coach: James Franklin (eleventh season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 6 offense, No. 9 protection
How they bought right here: Penn State’s roster was constructed for a Playoff run proper now. Its acclaimed 2022 signing class was led by gamers like quarterback Drew Allar, operating again Nicholas Singleton and defensive finish Abdul Carter. The maturation of the nucleus of the roster, all now of their third 12 months, aligns completely with the primary 12 months of the 12-team Playoff area. An 11-2 report with a loss to Ohio State and a Big Ten title recreation loss to No. 1 Oregon nonetheless landed Penn State with the sixth seed and a extremely anticipated house Playoff recreation.
Offensive MVP: Tyler Warren, TE. A shock Heisman candidate, Warren will run the ball, throw passes and catch them too. He’s the artistic chess piece that offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has utilized in each manner possible. On a roster that doesn’t have a stud extensive receiver, Warren has been requested to do all of it. He’s second within the Big Ten with 88 catches.
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Defensive MVP: Abdul Carter, DE. A projected top-10 NFL Draft choose, Carter moved from linebacker to finish this season and has made an announcement with 10 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. Carter garners additional consideration from opponents and may crack a recreation open together with his athleticism.
Spotlight on: Drew Allar, QB. Penn State’s offense seemed the most effective it has all season throughout the convention championship recreation regardless of the loss — and Allar’s two interceptions. A former five-star recruit, Allar has the power to make particular, NFL-level throws. Couple that with Kotelnicki’s creativity, and Penn State can get right into a high-scoring shootout and compete if it must.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 67 p.c to make the second spherical, 49 p.c to make the semifinals, 26 p.c to make the championship recreation and 12 p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? Penn State wants to beat its big-game shortcomings. With its Playoff path, it may get so far as the title recreation and at the very least must get to the semifinals. First, the Nittany Lions have to beat SMU in Beaver Stadium — in a recreation that can be a White Out — after which see if they will upend Boise State within the Fiesta Bowl. Franklin’s groups are 1-14 in opposition to top-five opponents. Penn State confirmed within the Big Ten title recreation in opposition to No. 1 Oregon that it may well play with anybody, however will it lastly make a run? — Audrey Snyder
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1)
Seed: 7 | Committee rating: 5
First recreation: Dec. 20 vs. No. 10 Indiana
Last nationwide title: 1988
Coach: Marcus Freeman (third season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 8 offense, No. 6 protection
How they bought right here: Notre Dame did it the exhausting manner due to its house loss to Northern Illinois in early September when it was booed off its house area. But the Irish have been among the many most spectacular groups nationally since, successful 10 in a row. Notre Dame lastly has an offense that may complement Al Golden’s elite protection. The schedule makes it exhausting to get an entire learn on the Irish, with only one CFP Top 25 win (Army) and loads of blowouts of weaker Power 4 competitors. That full examination is coming quickly.
Offensive MVP: Jeremiyah Love, RB. A knee damage suffered at USC shouldn’t preserve Love out of the Playoff, the place the sophomore operating again may grow to be a nationwide star. He’s averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and lots of of these carries have been spectacular.
Defensive MVP: Xavier Watts, S. Last 12 months’s Nagurski’s Trophy winner has truly improved as a frontrunner and tackler. His 100-yard choose six at USC confirmed he nonetheless has the power to manage a recreation, too.
Spotlight on: Riley Leonard, QB. Leonard has grown as a quarterback since that brutal loss in opposition to Northern Illinois, however the Irish haven’t needed to depend on the Duke switch as a passer to win. That second is coming. Can Leonard ship?
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Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 65 p.c to make the second spherical, 33 p.c to make the semifinals, 19 p.c to make the championship recreation and eight p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? Make the semifinals. Simply internet hosting a first-round recreation means Notre Dame’s season will get a passing grade. For it to be thought of a hit, the Irish should win at house and beat Georgia within the Sugar Bowl. That would give Notre Dame its first main bowl win in 31 years. — Pete Sampson
Jeremiyah Love averages 7.1 yards per rush with 15 TDs. (Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2)
Seed: 8 | Committee rating: 6
First recreation: Dec. 21 vs. No. 9 Tennessee
Last nationwide title: 2014
Coach: Ryan Day (sixth season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 7 offense, No. 2 protection
How they bought right here: Ohio State introduced again one of the proficient rosters within the nation and an elite protection. For a lot of the 12 months, it seemed destined for a rematch with Oregon within the Big Ten title recreation, however an upset loss to Michigan as a three-touchdown favourite on the finish of the season crushed these goals. Still, two top-10 wins in opposition to Penn State and Indiana helped Ohio State earn a house CFP recreation. The expectations have been excessive for Ohio State all season, however they’ve truly gotten greater after the loss to Michigan. Many consider solely a nationwide championship would take the bitter style of the Michigan loss out of their mouth.
Offensive MVP: Jeremiah Smith, WR. The extensive receiver of the 12 months within the Big Ten is barely a freshman, however he’s making the case that he may be among the best in Ohio State historical past earlier than he’s executed. The No. 1 recruit within the 2024 class has 934 yards and broke Ohio State’s freshman landing report with 10.
Defensive MVP: Caleb Downs, S. An Alabama switch, Downs is a game-wrecker in opposition to the run, can blitz from each angle and may blanket tight ends. The Big Ten defensive again of the 12 months has 61 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, one interception and a punt return landing..
Spotlight on: Ryan Day, head coach. No different coach within the Playoff is beneath a much bigger microscope than Day after shedding his fourth consecutive recreation to Michigan. A primary-round loss would flip even the most important Day supporters in opposition to him, whereas a deep Playoff run may get extra followers again on his facet.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 74 p.c to make the second spherical, 38 p.c to make the semifinals, 25 p.c to make the championship recreation and 16 p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? It’s nationwide championship or bust for Ohio State. Ohio State has some actual issues with a banged-up offensive line and an inconsistent kicker, however once you spend $20 million in NIL and go all offseason preaching “natty or bust,” the stakes are clear. — Cameron Teague Robinson
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Tennessee Volunteers (10-2)
Seed: 9 | Committee rating: 7
First recreation: Dec. 21 at No. 8 Ohio State
Last nationwide title: 1998
Coach: Josh Heupel (fourth season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 33 offense, No. 4 protection
How they bought right here: The power-spread offense had the Vols simply outdoors of the four-team Playoff in 2022 fueled by Hendon Hooker and a suspect protection. This group is completely different, leaning on its protection and operating recreation. Tennessee’s defensive entrance is its energy, and coordinator Tim Banks’ unit performs aggressive and goals for adverse performs and turnovers. First-year starter quarterback Nico Iamaleava has proven flashes and made good on his potential, although he’s not a star but. The Vols tripped up on the highway at Arkansas however beat Alabama at house to flip the percentages again of their favor of constructing the sector.
Offensive MVP: Dylan Sampson, RB. Sampson has been a bell cow, breaking this system’s 95-year previous report for dashing touchdowns with 22. His 256 carries and 1,485 dashing yards are each within the high 10 nationally. No SEC group held him beneath 90 yards this 12 months, although he additionally had greater than 150 yards in only one recreation: the season finale in opposition to Vanderbilt.
Defensive MVP: James Pearce Jr., Edge. The probably first-round choose is the star of an skilled, bodily defensive position that’s one of many nation’s greatest. He leads the group with 11 tackles for loss, has freakish pace and thrives in apparent passing downs.
Spotlight on: Nico Iamaleava, QB. The Buckeyes have the most effective protection he’s confronted this season. The Vols have usually struggled on the highway this 12 months, as they didn’t rating within the second half of their journey to Georgia and didn’t rating within the first half of their journey to Arkansas, each losses. A stretch like that’s the form of factor that may finish a season, and Iamaleava continues to be the man with the ball in his hand each play.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 26 p.c to make the second spherical, 8 p.c to make the semifinals, 4 p.c to make the championship recreation and a couple of p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? The Vols are mildly disenchanted to not be chosen as a bunch, but it surely has been predictable for a pair weeks. Before the SEC’s implosion late within the season, there was no assure the Vols would even be within the area. With a first-year starter at quarterback, successful the first-round recreation in Columbus would make it inconceivable to categorize the season as something aside from a hit. There will probably be larger expectations subsequent 12 months. — David Ubben
Curt Cignetti was named Big Ten coach of the 12 months in his first season. (Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
Indiana Hoosiers (11-1)
Seed: 10 | Committee rating: 8
First recreation: Dec. 20 at No. 7 Notre Dame
Last nationwide title: Never
Coach: Curt Cignetti (first season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 12 offense, No. 3 protection
How they bought right here: In a season stuffed with surprises, the losingest group in faculty soccer historical past making the primary 12-team Playoff nonetheless has to rank No. 1. Cignetti got here in from James Madison defiantly predicting instantaneous success and delivered, thanks largely to a number of JMU transfers and Kurtis Rourke, the quarterback he bought from Ohio. The Hoosiers received 11 of 12 video games, shedding 38-15 at Ohio State, a outcome that threatened their standing earlier than some key upsets helped. Indiana doesn’t have a ranked win to its title however does have constant domination, beating FBS groups by a mean of 29.3 factors per recreation.
Offensive MVP: Kurtis Rourke, QB. The nation’s chief in cross effectivity score (181.38) has been strong to the purpose of spectacular, finishing 70.4 p.c of his passes for two,827 yards and 27 touchdowns, with simply 4 interceptions. He is effectively supported with productive backs in Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, a number of succesful cross catchers and great scheming and training.
Defensive MVP: Mikail Kamara, DE. This is an in depth name over inside linebacker Aiden Fisher. Kamara, a James Madison switch, has 10 sacks after he collected 6.5 in 2023 for the Dukes within the Sun Belt. He elevated his recreation for the Big Ten, as offensive coordinators who’ve needed to double group him often can attest.
Spotlight on: Offensive line. Depth is a matter for essentially the most proficient groups in faculty soccer, not to mention a group like Indiana. And the lack of beginning left guard Drew Evans to an Achilles tear earlier than the Michigan recreation has damage. The Hoosiers struggled to guard within the second half of that 20-15 win and at Ohio State. Indiana goes to want to fabricate some dashing yards and preserve Rourke comfy to have an opportunity.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 35 p.c to make the second spherical, 13 p.c to make the semifinals, 6 p.c to make the championship recreation and a couple of p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? One win could be a hit. Realistically, a aggressive loss is a hit. Historically talking, success has been achieved already. But Cignetti and his Hoosiers actually don’t really feel that manner, and that’s precisely why they’re right here with a possibility to maintain stunning individuals. — Joe Rexrode
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SMU Mustangs (11-2)
Seed: 11 | Committee rating: 10
First recreation: Dec. 21 at No. 6 Penn State
Last nationwide title: No consensus titles
Coach: Rhett Lashlee (third season)
Yards per play rankings: No. 26 offense, No. 9 protection
How they bought right here: Decades after the “Death Penalty” of the Nineteen Eighties and the Southwest Conference collapse within the Nineteen Nineties despatched this system into purgatory, the Mustangs are again on the most important stage and in a serious convention. SMU completed alone atop the ACC standings of their first season with an 8-0 report. But they didn’t play Miami, Clemson or Syracuse. Facing Clemson within the ACC championship, the Mustangs fell behind 31-14 coming into the fourth quarter. They rallied to tie the sport with 20 seconds left earlier than Clemson kicked a 56-yard area objective as time expired. SMU needed to sweat it out Sunday morning however made the sector because the final at-large group in, forward of Alabama.
Offensive MVP: Kevin Jennings, QB: He didn’t take over the beginning job till a couple of video games into the season, however he kick-started this offense together with his decision-making, athleticism and zip on throws. Nick Saban referred to as him one of the underrated gamers within the nation.
Defensive MVP: Kobe Wilson, LB: Wilson does every little thing for this underrated SMU protection, with 110 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. He earned second-team All-ACC honors for a unit that leads the league in factors allowed.
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Spotlight on: SMU’s tempo. The Mustangs run their offense at a quick tempo. How will Penn State’s protection deal with that and the way will it work within the chilly temperatures of Pennsylvania in late December?
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 33 p.c to make the second spherical, 18 p.c to make the semifinals, 7 p.c to make the championship recreation and a couple of p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? SMU is taking part in with home cash at this level. It has had arguably the most effective transfer from a Group of 5 league to an influence convention ever, and it’s already confirmed it belongs at this stage. People across the Mustangs all the time stated they simply wanted an opportunity — simply give them a P4 invite — and so they may unlock their potential. That was true. Win or lose, SMU’s already received. — Chris Vannini
Clemson is the one three-loss group within the CFP after successful the ACC. (Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Images)
Clemson Tigers (10-3)
Seed: 12 | Committee rating: 16
First recreation: Dec. 21 at No. 5 Texas
Last nationwide title: 2018
Coach: Dabo Swinney (sixteenth full season)
How they bought right here: The Tigers are the primary three-loss group to make the Playoff, due to an inconceivable run by means of the ACC Championship Game. Just seven days earlier than Clemson beat SMU in Charlotte to clinch its spot, the Tigers misplaced an emotional rivalry recreation to South Carolina and have been devastated about lacking the chance to state their case for an at-large bid. But Syracuse beat Miami within the ultimate recreation of the common season, which propelled the Tigers into the convention championship recreation and had Swinney thanking Orange coach Fran Brown all final week. Clemson bought the final computerized Playoff bid due to a 56-yard area objective as time expired after SMU erased a 17-point deficit.
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Offensive MVP: Cade Klubnik, QB. For as a lot scrutiny because the junior from Texas has been beneath at varied factors in his profession, the Tigers’ QB has whole management of Clemson’s offense, throwing 33 touchdowns to simply 5 interceptions.
Defensive MVP: T.J. Parker, DE. The sophomore has been in every single place, setting a faculty report for compelled fumbles in a single season with six whereas rating fourth within the FBS with 19 tackles for loss.
Spotlight on: Sammy Brown, LB: The freshman five-star recruit had 14 tackles in opposition to SMU and is already one of the disruptive defensive gamers within the ACC. He has 11 TFLs and 5 sacks.
Odds to advance, in response to Austin Mock: 27 p.c to make the second spherical, 18 p.c to make the semifinals, 5 p.c to make the championship recreation and a couple of p.c to win the nationwide title
What could be a profitable Playoff? Even moving into the Playoff is a serious win for Clemson this 12 months. But it is a program that made six CFP appearances with two nationwide titles within the four-team period. Winning a first-round recreation at Texas would present the Tigers can nonetheless play with anybody. — Grace Raynor
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(Top photograph of Tez Johnson: Michael Allio / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
