The landscape of college football has shifted dramatically with the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, and the 2023 season exemplifies the heightened drama and intensified competition. Boise State, propelled by the extraordinary performance of running back Ashton Jeanty, clinched their spot by securing the Mountain West Conference title. Jeanty’s record-breaking season, culminating in a 21-7 victory against UNLV, solidified his place among the all-time single-season rushing leaders and underscored Boise State’s dominance. Their victory positions them favorably for a first-round bye, pending the final CFP rankings, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding playoff narrative. The expanded playoff format creates new possibilities and intensifies the pressure on teams vying for the coveted top spots and the accompanying advantages.
The Big 12 Championship game between Arizona State and Iowa State presents a high-stakes scenario where the victor is guaranteed a playoff berth. However, securing a first-round bye remains a challenging objective, contingent on a convincing win and a loss by SMU, currently leading the ACC. The contentious debate surrounding the CFP rankings, fueled by dissenting voices from the Big 12 commissioner and Iowa State’s athletic director, highlights the heightened scrutiny and pressure accompanying the expanded playoff format. The outcome of these games will significantly impact the final bracket and spark further debate about the selection process.
Meanwhile, Oregon, the nation’s only undefeated team, has secured their playoff position but faces a formidable challenge against Penn State in the Big Ten Championship. This game not only determines the Big Ten title but also carries significant implications for playoff seeding, potentially elevating Penn State to the top seed with a victory. The SEC Championship game between Texas and Georgia presents another high-stakes matchup, guaranteeing the winner a playoff bye and a championship opportunity while relegating the loser to a potentially challenging road game in the first round, particularly for Georgia. The potential for these teams to face each other three times in a single season adds another dimension of rivalry and excitement to the playoff picture.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, despite not participating in a conference championship game, remain a prominent figure in the playoff discussion. Ranked 11th, just ahead of Miami, Alabama’s inclusion hinges on the selection committee’s assessment and the outcomes of other games. Their potential inclusion would mean four SEC teams in the playoff, highlighting the conference’s strength and sparking further debate about representation and fairness. The precarious position of teams like Miami underscores the impact of the expanded playoff format, where even highly ranked teams are not guaranteed a spot.
Several teams, including Notre Dame and Indiana, await their playoff fate, with Notre Dame projected to host a first-round game and Indiana likely facing a road game. The positioning of Ohio State and Tennessee presents another intriguing scenario, with a potential first-round matchup at Ohio State looming. The expanded playoff format introduces new dynamics, increasing the number of teams vying for contention and creating a more dynamic and unpredictable postseason landscape. The results of the conference championship games will significantly impact the final bracket and shape the narrative of the first 12-team playoff.
The expansion of the College Football Playoff has undeniably transformed the college football landscape. It has elevated the importance of every regular season game, amplified the drama of conference championship matchups, and created a more inclusive postseason format where more teams have a chance to compete for the national championship. The 2023 season serves as a compelling example of the new era of college football, with established powerhouses and rising programs vying for position, controversial rankings sparking debate, and the potential for multiple rematches adding layers of intrigue to the unfolding playoff narrative. The expanded playoff format has not only increased the number of teams vying for the championship but has also intensified the competition, making every game and every decision more consequential.
