College Football Playoff Introduces 12-Team Format

The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket has been finalized, with key matchups set to take place from December 20-21 before advancing to major bowl games that serve as quarterfinals. The top four seeds are Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State, with Oregon entering as the only undefeated team after a strong season in the Big Ten. Notably, Texas earned the fifth seed and will face Clemson in the first round, raising discussions about the committee's decision-making process regarding team rankings and strength of schedule. Georgia, despite injury concerns to quarterback Carson Beck, is positioned favorably in the bracket, avoiding potential matchups with top competitors until the final. The expanded playoff has sparked excitement but also criticism regarding its seeding and the implications for teams left out of the race. Predictions are being made for both the playoff outcomes and non-CFP bowl games, which are also influenced by player decisions regarding the transfer portal and potential NFL draft entries.