College football returns with updated conferences and a new playoff system
The GIST: Sound the alarm — college football returns in full this weekend, but things have changed quite a bit since Michigan strutted away with the signs ’ship last January. With three top-25 matchups highlighting opening week, here’s what you need to know before kickoff.
There’s a new playoff format: The College Football Playoff (CFP) has expanded from four to 12 (!!!) teams, who’ll compete in a new bracket-style tournament that adds eight more playoff games, not to mention more postseason excitement, viewership, and advertising money. Make it rain.
- Most importantly, the expanded format will help put an end to wild playoff snubs, like the one that kept undefeated FSU from competing for the title last season.
- There’ll always be bubble teams, but this change brings more programs — namely one- or even two-loss teams — into the hunt, amping up the end-of-season drama.
No. 1 Georgia is the team to beat: The Bulldogs lost just one game in the past two seasons and are projected to be similarly dominant this year (despite some major roster moves). But No. 2 Ohio State could give them a run for their money, especially after some big transfer portal pickups.
- Rounding out the top four are two teams looking to make a splash in their new conferences: No. 3 Oregon (Big Ten) and No. 4 Texas (SEC), both of whom will be powered by star quarterbacks (QB): Dillon Gabriel for the Ducks and Quinn Ewers for the Longhorns. Touchdowns, loading.
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