The College Football Playoff for the 2023-24 college football season is officially set with Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama playing for the national title. The playoff is set to expand to 12 teams as soon as next season but here’s what it would look like if it were implemented this season, according to Max Olson of The Athletic.
If we had a 12-team CFP this year:
1. Michigan
8. Oregon vs. 9. Missouri
4. Alabama
5. Florida State vs. 12. Liberty
2. Washington
7. Ohio State vs. 10. Penn State
3. Texas
6. Georgia vs. 11. Ole Miss— Max Olson (@max_olson) December 3, 2023
There would be no controversy with the undefeated Florida State Seminoles, as they’d be hosting a playoff game against Liberty. The Flames would represent the Group of 5. The SEC would still be heavily represented with Missouri, Georgia and Ole Miss joining Alabama, while Ohio State and Penn State would come in to bolster the Big Ten. Oregon would be in despite two losses to Washington, and would actually host Mizzou based on this bracket.
Even with 12 teams, we see the problem area simply shifting from the top four teams to the bottom of the final field. Penn State and Ole Miss in particular are concerning additions, as they didn’t really grab a signature win all season. Are the Nittany Lions and Rebels really better than SMU, who won the AAC title? Are they better than Oklahoma, who was in the running for the Big 12 title? That’s where the discussion will shift to, but it’s hard to argue with this field as being more complete and representative of the sport.