The college football season has reached its climax. The conference championship games have concluded, setting the stage for the final bowl projections and College Football Playoff pairings.
With SMU and Alabama vying for the “last team in” spot after Clemson’s win over the Mustangs in the ACC Championship Game, the selection committee’s decisions will have a significant impact on the bowl landscape.
Boise State has secured its spot in the top four with a decisive win over UNLV, while the SEC’s bowl pecking order is poised for a shakeup.
Let’s delve into the detailed projections and potential matchups for all 41 bowl games.
College Football Playoff Pairings and Top Bowl Projections
The conclusion of the conference championship games has brought clarity to the College Football Playoff picture. With Clemson’s victory over SMU, Alabama has a potential bid-stealing opportunity if the committee decides to keep the Mustangs in an at-large position. Boise State’s win over UNLV ensures their place in the top four.
Here’s a detailed look at the projected College Football Playoff matchups:
College Football Playoff Matchups
- No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon (Rose Bowl)
- No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Georgia (Sugar Bowl)
- No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 3 Boise State (Peach Bowl)
- No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State (Fiesta Bowl)
Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State have emerged as the top seeds, each clinching their respective conference championships. Oregon remains the only unbeaten team heading into the postseason, making them the favorite to run the table through the College Football Playoff.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
SEC Bowl Projections and Implications
The SEC’s bowl selection process is particularly intriguing this year, with Alabama’s potential exclusion from the playoff creating a domino effect. If Alabama misses out, they are likely to be picked for the Citrus Bowl, pushing other SEC teams down the pecking order.
Here’s a closer look at the SEC’s bowl projections:
Top SEC Bowl Projections
- Citrus Bowl: Alabama vs. Illinois
- Liberty Bowl: Texas A&M vs. TCU
- Las Vegas Bowl: USC vs. Ole Miss
- Gator Bowl: South Carolina vs. Duke
The Citrus Bowl has the first pick of the SEC teams after the playoff selections, and Alabama is expected to be their choice. This selection will influence the placements of other SEC teams like Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Missouri.
Other Notable Bowl Projections
Beyond the College Football Playoff and SEC selections, numerous other bowl games feature exciting matchups. Here are some of the notable projections:
Key Bowl Matchups
- Frisco Bowl: Memphis vs. West Virginia
- Hawaii Bowl: South Florida vs. San Jose State
- New Orleans Bowl: Sam Houston vs. Georgia Southern
- Holiday Bowl: Washington State vs. Syracuse
- Music City Bowl: Missouri vs. Iowa
- ReliaQuest Bowl: Florida vs. Michigan
These matchups promise to deliver thrilling contests. Teams like Memphis, West Virginia, and South Florida aim to end their seasons on a high note. The ReliaQuest Bowl, featuring Florida and Michigan, is particularly intriguing given both teams’ notable finishes to the season.
Group of Five and Other Conference Projections
The Group of Five conferences also have compelling bowl matchups lined up. Boise State’s victory over UNLV secured their spot in the top four, while other teams like Northern Illinois and Fresno State are set to face off in the Potato Bowl. Here are some of the key Group of Five and other conference projections:
Group of Five Bowl Matchups
- Potato Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State
- Gasparilla Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Tulane
- GameAboveSports Bowl: Boston College vs. Toledo
- Arizona Bowl: Miami University vs. Colorado State
These games provide an opportunity for smaller programs to showcase their talent on a national stage and potentially upset higher-ranked opponents.
Impact of Transfer Portal and Future Projections
The winter transfer portal window for the 2024-25 cycle has opened, adding another layer of complexity to the college football landscape. Hundreds of FBS players are expected to enter the portal, which will significantly impact team rosters and future projections.
As one Big Ten general manager aptly put it, *It’s going to be a s*** show.*
Transfer Portal Highlights
- 522 FBS players entered the portal as of midnight, with numbers expected to double by evening.
- Teams will need to navigate the influx of transfers to maintain competitive rosters.
The transfer portal’s impact on team dynamics and future seasons cannot be overstated, as it offers players new opportunities while presenting challenges for coaching staffs.
Conclusion
As the college football season reaches its pinnacle, the final bowl projections and College Football Playoff pairings offer a glimpse into the thrilling matchups ahead.
From the top seeds in the playoff to the intricate SEC bowl selections and the exciting Group of Five contests, fans have much to look forward to.
The opening of the transfer portal adds another layer of intrigue, promising a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape in college football.
For a detailed look at the final bowl projections and potential matchups, visit 247Sports.
Get the latest sent right to your inbox