Paul Finebaum’s Thoughts on the 2024 College Football Playoff Selections
Paul Finebaum, a prominent and well-respected college football analyst, recently shared his insights on the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) selections, offering his analysis on what could shape the landscape of the postseason. Finebaum has long been a vocal figure in the world of college football, known for his candid commentary and deep understanding of the sport. In his latest remarks, Finebaum highlighted several key storylines and teams that could play a significant role in the upcoming season’s CFP race.
One of the most notable points Finebaum raised was the growing uncertainty and excitement surrounding the expanding 12-team playoff format. This new format, set to debut in 2024, will fundamentally change the way teams are selected and the dynamics of postseason play. Finebaum expressed mixed feelings about the expansion, acknowledging the positive aspects of allowing more teams to have a chance at the national title but also pointing out some potential drawbacks. The larger field could lead to more underdogs making a run, but it might also dilute the significance of the regular season for the top teams.
Finebaum specifically pointed to the issue of conference championships and how they might affect playoff positioning in a system with 12 teams. While conference championships have traditionally been a determining factor in the CFP selections, with the expanded playoff, a team with a strong regular-season record but a loss in the conference championship game could still secure a spot. This shift could lead to scenarios where the value of conference titles diminishes in the eyes of the selection committee, which may lead to more debates and controversies regarding which teams deserve to make the field.
When discussing potential teams to watch in 2024, Finebaum emphasized the importance of the power conferences, notably the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12. The SEC, with its perennial powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, is expected to have several teams vying for playoff contention. Finebaum pointed out that while Alabama has been the dominant force in college football over the past decade, Georgia has emerged as the new juggernaut, winning back-to-back national championships. The rivalry between these two teams could become a defining storyline in the SEC, with the winner potentially earning a higher seed in the 12-team playoff.
Finebaum also gave attention to the Big Ten, highlighting the dominance of Ohio State and Michigan. Both programs have been on the rise in recent years, and their regular-season showdown has become one of the most anticipated games in college football. With both teams having strong recruiting classes and talented rosters, they will likely be among the top contenders for a playoff spot. The addition of the 12-team playoff could make this rivalry even more significant, as both teams might secure bids regardless of the outcome of their head-to-head game.
However, Finebaum did not shy away from discussing the challenges smaller conferences could face in the new playoff system. While the 12-team format creates an opportunity for teams from Group of Five conferences to make a run, Finebaum expressed skepticism about whether those teams will truly have the depth and resources to compete at the highest level. He pointed to schools like Cincinnati and Tulane, who made strong runs in recent years, as examples of teams that might benefit from the expanded field but still face an uphill battle when matched up against power programs in the later rounds.
In conclusion, Paul Finebaum’s analysis of the 2024 College Football Playoff selections underscores the complexities and excitement that come with the new system. As the playoff expands and evolves, Finebaum’s insights offer a valuable perspective on how the landscape of college football is shifting, with more teams having a shot at the national title, but also introducing new questions and debates about fairness, tradition, and the value of conference championships. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on which teams can navigate this new playoff system and make a lasting impact on the sport’s postseason.