Explaining the 2024 College Football Playoff Bracket
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The newly expanded College Football Playoff bracket is in use for the first time this season. In recent years, only four teams made the cut to compete for the National Championship. This season and for the foreseeable future, 12 teams will make the playoffs.
In this guide, I will explain the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket and how it will affect the sport. I discuss the structure of the new playoff, how teams will be chosen to compete, and more. Also, I will tell you the best college football betting sites for betting on the new playoff bracket.
Overview of the CFP System
Prior to 1992, the “National Champion” in college football was selected by a committee. Since the early 1990s, though, a committee of experts has been used to select teams to play for the title of National Champions.
It started with the Bowl Coalition (1992-1994), Bowl Alliance (1995-1997), and Bowl Championship Series (BCS) (1998-2013). These various organizations determined the two “best” teams in the nation, and they squared off for the national title.
In 2014, the College Football Playoff (CFP) was born. With the new organization, a new playoff structure was also introduced. The number of playoff-eligible schools was increased from two to four teams, and the playoff expanded from one game to three.
The CFP has expanded, increasing the number of playoff teams from four to 12. The playoff itself has risen from two rounds to four, with a total of 11 games now being played. The CFP committee will still choose some teams, but there is now the chance for teams to win automatic bids for the postseason.
Structure of the 2024 Playoff Bracket
Thanks to the expanded playoff, 12 teams will qualify for the 2024 College Football Playoff bracket. Results from the regular season and conference championship games help influence the committee’s selection of playoff teams. Teams can also earn automatic bids to the playoff.
The 12 playoff teams will consist of the following:
- 5 best conference champions in the CFP rankings
- 7 highest-ranked remaining teams
Additional conference champions can qualify if they are ranked high enough in the CFP standings. The four highest-ranked conference champions receive a first-round bye, while teams ranked 5-12 face off in the opening round. The higher-ranking seed in each matchup can host the game at their home stadium or pick an alternate venue.
Eight teams will remain after round one, playing each other in four of the traditional New Year’s Six games in the quarterfinal round. The remaining four teams will continue to the semifinal, playing in the last two New Year’s Six games. Different combinations of the New Year’s Six games will be used each year on a rotating basis.
The remaining two teams will then play for the National Championship on a neutral field. First-round CFP games will be played in December, and the quarterfinals will be played at least two weeks later on New Year’s Day. The semifinals must be at least a week after that, with the championship game at least a week later.
Selection Committee’s Role
As with other iterations of the CFP, the selection committee will play a vital role in determining which teams make the playoff and what the bracket matchups will be.
Who Is in the CFP Selection Committee?
The CFP Selection Committee is a 13-person group that decides which teams qualify for the College Football Playoff. It includes athletic directors of top programs, coaches, former players, media members, and other college football experts. To help ensure fairness, committee members serve on a rotating basis.
This year’s CFP Selection Committee consists of the following members:
- Charles Ault
- Chet Gladchuck
- Jim Grobe
- Warde Manuel
- Randall McDaniel
- Gary Pinkel
- Mack Rhoades
- Mike Riley
- David Sayler
- Will Shields
- Kelly Whiteside
- Carla Williams
- Hunter Yurachek
CFP Rankings vs. AP Top 25
The CFP rankings determine which teams make the playoffs and which are left out. While these rankings are usually similar to other rankings, like the AP Top 25, the rankings are created by different committees.
One of the most significant differences between the AP Top 25 and the CFP rankings is the timing of each ranking. The AP releases rankings each week starting in the preseason. The CFP, on the other hand, does not release its first rankings until late in the season, usually after Halloween.
Implications for Teams
Expanding the playoff from four teams to 12 has major implications for college football teams nationwide. Some of the biggest implications include a better chance of making the playoffs and an increased margin of error. It also impacts recruitment and the prestige of playoff-eligible programs.
Improved Chances to Make Playoffs
The most obvious implication of an expanded playoff is that every team has a better chance of making the postseason. Teams in top conferences can earn automatic bids by winning their conference championship. Also, non-conference champions have more paths to making the postseason than ever before.
Increased Margin for Error
The most obvious implication of an expanded playoff is that every team has a bigger margin for error throughout the year. In previous years, even one loss could derail a championship season.
For instance, the Georgia Bulldogs’ 29-game winning streak ended in the SEC title game last season. The loss knocked the Bulldogs out of the playoffs, robbing Georgia of its chance to contend for a third straight National Championship.
Impact on Recruiting and Program Prestige
Making the playoffs and competing for a National Championship brings national attention to a football program. Now that more teams qualify for the postseason, additional programs will benefit from the prestige of being in the playoffs. This will undoubtedly help teams with recruiting, creating more parity throughout the sport.
Best Sportsbooks for Betting on College Football Playoff Bracket
For better or worse, the expanded college football playoff bracket will significantly impact the sport. Bettors can already take advantage of the new playoff structure by betting on which teams will make the CFP. Once the playoffs are here, you can also wager on every postseason game at these secure college football betting sites.
Bovada Sportsbook
Bovada Sportsbook is a great place to bet on college football throughout the season. You can also use this sportsbook to wager on the postseason, including placing futures on which teams will make the new 12-team CFP.
In addition to having exciting CFP odds, Bovada offers great bonus options to new and existing members. College football bettors can use the code BV1000 to get a 100% deposit match worth up to $1,000 on your first deposit.
BetUS Sportsbook
BetUS Sportsbook is another great site for wagering on the 2024 College Football playoff bracket. It has competitive odds on every game and offers great futures markets on the 2024-2025 CFB season.
When you sign up at BetUS, you will have your choice of multiple great welcome bonuses. The most rewarding bonus for college football fans is the 200% crypto welcome bonus promotion. This bonus package includes several promo offers, such as a 150% sports match worth up to $2,000 when you deposit with Bitcoin or another approved crypto.
BetOnline Sportsbook
College football fans should also consider using BetOnline Sportsbooks for all of their betting needs this season. It has odds on dozens of games every week. Also, members can take advantage of excellent betting tools, such as the site’s intuitive parlay builder, to get the most out of their bets each week.
This sportsbook is not shy about offering bettors thrilling bonus options, either. When you create your BetOnline account, you can use the No Strings Welcome Offer to add $250 in free bets to your account instantly.
Everygame Sportsbook
You can also bet on this season’s College Football Playoff bracket at Everygame Sportsbook. This site’s UI makes it easy to find the latest CFP odds. It offers betting markets on weekly games, season-long player props, and CFP futures.
Everygame also has exciting bonuses to help new and existing members add extra cash to their bankrolls. New members, for example, can use the 50% crypto welcome promotion to add up to $1,000 in bonus funds to their bankroll.
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Do You Like the New College Football Playoff Bracket?
The 12-team College Football Playoff bracket was the talk of the offseason. Now that the season is underway, there is no better time to bet on which teams will make the postseason.
Read the guide above to learn everything you need to know about the 2024 College Football Playoff bracket. I discuss the new playoff system and how the 12 playoff teams will be chosen. Then, sign up at Bovada Sportsbook to wager on the latest CFP futures odds.
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