2024 Bowl Predictions: CFP Championship predictions and major bracket matchups | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Boise State’s spot in the top four should be assured since Iowa State or Arizona State have virtually no chance of beating the Broncos. However, where Boise State ends up remains to be seen.

It also remains to be seen where the Big 12 champion will ultimately end up. The back end of the field is likely, but not impossible, that the Big 12 winner could overtake the ACC champion.

However, this scenario would require either Iowa State or Arizona State to eliminate their opponent And Clemson wins a close game against SMU. The prediction here is that none of these things will happen on Saturday.

The Big 10 winner and the SEC winner are generally guaranteed a first-round bye based on the current rankings. Oregon, Texas, Penn State and Georgia also have a playoff spot virtually guaranteed.

For a top-five team to fall entirely out of the top 12 would require a huge loss – and even some controversial decisions from the selection committee.

The prediction here is that Oregon and Texans both win on Saturday and retain their spots at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Penn State has been great this season, but Oregon has consistently looked like a powerhouse on both sides of the ball.

The rematch between Georgia and Texas is a little more interesting. The Bulldogs won 30-15 on October 19, but had to endure a game with three interceptions by quarterback Carson Beck.

Georgia may also be without standout running back Trevor Etienne (ribs), who ran for 87 yards in the first meeting. Officially, he and defensive tackle Christian Miller are questionable.

“They took part in some parts of practice and took reps, and (we) hope those guys are able to do something,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.

However, if Texas wins the second round, Georgia is highly unlikely to fall far behind.

The real drama could be the three losses by Alabama, currently ranked 11th. The winner of the Big 12 should advance to the Top 12 and displace Miami. However, there are two scenarios that could potentially shake up Alabama as well – as teams still playing need to undergo further evaluation.

A close Clemson win could theoretically give the Tigers an automatic spot while keeping SMU in the top 12. A close enough Big 12 game could see an Arizona State or Iowa State team advance to the Finals with three losses ahead of the Crimson Tide at large.

The committee may prefer to keep Alabama in the playoffs because of its brand recognition, but difficult decisions could be made on Sunday.

As for the playoff tournament itself, here are some early predictions.

No. 12 Alabama at No. 5 Notre Dame

No. 11 Iowa State at No. 6 Penn State

No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Georgia

No. 9 Tennessee and No. 8 Ohio State

No. 8 Ohio State at No. 1: Oregon

No. 7 Georgia at No. 2 Texas

No. 6 Penn State at No. 3: SMU

No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 4 Boise State

No. 8 Ohio State at No. 2 Texas

No. 6 Penn State at No. 5 Notre Dame