College football's landscape saw a significant shift with the emergence of two powerhouse conferences potentially dominating the playoff scene. The Big Ten emerged as a major winner, leading the initial 12-team playoff field with four teams making the cut. Oregon, ranked No. 1 with a perfect 13-0 record, showcased the strength of the Big Ten after joining from the Pac-12.
The SEC, a perennial powerhouse, faced a setback with notable exclusion of Alabama, a traditional football giant. The ACC also made its mark, with SMU securing a spot over Alabama, adding to the surprises of the selection process.
Notable teams from the Big Ten included Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana, while the SEC was represented by Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee. The ACC demonstrated its depth with Clemson earning the conference's automatic bid after a hard-fought victory in the title game.
SEC Commissioner emphasized the league's strength of schedule and overall performance, underscoring the conference's dominance in college football. The Big 12, however, faced disappointment as only Arizona State advanced to the playoffs, despite being the league champion.
Mountain West Conference champion Boise State secured a No. 3 seed, while Notre Dame, an independent team, earned a No. 7 seed. Arizona State's unexpected success highlighted the team's resilience and determination, despite preseason predictions placing them at the bottom of the league.
The playoff picture showcased the competitive nature of college football, with underdogs like Indiana defying odds to secure a spot. The upcoming matchups promise thrilling games and intense competition as teams vie for the coveted national championship title.
