12) SMU

The Mustangs didn’t handle the cold environment in Happy Valley. No one had it worse than quarterback Kevin Jennings. He struggled from beginning to end and his confidence was shot quickly. Believe it or not, the opportunities were there for SMU, but Jennings made constant mistakes and turned the ball over a lot. That eventually led to the defense’s collapse and Penn State overwhelming them. It was a nice run and a learning lesson for the ‘Stangs, but maybe SMU must improve overall for better competition against stronger non-conference opponents.

11) INDIANA

Curt Cignetti’s rise and words were a really nice story. But it eventually led to him getting smacked in the mouth by another Ohio State guy who’s coaching Notre Dame. They did have one shot to maybe control momentum, but it went out the window when Kurtis Rourke threw a redzone interception. The lines on both sides were overwhelmed by pressure and physicality. The run game eventually led to Indiana defense’s collapse which gave Riley Leonard over 200 passing yards. Indiana did more than most teams across the country did by beating teams they were supposed to beat while losing only to Ohio State. However, can they come back stronger when they face a tougher schedule including Oregon, Penn State, Wisconsin, and maybe an improved Michigan State next season?

10) BOISE STATE

After decades of dreaming for Boise State’s postseason whether it was the BCS National Championship or College Football Playoff, they finally make the 12-Team CFP. Ashton Jeanty was a great story and he’s gone an entire season without rushing under 100 yards. Not even Penn State could slow him down from achieving it. However, this isn’t the Boise State we’ve known years back and may need to add more caliber talent through recruiting and the transfer portal to take the next step. Make no mistake, the Broncos will continue competing for the CFP as the highest ranked Group of Five team and future Pac-12 team.

9) CLEMSON

Clemson had chances to keep up with Texas but not having a healthy Phil Mafah or consistent run game eventually reared its ugly head. While the young receivers got after Texas’s secondary, it didn’t do much when quarterback Cade Klubnik isn’t consistent. He started off hot in the first quarter but eventually lost it. They still made it interesting, but Texas’s run game dominated and ensured that Clemson had no chance despite the onside kick opportunity. Clemson’s not a bad team, but maybe Dabo Swinney must accept the modern world of college football and consider adding a transfer or two to dispel their roster issues.

8) TENNESSEE

Well, what should I say? Tennessee wasn’t as good as some thought. Or maybe Ohio State’s just a much better team than some assumed. When you look closely at Tennessee’s schedule, you must think of who they actually beat outside of Alabama that was considered good. They had the biggest break of all At-Large teams because they were high enough in the Top 10 to not be questioned. Now, it comes to light after taking a beating in the cold. Running back Dylan Sampson wasn’t healthy prior to the game’s start, more players suffered, the secondary was cooked by Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka during the game, and Nico Iamaleava took a beating while Ohio State’s defense lived in his head rent free. I’ll give Nico credit for his fight because no other Tennessee player stepped up. Will Brooks’ endzone interception gave him and the offense a temporary spark. Otherwise, they went cold (metaphorically and literally). Maybe the team improves next season and becomes a legitimate playoff threat, or they could be like the SEC version of Penn State and just win enough games to make the postseason and while being questioned every season. We’ll find out soon enough.

7) GEORGIA

Georgia has some questions about their team. Their last two games weren’t perfect on either side, and the loss of Carson Beck was pretty much the back breaker of their team. Beck’s presence wasn’t much better because he wasn’t consistent either, but it wasn’t just him. Gunner Stockton had a nice short run, but he couldn’t perform because of his lack of reps against tough opponents like Texas and Notre Dame. What’s worse was his receivers didn’t come through, the offensive line was subpar in pass protection and couldn’t dominate the trenches, and the running backs were less than successful. Defense eventually suffered against tough-minded offenses that weren’t scared of winning in the trenches. Georgia took punishments from Georgia Tech, Texas, and Notre Dame that were capable of grinding out defenses. I know plenty want to blame sophomore cornerback Parker Jones for his sideline interference penalty, but that’s minor to the bigger issue. My source told me to be aware of Kirby Smart’s future with Georgia.

6) OREGON

Oregon ran through most of their schedule, overcame teams like Boise State, Idaho, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Washington (in the first half), and Penn State to be the best team in the nation. Dillon Gabriel, Jordan James, and Tez Johnson tore apart opposing defenses like they were the usual Oregon offense that no defense could stop. Defensive players like Jordan Burch, Jabbar Muhammad, and Jeffrey Bassa were a huge component to Oregon going the distance. However, they were eventually exposed by that same team they defeated earlier. Ohio State tore them apart early in their first meeting before key mistakes happened and cost the Buckeyes a win. It didn’t happen this time, and Oregon was cooked from the start of kickoff. As great as Oregon was this past season, they were tested against traditionally competitive Big Ten teams. Wisconsin, Penn State, and Ohio State (1st meeting) were in striking distance of defeating them. Oregon has an idea and hopes to return next season with more “Big Ten” firepower they picked up and hope to return soon.

5) ARIZONA STATE

Of the four conference champion teams in the playoffs, Arizona State was the only one to fight to the very end despite trailing for three quarters. They were exposed from the beginning and Texas committed to shutting down Cam Skattebo while forcing Sam Leavitt to lead the team. That eventually backfired when both got cooking when the game was on the line. Sam Leavitt’s mobility opened the passing game and helped Cam cook at the perfect time. Their late-game performance forced overtime, and they were that close to becoming the Cinderella of the postseason. Despite their loss, their pass rush got after Quinn Ewers, and they had some success against Texas’s big offensive line. After everything the program went through during their offseason, the Sun Devils might finally have a bright future with Kenny Dillingham and build from their miraculous season.

4) TEXAS

Texas was one of the best and only SEC teams left entering the semifinals. They also were the only playoff team to return to the semifinals for the second straight season. After defeating Clemson and Arizona State, they were challenged against Ohio State. They had opportunities to come back and put the Buckeyes to bed for good. Unfortunately, Quinn Ewers former roommate (Jack Sawyer) ended his final college season and Texas’s National Championship opportunity. Texas won every game except Georgia twice, so the writing was on the wall for a championship appearance. However, they it didn’t happen, and the second half/fourth quarter inconsistencies throughout the season finally bit them. Texas could still run the SEC as the new top dog moving forward, and I have reason to believe for it to be true (even though I hate it as a Sooner fan). Unless we know for sure Alabama and/or Georgia could still hold atop the expanded conference, all signs point to the team in Austin.

3) PENN STATE

I honestly have no negatives for Penn State for once. Supposedly they stumbled into the playoffs with how easy and opportunistic their chances were with the expanded playoffs. Instead, they played well and defeated SMU and Boise State convincingly and were a possession away from either winning the game or forcing overtime with regained momentum. Unfortunately, miscues cost them including allowing a big play passing touchdown that got Notre Dame back in the game along with an unforgivable interception that sealed their season. Now, the Nittany Lions end their 2024 season 0-3 against Top 5 opponents. Say what you want about Penn State, but I applaud them for a great season and the fact that they played their best football against better competition. Hopefully this is a building block for their future and return to the postseason.

2) NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame had one hell of a run. They cooled Indiana, ran roughshod over Georgia, and survived Penn State to play their first National Championship since 2013. Between Riley Leonard’s legs, no-named receivers finally making the spotlight, the 98-yard kick return touchdown made by Jayden Harrison against Georgia, and the resiliency of the defense and kicker Mitch Jeter in the late game stretch against Penn State, the Irish earned their way to the National Championship and had a few second half opportunities to come back. Unfortunately, running Riley Leonard way too early in their first score against a stingy Ohio State defense likely cost them before things progressed. Despite the loss, what a great job by Marcus Freeman and a great season by Notre Dame.

1) OHIO STATE

Ohio State lost to Michigan and questions and criticisms mounted for Ryan Day and the program. So what? They could’ve easily given up and moved on to firing Ryan Day and starting over. Instead, they took the latter by using Michigan’s flag that was almost planted in The Shoe and walloped every playoff opponent. Freezing the Volunteers, cooking the Ducks, and grilling the Longhorns hinted at the Buckeyes’ motivation and determination before using that flag to pole vault over the Irish across the rainbow to that pot of gold that is that National Championship trophy. They become the FIRST team to not only win the annual 4-Team Playoff National Championship, but they also become the FIRST team to win the 12-Team Playoff National Championship. $20 million was definitely well spent just to see Ohio State win the whole thing. Can they repeat? Ask Michigan 10 months.