The betting favorites for the CFB Playoff have separated themselves, but there are multiple dark horses who could crash the party
Previewing the College Football Playoff, including some early favorites and dark horses to know.
While it wasn’t the most enjoyable process for some fan bases, the 12-team College Football Playoff field has officially been set. It is a very diverse pool of college football programs, which promises to create some chaos and many intriguing matchups along the way. Like always, there are the assumed leaders in the group, the teams that most would bet on to win the National Championship in the end.
There are also several dark horse teams who have a chance to win a title if things shake their way. As we get further and further into the Transfer Portal and NIL era, the parity of the sport will continue to rise. With help from fellow A to Z Sports college football analyst Joe DeLeone, we discussed about some of the clear favorites, but some other teams that can’t be underrated.
Here are our picks for the favorite to win the title, as well as a couple other wildcards to keep a close eye on.
CFB Playoff favorites to know
Georgia Bulldogs (DeLeone)
After watching what Georgia did in their dismantling of Alabama in the SEC championship game, I have to go with the Bulldogs. This squad has become the hottest team in college football, and their momentum since the Texas game is undeniable. What’s most impressive is how well-rounded they’ve become since they fixed their most significant issue of not having a pass rush.
The transition for the Bulldogs defensively has been stark. They’re suddenly extremely disruptive and completely smothering opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, the way in which their run defense has eliminated opposing teams’ rushing attacks since the beginning of November is frightening. Combining their defense with an offense that runs the rock with intensity and explosiveness at wide receiver is why they’re the most well-equipped team to win a title.
Looking ahead to their path, a likely rematch with Ole Miss without Lane Kiffin sets up a win to start their playoff run. Considering how easily they exposed the Ole Miss run defense, they’ll be able to replicate that the second time around. A possible battle with Ohio State is also winnable, considering how Buckeye QB Julian Sayin looked when he was pressured by Indiana.
Kirby Smart has his team locked in and ready at the perfect moment, and a national championship is in their sights.
Ohio State Buckeyes (Roberts)
While Ohio State just lost the Big Ten Championship to the Indiana Hoosiers, they are still a team that is going to be in it until the very end. With the likes of Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Max Klare as pass game weapons, there is going to be a lot on the plate of Julian Sayin to make the proper plays as the starting quarterback. He has mostly been very good in his first season as a starter, but there is going to be a game where Sayin is going to have to win a big game. That, and whether Bo Jackson can consistently carry the load against great defenses, are the biggest question marks with this team.
On the defensive side of the football, Matt Patrica’s unit is one of the best we have seen in some time now. Led by linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, it is extremely difficult to run against this Buckeye front seven. There is talent everywhere, making them arguably the most complete unit in the entire playoffs. This is a group that will keep Ohio State in every game. If the offense plays up to standard, this Buckeye team should have a chance to repeat as champions.
CFB Playoff dark horses
Texas A&M Aggies (DeLeone)
Texas A&M has the makings of being the perfect dark horse this year. Their team has a relentless pass rush led by Cashius Howell and elite speed at wide receiver with KC Concepcion and Mario Craver. Their success comes down to Marcel Reed making better decisions and protecting the football.
Their first-round matchup with Miami is favorable, considering Miami’s secondary has been susceptible to giving up big plays through the air recently. The Hurricanes have not seen this much speed at receiver. After that, they could shock Ohio State, considering they’d be the most explosive passing attack they’ve seen all season. If Charlie Becker can challenge the Buckeyes’ secondary, so can Concepcion and Craver.
Ultimately, their run deep into the playoffs comes down to whether they can beat Georgia. Considering how well Georgia runs the ball and A&M’s most significant weakness being their run defense, it sets up for their run defense to end there. If the Aggies could create a shootout, they could find a way to come out on top.
Texas Tech Red Raiders (Roberts)
When you have a great defensive line, you are always going to have a chance. Building through the trenches is always a smart strategy, whether you are on the college or NFL level, and the Red Raiders have certainly adopted the strategy. With players like David Bailey and Lee Hunter up front, the Red Raiders have one of the very best fronts in college football. They are also a team that can run the football extremely well, led by the duo of Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams. Being physical on both sides of the football is the name of the game.
If quarterback Behren Morton can remain healthy and consistent, Texas Tech has a chance to be a really difficult matchup and make some noise. Forget about the conference affiliation for a second. This is a very good football team that can play with anyone in the country. It is going to come down to eliminating mistakes and making some big plays in the most important moment of the football game.
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