After a season full of upsets, intrigue, and arguments over which teams should compete for the national championship, the 12-team College Football Playoff is finally here.
Now that we have our twelve teams and the first round is drawing near, it’s time to forecast how things will turn out.
Here are my predictions for Penn State’s performance and the 12-team CFP.
Johnny McGonigal of PennLive predicts the College Football Playoff bracket.McGonigal, Johnny
ORIGINAL ROUND
Indiana defeats Notre Dame: I understand why many national pundits have inflated Notre Dame as a potential championship candidate. But when others zag, I’m going to zig. Riley Leonard’s weakness is throwing, but I believe Indiana’s run defense is strong enough to force him to do so.
Penn State defeats SMU: We have discussed how Penn State may have the greatest CFP path. Don’t sleep on the Mustangs, though. They have enough pass rush talent to stay competitive and an explosive attack. This one, I believe, turns out to be closer than some anticipate.
Texas defeats Clemson: I think Texas will win handily. I thought Clemson would win hands down. That is the degree of inconsistency in the Longhorn offense. But Texas’ defense, which helped the Longhorns win in a rock fight, may be the most reliable unit in the CFP.
Ohio State defeats Tennessee: There are worries about Ohio State’s recent incapacity to run the ball and injuries to their offensive line. However, I haven’t been impressed with Tennessee’s offense outside of Dylan Sampson. Ohio State puts up a strong show to recover from the Michigan defeat.
On November 2, 2024, Penn State cornerback Zion Tracy (7) celebrates his pick-six with cornerback A.J. Harris and safety Zakee Wheatley during the first quarter.
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Quarterfinals
Ohio State defeats Oregon: Oregon is quite strong. However, the Duck defense’s shortcomings were exposed during the Big Ten final. After a close loss in October, Ohio State prevails in the rematch.
Texas triumphs over Arizona State: The narrative of Cam Skattebo and the Sun Devils has been entertaining. They haven’t, however, encountered a defensive front like Texas. That will appear.
Georgia defeats Indiana: Carson Beck is likely out due to injury. However, the Dawgs defense is strong enough to stifle Indiana, and Gunner Stockton goes into full game management mode.
Ashton Jeanty has been fantastic, and I believe he gets the 132 running yards required to surpass Barry Sanders’ single-season record as Penn State defeats Boise State. But against Penn State, he will have to earn it. The contest between the Heisman vote-getters is won by Tyler Warren.
Johnny McGonigal of PennLive predicts the College Football Playoff bracket.McGonigal, Johnny
SEMIFINALS
Texas loses to Ohio State: This matchup could be the bracket’s lowest-scoring matchup. In terms of total defense and scoring defense, Ohio State leads the nation, while Texas comes in second and third, respectively. Allow me to make a game-winning play with Jeremiah Smith.
Georgia is defeated by Penn State: Stockton is unable to game-manage his way through the whole tournament. Nick Singleton and Drew Allar both had standout efforts, and the myth that James Franklin can’t defeat a top-five squad is dispelled (for the time being).
NATIONAL WINNERSHIP
I promise I’m not trolling when I say that Ohio State defeats Penn State. When the bracket was announced, I immediately thought of this matchup. I’m sticking to it, too.
I believe Penn State is capable of reaching the national championship game. It is within the Nittany Lions’ grasp thanks to elite playmakers and a good draw. Even though it ended in an all too familiar defeat to Ohio State, it would still be a huge accomplishment to make it that far in the first 12-team CFP.
Regarding the Buckeyes, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tennessee eliminated them. However, I believe that Ohio State is the nation’s most talented squad. Even so, it had to pay a hefty price for it. There was a reason why the Buckeyes were preseason favorites. After missing the Big Ten championship game, they are now well-rested, and I believe they will take the Michigan defeat as incentive.
When this bracket undoubtedly goes up in smoke, check back for updated picks following the first round.
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