Insights from Week 1 of College Football Playoff Race

Welcome to the world of college football where every game counts, especially in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff. After the first full Saturday of action, the landscape is already shifting, and teams are jockeying for position.

While it’s easy to dismiss Week 1 as just a small sample size, the introduction of the 12-team CFP format has added a new level of intrigue to the season. No longer are only a select few teams in contention; now, every FBS team has a shot at making a run for the championship.

Here are five key takeaways from the opening week that could shape the Playoff race moving forward:

1. Prepare for Potential Blowouts in December

With the new expanded format, the possibility of lopsided matchups in the Playoff is a real concern. Georgia’s dominant performance against Clemson highlighted the talent gap between top-tier teams and the rest of the field. While blowouts may become more common, they are a byproduct of the increased accessibility to the championship that the 12-team format offers.

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Clemson’s struggles against Georgia and the ACC’s overall underperformance serve as a reminder that no team’s season is over after just one game.

2. Miami Shines in a Dim ACC

While the ACC was expected to be competitive this season, the top teams in the conference faltered in Week 1. Miami’s impressive showing against Florida has catapulted them into the spotlight as a legitimate Playoff contender. With a favorable schedule ahead, the Hurricanes are now a popular pick to make a run at the championship.

ACC title and Playoff odds (Sept. 1)

Find all CFP projections here

3. Penn State Emerges as a Contender

Penn State’s convincing win over West Virginia solidified their status as a team to watch this season. With an explosive offense and a stout defense, the Nittany Lions have positioned themselves as a potential Playoff contender.

4. Notre Dame’s Path to the Playoff

As an independent team, Notre Dame has a unique path to the Playoff. Despite not playing in a conference, the Fighting Irish are well-positioned to secure a spot in the expanded field. A strong start against Texas A&M has boosted their chances of making a deep Playoff run.

5. Group of 5 Teams Face Early Tests

The Group of 5 favorites faced tough challenges in Week 1, with Boise State, Appalachian State, and Liberty all narrowly escaping upsets. As they prepare to face Power 4 opponents in the coming weeks, the strength of these teams and their conferences will be put to the test.