MUST-READ OPINION AND ANALYSIS-Huge Foresight College football bowl projections for championship week: CFP picks and four bowls we want to see

College Football Bowl Projections for Championship Week: CFP Predictions and Must-See Matchups

With Championship Week underway, it’s time to start talking about the College Football Playoff (CFP) and the exciting matchups ahead. While the focus will naturally shift to the new 12-team CFP format and its first-round pairings, there are still several intriguing bowl games that could provide plenty of entertainment—especially if key players opt in.

Here are some of the projected bowl matchups that stand out:

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Syracuse vs. Michigan
Syracuse QB Kyle McCord gets another shot at Michigan. It’ll be interesting to see if key Wolverine players like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, or Will Johnson decide to play in this game.

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Miami vs. USC
A potential matchup featuring Miami’s Cam Ward, though his participation could depend on the Hurricanes making the CFP. This game would also be a chance for USC’s freshman Jayden Maiava to continue his development.

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Illinois vs. South Carolina
Both teams won nine games during the regular season, making this a potential springboard game for 2025. Plus, who doesn’t love Cheez-Its?

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Clemson vs. Iowa
Would either Dabo Swinney or Kirk Ferentz accept the “Mayo Bath”? This quirky bowl is sure to offer plenty of entertainment.

CFP First-Round Predictions: The first-round matchups for the 2024-25 CFP season will feature some exciting games:

• Dec. 20: No. 11 Arizona State at No. 6 Notre Dame
• Dec. 21: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Georgia
• Dec. 21: No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State
• Dec. 21: No. 12 Alabama at No. 5 Penn State

CFP Quarterfinals Predictions:

• Dec. 31: Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 4 Boise State vs. No. 5 Penn State
• Jan. 1: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 3 SMU vs. No. 6 Notre Dame
• Jan. 1: Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State
• Jan. 1: Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Texas vs. No. 7 Georgia

CFP Semifinal Predictions:

• Jan. 9: Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 2 Texas vs. No. 6 Notre Dame
• Jan. 10: Cotton Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 5 Penn State

CFP Championship Prediction:

• Jan. 20: CFP National Championship: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 2 Texas

These projections suggest a potential rematch-heavy playoff, with Oregon and Texas emerging as the most consistent teams throughout the season. The championship game promises to be a thrilling showdown between these two top teams.