For NYC sports fans, betting enthusiasts, and actor Timothée Chalamet, the College Football Playoff (CFP) is about to become a bigger deal. Starting in 2024, the playoff expands from four to 12 teams, bringing more games, more drama, and more chances to get in on the action.
What Is the College Football Playoff (CFP)?
The College Football Playoff is the system used to determine the national champion in college football. Starting this season, the CFP has expanded to a 12-team format, making it bigger, bolder, and even more exciting for fans.
The Basics: How Does the CFP Work?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the expanded format:
- 🎟️ 12 Teams: The field includes six highest-ranked conference champions and six at-large teams, as determined by a selection committee.
- 💫 Top 4 Get Byes: The four highest-ranked conference champions automatically skip the first round and move to the quarterfinals.
- 💥 First Round (Dec. 20-21): Seeds 5-12 play each other at the higher seed’s home stadium.
- ✨ Quarterfinals (Dec. 31, Jan. 1): Games take place at bowl venues like the Rose and Sugar Bowls.
- ✌️ Semifinals (Jan. 9-10): Held in rotating bowl venues.
- 🏆 Championship Game (Jan. 20): A neutral-site showdown for the trophy.
Key Terms You Should Know
- 👔 Selection Committee: A 13-member panel that ranks the teams each week and decides the playoff participants.
- 🏅 Conference Champions: Winners of college football’s major leagues (like the SEC or Big Ten) get priority for playoff spots.
- 💪 At-Large Teams: High-ranked teams that didn’t win their conference but were strong enough to earn a spot.
- 🎆 New Year’s Six Bowls: Iconic games like the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl that host quarterfinal or semifinal matchups.
College Football for New Yorkers
If you’re in NYC, here’s why the expanded CFP matters. NYC’s sports betting scene thrives on events like this. More games mean more chances to bet on spreads, over/under, and the underdog wins.
Also, watch parties at local bars or rooftop gatherings are perfect for turning the games into a social media moment. Even if you’re not into football, the CFP creates major buzz, blending sports with pop culture.
Game Plan: How to Get Started
If you’re new to college football, here’s how to jump in. Keep an eye on weekly rankings from the CFP committee. ESPN and the official CFP website are great resources. Whether it’s a big name like Georgia or an underdog like Boise State, picking a team makes the experience more fun.