Luther Burden IIISam Hodde/Getty Images
The defense can’t possibly be that bad again, right? But can a fresh-faced offense even come close to last season’s electrifying unit? That balance will define LSU’s home-heavy campaign.
Missouri, meanwhile, has a decent shot to repeat 2023’s breakout year. The nonconference slate is, well, intensely favorable, and the Tigers have a workable path through the SEC with Texas A&M, Alabama and Oklahoma seemingly the toughest league opponents.
10. Florida State Seminoles
If you’re interested in seeing how FSU responds from its CFB snub, you’re in luck. The first game of the Week 0 slate pits the ‘Noles against Georgia Tech in Dublin, and FSU hosts Boston College on Labor Day. The overhauled roster will be leaning on DJ Uiagalelei, an Oregon State transfer who previously beat Florida State as Clemson’s QB.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
The good news: Penn State would’ve made the playoff six times in the last eight seasons under the expanded CFP format. The bad news: Losses in big games continue to plague James Franklin. Can the Nittany Lions thread that critical needle in 2024?
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Between a bolstered offense, veteran defense and favorable schedule, ND absolutely should be competing for a playoff spot. That pursuit will begin with a prime-time showdown at Texas A&M in Week 1.
No matter the choice at QB, the Wolverines have no time to mess around. Fresno State isn’t an easy opener, and both Texas and USC come to Ann Arbor in September. We’ll learn plenty about the rebuilt reigning champions right away.
Similar to Penn State, the expanded CFP affords Ole Miss a fantastic opportunity. Lane Kiffin has energized the program—which just posted a record 11 victories in 2023—and returns the majority of a dangerous offense. The difference between a playoff trip and frustrating season for Ole Miss may be the results against SEC opponents like LSU and Oklahoma.
