One of the biggest aspects that define college football is its pageantry and tradition, with traditions like pre-game “hail” songs and fight songs to mark where teams are from. In an exciting moment for college football in 2017, a new mascot was introduced for Iowa State’s Cyclones—a 64 foot tall metal man named Victor E. Cyclone III!
The story behind how this came about has been quite incredible so far as well: The original cyc…
The “college football rankings” is a 64-team single elimination tournament that takes place every year. The NCAA College Football Playoff is the most prestigious and popular college football championship in the United States, with many of the top teams playing each other for a chance to be crowned national champion.
We’ll do it for them since nobody in college football’s top echelon can seem to agree on anything remotely connected to playoff expansion.
Truth be told, we’ve been years ahead of the curve.
So we’ll count it down from 64 teams (not just four) this time, so that everyone, not just the regular suspects, has a chance.
The following is the schedule for ESPN’s fictitious NCAA football tournament in 2022: We’ve seeded teams 1 through 64, with some of the seeding based on ESPN’s most recent SP+ estimates for the 2022 season.
Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and Michigan are the top four teams (yes, with 14 playoff appearances among them). Because the Wolverines are the fourth No. 1 seed, they will play in the REGION OF THE WEST. Seeds are exactly that: seeds. Yes, there will be a few snafus. There are usually a few in the early rounds. We’ll keep things fresh by creating fascinating tales that will make it even more enjoyable and perhaps cause some anxiety among specific fan communities.
Every year, the playoff selection committee gets a barrage of criticism and suspicion, especially in the seeding process: accusations of SEC bias, snubbing Group of 5 teams, preferring the big brands, and leaning too much on the eye test.
So, yeah, we understand. But, with 64 teams, this isn’t going to be a tiny, intimate gathering.
Today, we’ll take a look at the field and go through the first two rounds of the event, decreasing the field from 64 to 16. After then, we’ll play the remaining games and proclaim a champion. For the record, we picked Alabama to defeat Clemson in the national championship game a year ago, with Georgia (the eventual winner) and Iowa State both falling in the semifinals.
The Barrel
Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and Michigan are the top seeds.
2-seeds: Clemson, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Utah
Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, and North Carolina State are the three-seeds.
USC, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Florida are all 4-seeds.
Baylor, Miami, Michigan State, and Arkansas are the five seeds.
Wake Forest, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Iowa are the six seeds.
BYU, Ole Miss, Oregon, and South Carolina are all 7-seeds.
Pittsburgh, Houston, Mississippi State, and Florida State are the eight seeds.
LSU, UCLA, Minnesota, and Texas are all 9-seeds.
Purdue, Arizona State, UCF, and Louisville are among the 10-seeds.
Auburn, SMU, Nebraska, and North Carolina are among the 11-seeds.
Fresno State, Kansas State, Maryland, and TCU are the 12-seeds.
Boise State, Iowa State, San Diego State, and Appalachian State are among the 13-seeds.
Texas Tech, Western Kentucky, Marshall, and Oregon State are among the 14-seeds.
Missouri, Washington, UTSA, and Memphis are among the 15-seeds.
Army, Syracuse, Toledo, and Liberty are among the 16-seeds.
West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Virginia Tech, and UAB are the first four teams to compete.
In this year’s bracket, three of the four teams from last year’s College Football Playoff are No. 1 seeds. Brynn Anderson/AP Photo/File
REGION OF THE SOUTH
THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY FIRST ROUND
(1) Alabama 45, Liberty (16) 13: When Hugh Freeze was at Ole Miss, he defeated Nick Saban and Alabama in back-to-back seasons. Freeze has done an excellent job at Liberty, but the Flames just cannot measure up to the Tide at the line of scrimmage.
(2) Utah 33, (15) Memphis 10: Kyle Whittingham’s Utah squad in 2022 has a lot to like, and the Utes take it to the Tigers with a punishing rushing game and a defense that racks up seven sacks, one of which goes for a safety.
(3) N.C. State 28, (14) Oregon State 14: In this ACC vs. Pac-12 battle, the Beavers grab an early lead, but the Wolfpack never blink and score three unanswered touchdowns to give Dave Doeren his first real 10-win season in his 10th season at N.C. State.
13 Appalachian State 24, (4) Florida 23: Here it is, the tournament’s first major upset. In his debut season in Gainesville, Appalachian State quarterback Chase Brice rallies the Mountaineers with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes to send Billy Napier and the Gators packing.
(5) Arkansas 41, (12) TCU 21: Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson had his best game yet to begin the tournament, scoring five touchdowns (three passing, two running) as the Hogs sail into the THE SECOND RACE.
(6) Iowa 27, (11) North Carolina 20: Kirk Ferentz and Mack Brown have a combined 58 years of college football head coaching experience. The Hawkeyes’ experience, on the other hand, makes all the difference in this game, as their defensive line takes command in the second half.
(7) South Carolina 31, (10) Louisville 21: Before selecting Shane Beamer as their head coach, the Gamecocks spoke with Scott Satterfield. Those discussions were unpopular with Louisville supporters, but they worked out well for the Gamecocks, who advanced to the THE SECOND RACE.
(9) Texas 37, (8) Florida State 34: The previous time Florida State won a national title was in 2013, while Texas last won one in 2005. Both fan bases are begging for a rematch, but the Longhorns keep their chances alive in the tournament’s finest game so far. With 35 seconds left, Bijan Robinson scores the game-winning touchdown on a 24-yard rush.
THE SECOND RACE
(1) Alabama 42, (9) Texas 16: Steve Sarkisian squares up against his former employer, as the game follows the pattern of most of Nick Saban’s previous matchups with one of his former coaches. To advance to the Sweet 16, Alabama’s defense limits its second consecutive opponent to one offensive score.
(2) Utah 30: (7) South Carolina 24: The Gamecocks’ Spencer Rattler throws three touchdowns, but they can’t stop a Utah rushing attack that totals 275 yards, with Tavion Thomas rushing for 150 of those yards and two scores.
(3) N.C. State 20, (6) Iowa 17: This slugfest goes down to the closing minutes when N.C. State standout linebacker Drake Thomas, one of many excellent Wolfpack linebackers, makes a diving tackle inside the 5-yard line on fourth down in wet, sloppy circumstances.
Arkansas State 38, Appalachian State 13 10: Appalachian State is unable to get going against an Arkansas defense that causes four turnovers and converts one of them into a defensive score.
SEMIFINALS AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
Alabama (No. 1) vs. Arkansas (No. 5)
(2) Utah vs. (3) North Carolina State
In the 2022 bracket, Sam Pittman and KJ Jefferson lead Arkansas to the round of 16 with ease. Getty Images/Wesley Hitt
REGION OF THE MIDWEST
THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY FIRST ROUND
(1) Ohio State 48, (16) Toledo 14: These two Ohio neighbors meet in football for just the fifth time in history (twice during the 2022 season). The Buckeyes score four times in their opening four possessions and never look back.
(2) Notre Dame 35, (15) UTSA 28: Marcus Freeman’s first playoffs as Notre Dame’s head coach is a lot closer than any of the Golden Domers would have liked. The Irish, on the other hand, tighten up late on defense and make a couple important stops to progress.
2 Related
(3) Cincinnati 31, (14) Marshall 13: In this meeting of Group of 5 heavyweights, the Bearcats send a statement that they are not receding from national relevance, despite significant personnel losses from their 2021 playoff squad.
(4) Oklahoma State 35, (13) San Diego State 20: Mike Gundy and the Cowboys face a difficult first-round battle. The Aztecs aren’t afraid and play as such, but some of Oklahoma State’s younger faces on defense come up huge in crunch time.
(12) Maryland 23, (5) Michigan State 21: The No. 5 vs. No. 12 curse always appears to reach up and take one of the higher seeds, much as in basketball. This time, it’s Michigan State, which fails to put Maryland away when it has a chance, and Mike Locksley wins a crucial victory to revenge a regular-season defeat to the Spartans.
(6) Tennessee 35, (11) Nebraska 24: Few programs have mirrored each other the last two decades the way Tennessee and Nebraska have. Both have been desperately trying to get back to national relevance. The Vols take a much-needed step by getting out of the THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY FIRST ROUND.
(10) UCF 28, (7) Oregon 20: You never know who you’ll encounter across in the new world of the transfer portal. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, for example, moved from Auburn, where he had played under current UCF coach Gus Malzahn. The Ducks’ two touchdown passes aren’t enough to win the game.
(8) Mississippi State 30, (9) Minnesota 34: Two of the country’s most productive offensive players, Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers and Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim, put on a display. Ibrahim and the Golden Gophers, on the other hand, are the winners.
THE SECOND RACE
(1) Ohio State 40, (9) Minnesota 16: After putting up big numbers against Mississippi State in the THE VERY THE VERY FIRST ROUND, Ibrahim runs into a crimson and gray brick wall against Ohio State, which limits the Gophers’ top running back to under 75 yards to end its Big Ten counterpart’s season.
No Brian Kelly, no problem. (2) Notre Dame 34, (10) UCF 17: In their second-round game, the Irish show composure and confidence, scoring on attack, defense, and special teams to advance to the Sweet 16.
(3) Cincinnati 28, (6) Tennessee 23: The Vols’ offense falls short of reaching the Sweet 16, but the Bearcats’ defense gets the most praise. They cause Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker to have a three-turnover day, which is unusual for him.
(4) Oklahoma State 37, (12) Maryland 17: As Oklahoma State’s quarterback, Spencer Sanders has had his ups and downs. This is one of his better days (maybe his best), as he rips through the Terps’ defense for 465 total yards and four touchdowns.
SEMIFINALS AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
(4) Oklahoma State vs. (1) Ohio State
(3) Cincinnati vs. (2) Notre Dame
C.J. Stroud and the rest Buckeyes beat an in-state opponent before knocking off a Big Ten foe to roll into the semifinals of the REGION OF THE MIDWESTal. Joseph Maiorana/USA TODAY Sports
REGION OF THE EAST
THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY FIRST ROUND
(1) Georgia 35, Syracuse (16) 10: The Georgia Bulldogs take their first playoff stride toward a second consecutive national title. Quarterback Stetson Bennett continues to do what he does best, which is to lead Georgia to another victory.
(2) Texas A&M 27, (15) Washington 21: Too close for comfort for Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies in this first-round escape. But give first-year Washington coach Kalen DeBoer credit for having the Huskies ready to play. They’re just unable to finish drives on offense.
(3) Wisconsin 37, (14) Western Kentucky 20: The Hilltoppers don’t have Bailey Zappe and his 62 touchdown passes from last season, but they have enough to keep this game close until the Badgers’ offensive line takes over in the second half.
(4) Penn State 24, (13) Iowa State 14: James Franklin and Matt Campbell have been two of the hottest names on coaching search lists in recent years, but it’s a red-hot Sean Clifford who leads the Nittany Lions to victory with two important second-half drives.
(5) Miami 31, (12) Kansas State 30: Deuce Vaughn is sensational for the Wildcats with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, but a 48-yard field goal in the final seconds by Andres Borregales sends The U into the THE SECOND RACE.
(6) Kentucky 42, (11) SMU 20: Few coaches have had more success developing talent than Mark Stoops, and the Wildcats continue to roll with a comfortable win against SMU and first-year coach Rhett Lashlee.
(7) Ole Miss 35, (10) Arizona State 17: Lane Kiffin’s system worked wonders for Matt Corral, and USC transfer Jaxson Dart looks the part. The Rebels pull away from the Sun Devils thanks to his three touchdown throws and an amazing Ole Miss defense.
(8) Houston 32, (9) UCLA 21: The Cougars follow up a AAC championship with a comeback victory over Chip Kelly and the Bruins in the THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY FIRST ROUND. Houston converts two second-half turnovers into points to win its 11th game of the season.
THE SECOND RACE
(1) Georgia 24, (8) Houston 16: Fifth-year safety Christopher Smith returns an interception 55 yards for a touchdown and forces a fumble that leads to another touchdown, allowing the Dawgs to overcome some offensive sluggishness and come out on top.
(2) Texas A&M 35, (7) Ole Miss 31: The “free agency” and “NIL” chatter between Fisher and Kiffin during the lead-up to the game is entertaining, but the game itself is even more entertaining. Antonio Johnson seals it for the Aggies with a safety blitz to stop a late Ole Miss drive.
(6) Kentucky 29, (3) Wisconsin 23: The Wildcats win double digit games for the second consecutive season and beat the Badgers thanks to 188 running yards from Chris Rodriguez, who converts on fourth-and-short twice in the fourth quarter.
(5) Miami 30, (4) Penn State 24: Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke continues to establish himself as one of the nation’s best breakthrough players, destroying a Penn State defense that can’t stop the Hurricanes’ passing attack.
SEMIFINALS AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
Georgia vs. Miami, No. 1 vs. No. 5
(2) Texas A&M vs. (6) Kentucky
In the round of 32, Chris Rodriguez Jr. clocks over 200 years to help Kentucky beat Wisconsin. Getty Images/Andy Lyons
REGION OF THE WEST
THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY THE VERY FIRST ROUND
(1) Michigan 34, (16) Army 27: The Black Knights’ option offense causes problems for the Wolverines, and it appears for a time that a No. 16 seed will beat a No. 1 seed, but J.J. McCarthy comes off the bench at quarterback to save Michigan and prevent an epic upset.
(2) Clemson 28, (15) Missouri 10: Clemson’s defense sets the tone early by forcing three three-and-outs in a row, and Missouri’s offense never gets going. In this Tigers vs. Tigers matchup, Missouri is restricted to 45 running yards.
(3) Oklahoma 30, (14) Texas Tech 27: With the Sooners moving to the SEC, these two schools will no longer be Big 12 rivals. If this is their last meeting, it will be one that no one will soon forget, with Oklahoma rebounding from a two-touchdown deficit to win in the dying minutes.
(4) USC 38, (13) Boise State 24: Lincoln Riley has a strong playoff debut at USC, as the Trojans start slowly but pick up steam after halftime. The team is led by a transfer (no, not Caleb Williams). Travis Dye, a former Oregon running back, gains 110 of his 135 yards in the second half.
(12) Fresno State 24, (5) Baylor 20: We’re all waiting for the Group of 5’s Cincinnati of last season. Why not Fresno State University? With a spectacular upset over the Bears in their NCAA tournament opening, the Bulldogs look the part.
(6) Wake Forest 40, (11) Auburn 24: If you enjoy offensive, Sam Hartman and the Demon Deacons are the team to watch. With four touchdown passes in Wake Forest’s first-round triumph, Hartman demonstrates why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
(10) Purdue 32, (7) BYU 29: Jeff Brohm guided Purdue to its first nine-win season since 2003 a year ago, and the Boilermakers continue that wave of momentum with Aidan O’Connell passing for 405 yards and four touchdowns to move into the THE SECOND RACE of the tourney.
(9) Pittsburgh 28, (8) LSU 21: The Panthers lost standout quarterback Kenny Pickett to the NFL and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple to Nebraska, but they didn’t lose Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison, who has 168 receiving yards and two touchdowns and is LSU’s worst nightmare.
THE SECOND RACE
(1) Michigan 21, (9) Pittsburgh 17: This game becomes a punt fest as the two defenses take control. Thankfully for the Wolverines, they have a one-two punch at running back with Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins, which should be enough to get them the victory.
(2) Clemson 33, (10) Purdue 14: While the Tigers’ offense has improved from last year, they remain a defensive-minded squad, which is never a bad thing in the playoffs. The Boilermakers can’t handle Bryan Bresee, Myles Murphy, Trenton Simpson, and the rest of the team.
When you get into a scoring contest with the Deacons, it’s always tricky. (3) Oklahoma 41, (6) Wake Forest 38: It’s always dicey when you get into a scoring battle with the Deacons. That’s where Hartman thrives, but the Sooners win a high-scoring game with a late touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel on third-and-long.
(4) USC 30, (12) Fresno State 28: The Bulldogs are desperate for a chance to play the Trojans in the playoffs, and the stage isn’t too huge for Jeff Tedford’s team. USC, on the other hand, is a touch too deep and athletic for Fresno State to pull off a second consecutive shock.
SEMIFINALS AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
(4) USC vs. (1) Michigan
(3) Oklahoma vs. (2) Clemson
The “is there any college football bowls on today” is a question that has been asked for years. The answer is no, as the NCAA does not have any college football bowl games on today.
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- 64-team college football playoff
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