With Connecticut, Miami, Florida Atlantic, and San Diego State playing in the college basketball Final Four today, and this being a tournament full of upsets and underdogs, we are going to take a look at what the College Football Playoff could look like if similar events unfold. Obviously, the football teams would have to do most of their work in the regular season and it would be significantly harder for a team like FAU or San Diego State to make the playoff, but let’s take a look at a realistic chaotic CFP for 2023.
4. Tulane
Tulane would be the FAU of this CFP. They were the best Group-of-Five team last season and beat USC in the Cotton Bowl. They would have to run the table and win games convincingly to be in consideration, but it could happen. They return half of their offensive and defensive production and have a great coach in Willie Fritz. We’ll see if they can make a cinderella run. A winning team built with multiple veteran players as key contributors is a recipe for success in the NCAA tournament, and that principle holds steady in college football as well. Tulane is one of the few G5 teams that have both a game-changing QB in Michael Pratt, and the additional personnel on both sides of the ball that are necessary to compete with anyone from the power-five level.
3. Oregon State
The Beavers are the random west coast team in this scenario, similar to San Diego State. Both Oregon State and San Diego State are good and ranked, but nobody expects them to be one of the final four teams. In addition, both teams have slept-on defenses, which are elite facing most competition. They went 10-3 last season and have Clemson transfer DJ Uiagelelei coming in at quarterback. There is a possibility that the Beavers could follow in the Aztecs’ footsteps.
2. Texas
Texas is the UConn of this CFP, they are a historic program with prior National Championships that could see a resurgence under a new coach, similar to what UConn has experienced under Dan Hurley. Imagine if they were actually back. The Longhorns in the Playoff seems unrealistic, but it really isn’t. Texas has the talent to run the table and win the Big 12. If they did that, they’d be in. Quinn Ewers must perform well, but even if he doesn’t, they have Arch Manning waiting to come in. Texas should be in good hands and could make a real run in 2023.
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1. Texas A&M
There are two Florida teams in the Final Four, so why not two Texas teams in the CFP? They are the Miami of this playoff, they have been good, but they don’t have the trophy case to back it up. A potential Texas vs Texas A&M matchup would be a dream scenario for college football fans. This could be a real possibility if the Aggies could play up to their potential. This scenario would have Texas A&M going undefeated, beating Alabama, and winning the SEC, possibly against Georgia. They have the roster to pull this off. I don’t need to keep repeating myself, we know what Jimbo Fisher has to do, and if he can do that, A&M could make a Playoff.
