College Football 2024: What to Expect as the Season Kicks Off

With the highly anticipated start of the 2024 college football season just around the corner, excitement and speculation are building. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at what's new and what's hot in college football, from recruiting rankings to new rule changes.

New Season, New Rules

As the season begins, fans will notice a few changes on the field. College football has expanded the horse-collar tackle rule, previously only applying to tackles outside the tackle box. Under the new rule, horse-collar tackles inside the tackle box will now also be considered a penalty. This change is aimed at increasing player safety and reducing injuries. Another significant shift is the introduction of a 12-team College Football Playoff format, replacing the previous four-team format. This change is expected to bring more teams into the mix and potentially shake up the traditional seeding system. The new format includes at-large bids, which could lead to some exciting upsets and Cinderella stories.

Preseason Rankings and Recruiting News

Preseason rankings are always a hot topic in college football, with teams vying for top spots in the polls. According to ESPN's latest rankings, the top teams are looking strong, with perennial powerhouses like Georgia and Clemson leading the pack. However, there are also some sleepers to watch, including TCU, who's looking strong in the Big 12. Recruiting is also in full swing, with top prospects announcing their commitments and rankings being updated. The latest recruiting rankings have some surprises, with teams like Maryland and UConn making moves in the top 100 players. As the season begins, the schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Week 1 features a showdown between Georgia and Clemson, a game that could have significant implications for the College Football Playoff. Other must-see games include Maryland vs. UConn and Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M. In addition to these high-profile matchups, there are also some potential upsets brewing. Teams like Florida State, led by coach Mike Norvell, are looking to make a statement in their opening games. With the expanded playoff field, a strong start to the season could be crucial for teams hoping to make a deep run.

Expert Picks and Predictions

As the season begins, expert analysts and computer models are weighing in with their predictions. SportsLine's model has revealed its picks for the first week of games, including a surprise prediction for the UConn vs. Maryland matchup. Elsewhere, ESPN's expert analysts are predicting a shake-up in the top 10, with some teams poised to rise and others potentially falling. With so many variables in play, it's anyone's guess how the season will unfold.

More to Come

As the 2024 college football season gets underway, there's a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. With new rules, shifting rankings, and exciting matchups, this promises to be a season for the ages. Stay tuned for more updates, expert analysis, and predictions as the season unfolds.

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