The college football landscape is heating up as the first College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket is set to be revealed next week [5]. At the same time, major programs like LSU and Penn State are in the midst of coaching searches, adding another layer of intrigue to the season [3, 4].
Playoff Locks and Potential Pitfalls
Several teams are considered locks for the initial CFP rankings [5]. While the exact teams remain unnamed in the provided context, the looming release of the bracket intensifies scrutiny on contenders' performances. Teams with challenging schedules face potential "landmines" that could derail their playoff hopes [3]. For example, Oregon faces a tough stretch against Big Ten opponents [3].
Coaching Carousel Commences
The firing of Brian Kelly at LSU has triggered a high-profile coaching search [4]. LSU and Penn State are attractive destinations due to ample resources [3]. One coach already working in Louisiana has emerged as an early favorite for the LSU job [4]. The search to find the "right man" highlights the high stakes and intense competition in college football [4]. Meanwhile, Ohio State is seeking revenge against Penn State, according to a quote from Ryan Day attributed to Jim Knowles [1].
TL;DR
- The first College Football Playoff bracket will be released next week, increasing the pressure on teams vying for a spot [5].
- LSU and Penn State are currently searching for new head coaches, adding to the off-field drama [3, 4].
- Oregon faces a challenging schedule that could impact its playoff chances [3].
- Alabama linebacker Qua Russaw is working to return from a foot injury [6].