first college football playoff bracket

Vender Womder

2 min read

·

22-11-2024

1

0

Share

The year was 2014. The BCS era, with its controversies and unpredictable outcomes, was drawing to a close. A new era dawned: the College Football Playoff. For the first time, a four-team playoff system would determine the national champion, ending years of debate and speculation about the "best" team. Let's revisit that groundbreaking inaugural bracket and the season that led to it.

The Four Chosen Teams: A Contentious Selection

The inaugural College Football Playoff featured four teams, each with a compelling case for inclusion, but also sparking considerable debate even then. The selected teams were:

• Alabama Crimson Tide: The SEC Champion, Alabama dominated their conference, showcasing a powerful defense and a potent running game. Their undefeated regular season solidified their place in the playoff. They entered as the top seed.

• Oregon Ducks: The Pac-12 Champion, Oregon's high-powered offense, led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, earned them the second seed. Their fast-paced, innovative style of play captivated fans, though their defense occasionally faltered.

• Florida State Seminoles: The ACC Champion, Florida State, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Jameis Winston, squeaked into the playoff despite a loss during the regular season. Their strong overall performance and conference title secured their spot, though controversy surrounded their inclusion.

• Ohio State Buckeyes: The Big Ten Champion, Ohio State's remarkable late-season surge propelled them into the playoff as the fourth seed. Their playoff berth was particularly contentious given their two regular season losses; they benefited significantly from other teams' losses.

The Selection Committee's First Decisions

The 13-member selection committee faced immense pressure in making their inaugural decisions. Their choices were dissected and debated endlessly, setting the stage for future years' equally intense discussions. The inclusion of Ohio State, a team with two losses, was perhaps the most controversial aspect of the first bracket. This decision highlighted the complexities of evaluating teams with different strengths and weaknesses, and the inherent subjectivity of the selection process. This precedent established that conference championships weren't necessarily a guaranteed ticket into the playoff.

The Games and the Champion

The semifinal games were played in the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl, with the winners advancing to the national championship game.

• Rose Bowl: Florida State vs. Oregon. Oregon's high-powered offense proved too much for Florida State's defense, resulting in a decisive Oregon victory.

• Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Ohio State. In an upset that shocked many, Ohio State's defense stymied Alabama's typically dominant offense, securing a hard-fought victory.

This led to the national championship game between Oregon and Ohio State. Ohio State's defense continued its strong performance, and their offense managed enough points to secure a victory against Oregon, claiming the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship.

Legacy of the First Bracket

The first College Football Playoff bracket remains a significant moment in college football history. It marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new system designed to determine the national champion in a more transparent and less contentious way, though debate continues annually. The selection committee's inaugural choices sparked discussions about the criteria used for selection, the importance of conference championships, and the overall fairness of the system. These discussions continue to shape the selection process and the ongoing conversation surrounding the college football playoff. The 2014 playoff showcased the excitement and drama inherent in a multi-team playoff system, paving the way for the many thrilling seasons to follow.