3 groups that can make the playoff for the very first

Last fall, Tennessee beat No. 3 Alabama, made the No. 1 ranking for a fleeting minute, lost a close game to ultimate nationwide champion Georgia and came within a whisper of making the College Football Playoff for the very first time.Had it not

been for the Nov. 19 loss at unranked South Carolina– an awful 63-38 drubbing while playing without SEC Offensive Player of the Year Hendon Hooker– the Vols would have had a chance to make some history.In 2023, they have that opportunity again.Tennessee, USC and Penn State are strong candidates to become first-time playoff individuals. They would extend a streak of newbie CFP schools, following Cincinnati and Michigan in 2021 and TCU in 2022. While expectations are soaring at those programs

, history isn’t on the side of newbies. Throughout the playoff’s nine seasons, just 14 programs have participated in a possible 36 semifinal slots. 7 have actually reached the playoff only once, while the other 7– Alabama(7), Clemson(6), Ohio State (5), Oklahoma (4 ), Georgia (3 ), Notre Dame (2 )and Michigan (2 )– have each had numerous semifinal appearances.Tennessee coach Josh Heupel stated he doesn’t talk to the group particularly about the CFP– just surviving an SEC schedule that includes both Alabama and Georgia is difficult enough.” The outdoors sound and expectations are greater,”Heupel said.”That’s great for our fan base. At the end of the day, our work

practices are gon na dictate what we can achieve next fall. The thing that I have actually liked this offseason so far is that our sense of responsibility to ourselves and to this program has been increased. We have tangible proof of that. It’s a group that’s been exceptionally fully grown, and for those reasons, we do have great expectations next year. “While the Vols are looking for their first top-four finish, three other programs can show they aren’t one-hit marvels and go back to a semifinal for the second time.

Florida State hasn’t been to the CFP since its inaugural season in 2014. LSU won the SEC West last year but hasn’t ended up in the top four considering that winning the national title in 2019. And yes, Washington was in the playoff. Keep in mind? 2016? Listed below, we have a look at factors for optimism and issue as preparations start this spring for 3 teams attempting to make the playoff

for the very first time– and 3 trying to pick up.