Ranking all 10 College Football Playoff National Championships from four-team era before field expands

The 2023 college football season came to a close Monday when No. 1 Michigan defeated No. 2 Washington 34-13 in the final College Football Playoff National Championship of the four-team era. The new-look CFP will feature a 12-team playoff starting next season, opening the door for even more teams to compete for a title.

Seven of the 10 title games from the four-team era have been decided by double digits and five were blowouts of at least 20 points. Last week, CBS Sports ranked every CFP semifinal of the four-team era with Georgia’s dramatic double-overtime Rose Bowl win over Oklahoma in 2017 topped the list. Georgia’s win in the semifinals set up a clash with SEC rival Alabama in the top-ranked championship game of the CFP era as well. 

Another memorable title game featured Clemson finally getting over the hump and capturing its first championship since 1981. The Tigers overcame a double-digit deficit to knock off the Crimson Tide in one of three championship meetings between two of the most decorated programs of the CFP era.

In honor of the CFP going to an expanded format starting next season, here is every title game raked 1-10: 

1. No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23 (OT, 2017)

By now you know the story. After Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled in the first half, coach Nick Saban inserted backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into the lineup. With the Crimson Tide trailing 13-0 at the break, Tagovailoa delivered a spark off the bench and finished the night with 166 yards passing and three touchdowns. Tagovailoa had arguably the most iconic moment in the history of the CFP when he connected with future Heisman winner DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard touchdown on Alabama’s second offensive play of overtime to capture the title.

2. No. 2…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ranking-all-10-college-football-playoff-national-championships-from-four-team-era-before-field-expands/

Author : Cameron Salerno

Publish date : 2024-01-10 16:28:37

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