Paul Finebaum names three teams he'd remove from the CFP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Dec 16, 2024 6:41 PM ET

The 2024 College Football Playoff bracket was announced almost a week ago, yet discussions continue regarding the selection of the 12 teams. The main debate has been if the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) deserved to be in over the No. 11 SMU Mustangs (11-2). Ultimately, the spot went to SMU.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network analyst was asked to settle a different debate: which teams he would include or exclude from the playoff. Finebaum selected only the 12 best teams in this scenario, disregarding conference automatic bids.

Finebaum indicated that he would remove the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers (11-1), the Mustangs and the No. 12 Clemson Tigers (10-3) from the playoff. Nonetheless, he would retain the next two highest-rated conference champions.

"If we're talking about the 12 best teams, I would definitely take out Indiana, I would take out SMU, I would take out Clemson, I would leave Arizona State in, I think they're a really good team," Finebaum said. "Boise (State), I would probably leave in."

As for what teams he would replace them with, Finebaum said he would add the No. 14 Miami Hurricanes (10-2) because he feels they are a really good team that fell apart at the wrong time. He would also add the No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels (9-3), the No. 16 South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3) and Alabama.

Finebaum took out three teams but brought in four, making it uncertain which of the new teams he would exclude in the 12-team field. He claims he isn't stating this due to his position with the SEC Network, but rather because he believes these are the top teams in the sport.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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