Week 1 is loaded with marquee matchups involving SEC teams, but do season openers mean what they used to in this era of a 12-team College Football Playoff?

Florida State lost its opener against Georgia Tech, but the Seminoles retain a clear path to the playoff if they win the ACC Championship. However, that result still carried weight. It decreased the chances of the ACC qualifying multiple teams.

For SEC teams, these nonconference games could be the difference between earning an at-large playoff bid or not.

On today’s episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams discuss how the expanded playoff affects their perception of the regular season.

They also weigh in on Billy Napier’s job security and debate whether Georgia has earned “Alabama status.” The Bulldogs are heavily favored against Clemson.

The hosts finish by making their Week 1 picks against the spread.

Week 1 is loaded with marquee matchups involving SEC teams, but do season openers mean what they used to in this era of a 12-team College Football Playoff?
Florida State lost its opener against Georgia Tech, but the <a href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/college/fsu/2024/08/25/fsu-football-overreactions-as-the-seminoles-tumble-to-underdog-ga-tech/74943768007/" aria-label="Link Seminoles retain a clear path to the playoff">Seminoles retain a clear path to the playoff</a> if they win the ACC Championship. However, that result still carried weight. It decreased the chances of the ACC qualifying multiple teams.
For SEC teams, these nonconference games could be the difference between earning an at-large playoff bid or not.
On today’s episode, hosts <a href="https://x.com/btoppmeyer" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a> and <a href="https://x.com/johnadamskns" aria-label="Link John Adams">John Adams</a> discuss how the expanded playoff affects their perception of the regular season.
They also weigh in on Billy Napier’s job security and debate whether Georgia has earned “Alabama status.” The Bulldogs are heavily favored against Clemson.
The hosts finish by making their Week 1 picks against the spread.

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

SEC Football Unfiltered

Why 12-team College Football Playoff won't ruin regular season; plus, Week 1 picks!

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