Paul Finebaum plays down SEC powerhouse's chances of making College Football Playoff
Paul Finebaum's SEC prediction doesn't paint a rosy picture for the Florida Gators this season. Despite Georgia being the top pick to win the Southeastern Conference and Texas gaining traction in the polls, Finebaum believes the Gators' chances of reaching the College Football Playoff are slim to none.
Speaking on Thursday's edition of ESPN's "The Paul Finebaum Show," the veteran analyst played down the chances of coach Billy Napier's team making the postseason.
"To make the playoff, they are probably going to have to be 10-2," Finebaum said. "So, when you look at the schedule, you have to find 10 wins on that schedule. I don't know how you do it."
According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, Florida has just a 0.7% chance of winning the SEC and an 8.3% chance of making the playoffs. With the toughest schedule in the nation, including six ranked SEC opponents and challenging non-conference games against Miami and Florida State, the Gators are facing an uphill battle.
Low expectations, a grueling schedule and a lack of proven talent make Florida's playoff hopes a long shot in 2024.
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With Gators' least chances, Georgia dominates SEC championship predictions
The SEC football season is just around the corner, and the excitement is already building. After SEC Media Days in Dallas, media members were asked to predict the 2024 SEC champion and the regular-season standings. The Georgia Bulldogs emerged as the heavy favorite, securing a whopping 165 votes to win the championship.
Texas came in a distant second with 27 votes, followed by Alabama with 12. Ole Miss garnered four votes, while Vanderbilt and LSU each picked up two and South Carolina received one.
Despite Georgia’s dominance in the predictions, the competition at the top of the conference promises to be fierce. Fans can look forward to a thrilling opening weekend, with 10 SEC teams hitting the field on Saturday, Aug. 31. The marquee matchup between LSU and USC in Las Vegas will cap off the Labor Day weekend on Sunday night.
This season also marks a significant change for the SEC as it transitions to a 16-team conference, eliminating divisions for the first time since 1991.
The stage is set for a memorable year, and the road to the championship is wide open.
Also Read: When does Georgia play Alabama in 2024 CFB season? A look at schedules of SEC powerhouses