So much of the first season of the 12-team College Football Playoff has been spent adjusting the definition of success and reassessing what, exactly, qualifies as a “big game.” For some schools and their coaches, just getting into the field makes their year. For others, simply being there is not good enough. Not even close.
For many South Bend, Indiana fans, this round is a success, regardless of what happens next. For the Fighting Irish, making the Playoff in Year 3 under coach Marcus Freeman is a significant step forward, and they will be looking to make the most of it.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day, on the other side, has faced a lot of scrutiny after a disappointing season. His team’s first-round loss to Tennessee would be a major disappointment, especially considering their regular season record. Buckeyes fans would be furious if Day failed to lead the team to the national title.
Penn State coach James Franklin’s team is expected to make a deep run in the tournament, but to truly silence his critics, he’ll need to take the team to the finals. Conversely, a first-round loss would allow the critics to question his ability to lead the team to the big stage.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s team is expected to make a strong run, but a first-round loss would raise questions about the team’s championship mettle. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s team is riding a wave of optimism after their first season in the SEC, but a first-round loss would put pressure on him to deliver more in the future.
Other teams, like SMU and Indiana, have already exceeded expectations and are just enjoying the ride. Boise State coach Spencer Danielson has a short, pressure-free ride to a national title.
Source link
