As the 2024 college football season approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on perennial powerhouses like Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and Oregon.
Those four are regarded by most as a notch above the rest of the country.
However, with the playoff field finally expanded to 12-teams, there’s going to be more dance spots than ever up for grabs.
The expanded field and ongoing conference realignments have opened the door for lesser-heralded teams to carve out their own paths to national championship contention.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel recently highlighted West Virginia and Texas A&M as prime candidates among the 12 “extreme long-shot teams” with potential to secure a playoff berth.
On a recent episode of the ‘College Gameday Podcast,’ Thamel told co-host Reece Davis, “I would say of this grouping, West Virginia and Texas A&M are the two teams I feel like could do it.”
Under head coach Neal Brown, West Virginia rebounded from consecutive losing seasons to win nine games last year, capping the season with an impressive victory over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
As Texas and Oklahoma depart for the SEC, the Big 12 landscape offers new opportunities, and Thamel sees the Mountaineers as poised to capitalize in 2024.
“They have a lot of continuity on the o-line, a ton of continuity in the run game,” Thamel noted.
Key returnees include junior running back CJ Donaldson, who amassed 798 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and senior quarterback Garrett Greene.
Greene, a dual-threat quarterback, passed for 2,406 yards and rushed for 772 yards in 2023, contributing to 29 total touchdowns.
Meanwhile, in College Station, Texas A&M welcomes new head coach Mike Elko, fresh off a successful stint at Duke where he led the Blue Devils to a surprising 9-4 record in 2023.
Elko faces the challenge of revitalizing the Aggies following a tumultuous period under Jimbo Fisher. However, the defensive lineās talent makes Texas A&M a compelling dark horse.
“The more people I talk to, the more optimistic I am that Texas A&M could have one of the better defensive lines in the country,” Thamel said.
Despite losing LT Overton and Walter Nolen, the Aggies boast returning standout Shemar Turner and have added Nic Scourton from Purdue, the Big Ten’s sack leader in 2023.
This bolstered defensive front could be crucial for Texas A&M’s playoff aspirations.
Thamel also emphasized the importance of home-field advantage for both teams.
Texas A&M kicks off its season at home against a strong Notre Dame squad, while West Virginia faces a tough opener against Penn State.
Both games are set for August 31, providing early tests for these potential playoff contenders.
What are your thoughts on Thamel’s comments?
Who are YOUR playoff dark-horses???