College football has some of the most dedicated fans, who are excited by the rivalries, tailgates and unforgettable atmosphere that has pumped up crowds. When the calendar comes around to fall, college football becomes the center of attention as fans pile in the stadium. As soon as chants break out within the stadium the excitement for competitive college football arrivesThe 2024 season has started with many victories, yet the typical surprising upsets.
Indiana University-Bloomington has historically struggled with football, never winning more than nine games in a single season. However, this year, new quarterback Kurtis Rourke and head coach Curt Cignetti energized the team, leading them to break several records. In the 2023 season, Indiana struggled to win over five games. On Nov. 9, 2024, the team demonstrated just how strong their comeback was when they achieved the milestone of defeating the reigning national champions, the University of Michigan, with a score of 20-15. This marked their 10th victory of the season. With a new system in place for playoff consideration, Indiana football is poised to make a strong push for the College Football Playoffs.
The Miami Hurricanes have had a competitive college football team for many years, boasting successful seasons and bowl game appearances. However, the program has not captured a national championship since 2001. This season, Miami received a boost when standout quarterback Cam Ward, who initially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, transferred from Washington State University to Miami to play one final season. Ward’s decision has been a game-changer for Miami’s program, as Ward has led his team to a winning record. Despite suffering their first loss of the season also on Nov. 9. The Hurricanes won nine straight games before this, generating excitement and surprising fans nationwide with their performance.
In an unexpected turn of events, teams that made an appearance in the College Football playoffs last season are struggling to win games. The departure of star players from the NFL has significantly impacted these teams. For example, the University of Michigan’s former quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and the University of Washington’s former quarterback Michael Penix both got drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Michigan and Washington both found themselves under new coaching administrations for their 2024 campaign as well, facing changes across the board. Another playoff team from the 2023 season, Florida State University, was fresh off a strong 13-1 season and has struggled to replicate that success, managing to secure only one win so far this year.
The University of Texas, the University of Georgia and Ohio State University have had successful seasons year after year. These teams continue to find themselves in the top rank and produce winning records. The fight continues between the underdogs and the top competitors for the final race to the finish line at the National Championship.
