10 things college football fans can be thankful for

STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 19: Joe Burrow #9 and Ja"u2019Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers high five each other during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. The Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 36-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 23: Arizona Wildcats linebacker Colin Schooler (7) tackles Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Variety in the College Football Playoff

There are going to be some familiar faces in the College Football Playoff, without question. The Clemson Tigers have been a staple in the final four of the sport over the past few years and, given the lack of quality of South Carolina (their opponent in rivalry week) and in the ACC for the conference championship game, the Tigers are again going to punch a ticket to the CFP.

Moreover, the Ohio State Buckeyes seem to be a lock to get in as well if they can continue to handle business against Michigan in the regular-season finale and then in the Big Ten title game. Outside of those two teams, though, there is a very real possibility that we could finally see some fresh faces challenging for the national championship this season.

Given that Alabama is starting Mac Jones against Auburn and won’t be in the SEC Championship Game, there is a real possibility the Crimson Tide are left out of the CFP for the first time. Meanwhile, LSU might be a lock no matter what happens in the SEC title game. For that matter, they also are favorites to win and knock Georgia out of the mix.

Not only would LSU be a fresh face after recent years but we also have a real chance of seeing the Utah Utes join the party for the first time. If they can beat Colorado and then do work in the Pac-12 title game, it’s going to be hard to keep the Utes out of the final four.

What we should be thankful for, though, is the chance to see new teams in the mix this year. Yes, it’s still fun to see heavy-hitters and college football blue-bloods vying for the title. But it’s also perhaps even more enjoyable to see unfamiliar teams get that opportunity as well.

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