College Football Playoff: What’s next for Tennessee, Clemson, Indiana, SMU after first-round losses

The first round of the College Football Playoff featured four losing teams, but each of the four leaves the year on firm ground. It was nearly unthinkable that SMU or Indiana could play for a national championship entering the year. Clemson and Tennessee also cemented themselves as programs on the rise. 

Now, the hard part starts. After reaching the College Football Playoff, programs have to capitalize. For some, it will mean full-scale rebuilds and revamps of the roster. For others, this experience will carry them through to the future. In fact, three of the four teams will return their quarterbacks in 2025. 

With that in mind, here’s what’s next for each of the College Football Playoff first-round losers as they set their sights on the offseason. 

Tennessee: Get receiver help

While the Vols were underdogs heading into the matchup with Ohio State, no one expected them to get steamrolled by the Buckeyes worse than Northwestern did. For all the blame going around towards quarterback Nico Iamaleava or the offense line or the defense, wide receiver was the position group that separated this game. 

While Iamaleava’s inexperience didn’t help, Tennessee only had one player with more than 500 yards receiving on the year. There are 249 players nationally with at least 50 targets this season, three of whom played at Tennessee. None ranked higher than 173rd in yards per route run. 

On the other side, Ohio State obliterated a talented Tennessee defense with their receivers. Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka combined for 11…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-playoff-whats-next-for-tennessee-clemson-indiana-smu-after-first-round-losses/

Author : Shehan Jeyarajah

Publish date : 2024-12-24 14:41:00

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