Dan Mullen has seen his share of winning football. The former coach has a 103-61 career record as a head coach and went 7-3 in bowl games. Now, Mullen works as an analyst for ESPN.
On Thursday night, Mullen was on the call for the Missouri-Murray State game in Week 1, and the coach-turned-analyst decided to reveal his picks for the 12-team Playoff in 2024.
Mullen has Ohio State, Texas, Miami, and Utah winning their conferences and securing the top 4 seeds and first-round byes in this year’s CFP. In order, Mullen then has Georgia, Oregon, Penn State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Missouri, Ole Miss, and Memphis rounding out the field.
The former SEC coach has 4 SEC teams making the Playoff, including Missouri. Notably, he does not have Alabama make the CFP in its first year without Nick Saban on the sideline.
Perhaps the biggest surprise with these picks is Texas winning the SEC. With 2024 being the Longhorns’ first season in the conference, it would be an impressive feat to win the SEC Championship in their first season.
Memphis is Mullen’s pick from the Group of 5 to make the Playoff. The Tigers play in the AAC, which is expected to be a weaker conference in 2024 with UTSA and Tulane expected to take a step back.
Mullen’s prediction would set up some interesting storylines. For example, a potential Notre Dame-Ohio State matchup in the quarterfinals would draw massive ratings. This would also be a favorable draw for Georgia, who would get to play Memphis in the first round and Utah in the second.
The first rankings for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff will be released on Nov. 5. Check out Saturday Down South’s National Championship page for the latest title odds.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
