Paul Finebaum believes the SEC will get at least three teams in College Football Playoff

The SEC has a chance to make history in the 2024 campaign. During an appearance on “GoJo and Golic,” Paul Finebaum revealed how many SEC teams he expects to make the 12-team College Football Playoff.

“I would conservatively go with three,” Finebaum said. “I’m not bold enough to go with four because I just think that there’s so many variables. But, there’s a couple of games I think that will determine whether a Tennessee or an Alabama gets in. Or, you mentioned LSU a few minutes ago, or Ole Miss.

“If things go well, they could get four. But, I think it’s going to come down to the Big Ten or the SEC, in terms of getting four. If Oregon, Ohio State [and] Penn State survives in its usual 10-2 season, they’ll probably get in. And then, does Michigan pull an upset or two? Does somebody come out of nowhere? But, if I had to give you a number in Vegas, I’d say, 3.2. It’s a little more than three, but by no means, can I say four.”

In the 12-team format, the four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded Nos. 1-4 and receive a first-round bye. One of those teams will be from the SEC. However, there are still eight other slots available.

Teams can earn at-wide berths in the CFP with excellent performances during the regular season. With Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC in the upcoming season, the conference has no shortage of talented teams.

According to FanDuel, Georgia is the favorite to win the national championship in the 2024 campaign. However, Texas, Alabama and Ole Miss are also in the top six. LSU and Tennessee follow closely behind and are in the top 12.

Heather Dinich explains the CFP selection process

In July, ESPN’s Heather Dinich provided further details on how the SEC could squeeze four teams into the CFP.

“Here’s what people have to remember: it’s the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven best teams. So you got an SEC champ in, right, but you also have Big Ten, Big 12, ACC and a Group of Five champion. There’s five gone, you got one SEC in.

“But then, I think you can have three other SEC teams in there. Texas should be in, the loser of the SEC Championship game, then what are we talking about? Ole Miss, they should be in if they’re a two-loss team.”