The Biggest 'What Ifs?' of the 2024 College Football Season
The 2024 college football season is winding down, with only the national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame remaining. That makes this a great time to embark upon the annual tradition of looking back at key moments of the year.
As always, hindsight is 20/20. In some of these situations, it's possible that nothing would have changed. Having a specific player available—and really, we mean a quarterback—might not have flipped a result.
Then again, maybe it would have.
These hypotheticals are a constant around the sport. Let's dive into five significant what-if moments from the 2024 season.
Matthew Sluka Stayed at UNLV?
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The Moment
Late in September, news broke that UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka would be leaving the program. The decision was related to a disagreement in regard to a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal.
The Result
Sluka departed the team after helping the Rebels beat Houston and Kansas en route to a 3-0 start. UNLV still put together an 11-3 season, only losing to Syracuse (by three points) and twice to Boise State—including a 21-7 setback in the Mountain West Championship Game.
The What-If
Hajj-Malik Williams took control of UNLV, and he certainly didn't have a bad year. Perhaps the Rebels were the best version they could be anyway.
But it would've been intriguing to see Sluka, a highly productive dual-threat quarterback, get a shot at Boise State. UNLV likely would've been headed to the College Football Playoff had it beaten Boise in the MWC title game.
BYU Snuck Past Kansas?
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The Moment
BYU carried a 9-0 record into a mid-November clash with Kansas, which had pulled a Top 25 upset on Iowa State one week earlier. Kansas held a 17-13 advantage in the fourth quarter as BYU—needing a touchdown—made it inside the red zone. However, the drive stalled at the 11-yard line, and that turnover on downs sealed BYU's 17-13 loss.
The Result
If the Cougars had managed to beat Kansas, they would've held a greater margin for error down the stretch. Ultimately, they missed out on reaching the Big 12 Championship Game by finishing behind Arizona State and Iowa State in a four-way tiebreaker.
The What-If
Ending the season with an 8-1 Big 12 mark would've sent BYU to the league title game. Yes, that includes the actual loss at Arizona State, so maybe the Cougars would have dropped a second clash, too. However, a rematch on a neutral site—one in which the winner unofficially had a CFP berth at stake—is clearly a more favorable situation and could've seen BYU represent the Big 12 instead.
Miami Didn't Lose a Lead at Syracuse?
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The Moment
Facing a must-win matchup at Syracuse, Miami roared out to a 21-0 lead in the opening half behind a hot start from Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward. But as the offense slowed, the defense imploded. Kyle McCord shredded the Hurricanes for 380 passing yards and propelled the Orange to a 42-38 comeback win.
The Result
Not only did Miami squander a spot in the ACC Championship Game, the 'Canes fell behind Alabama in the next CFP rankings. There was no path for 10-2 Miami to squeeze into the Playoff, even had SMU beaten Clemson for the ACC crown.
The What-If
In all likelihood, winning at Syracuse would have locked Miami into the CFP. Losing to SMU in the ACC title game would've put the 'Canes at risk, but an 11-win Miami team probably makes it regardless.
While nothing would have been guaranteed from there, the dynamic Ward-led attack would've been a tough opponent in the Playoff.
Carson Beck Didn't Hurt His Elbow?
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The Moment
On the final play of the opening half in the SEC Championship Game, Georgia called a Hail Mary in hopes of scoring before the break. Typical stuff—until Trey Moore attempted to swat the ball and inadvertently caused a season-ending elbow injury to UGA quarterback Carson Beck.
The Result
That day, the Dawgs' stout defense propelled them to a 22-16 victory in overtime. They won another SEC title and made the CFP as the No. 2 seed. However, Beck's injury meant Georgia would be turning to a first-time starter, Gunner Stockton, during the most significant portion of the year. Notre Dame wound up beating UGA in the CFP quarterfinals.
The What-If
Stockton had a decent day opposite ND and should not be saddled with blame for the Sugar Bowl loss. Again, there is no guarantee the outcome would be different. Nevertheless, it's fair to suggest UGA would've been more comfortable with Beck's experience under center.
Georgia was flawed, sure, but not having a veteran quarterback for the Playoff is an easy scenario to create a what-if question.
Drew Allar Didn't Throw That INT?
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The Moment
Notre Dame punted the ball away in a 24-all deadlock in the last minute of regulation at the Orange Bowl. Penn State had a pair of timeouts left, so looking for a few chunk plays in hopes of setting up a last-second field goal was a fine strategy.
Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, Drew Allar threw an interception at the 42-yard line.
The Result
Notre Dame promptly moved the ball into kicking range, and Mitch Jeter buried a 41-yard attempt in the closing seconds. The field goal secured a 27-24 win for ND, which advanced to the CFP title game and ended Penn State's memorable year in devastating fashion.
The What-If
If that possession ended even in a punt, the game likely would've gone to OT. No reasonable person can argue Penn State definitely wouldn't have won. So, naturally, the next step is considering PSU's chances in the national title game.
Ohio State pulled out a tight 20-13 victory over the Nittany Lions in early November and probably would've been the favorite in the rematch. But you never know what could've happened. Thanks to Allar's interception, we won't either.
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