Official NCAA bowl game announcements

SMU Edges Out Alabama for Final Playoff Spot; Will Face Penn State

Dec 8, 2024, 05:35 PM

SMU has secured the final at-large bid in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, edging out Alabama in a surprising decision. Despite losing the ACC Championship to Clemson on a game-winning field goal, the Mustangs, with an 11-2 overall record and an 8-0 conference mark, are seeded No.11 and will face No.6 Penn State in the first round. The winner will advance to play No.3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Alabama is the first team out of the playoff, marking a significant moment as they miss the postseason. The playoff bracket places undefeated Oregon as the No.1 seed, followed by Georgia at No.2, Boise State at No.3, and Arizona State at No.4.