Official College Football Playoff results

CFP Committee Picks SMU Over Alabama for 12-Team Playoff, Despite Clemson's Win

Dec 8, 2024, 05:39 PM

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee has made a controversial decision by selecting SMU over Alabama for a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff field. CFP Committee Chair Warde Manuel explained that despite Alabama's strong strength of schedule, the committee felt that SMU's performance, particularly in the ACC title game where they lost on a last-second field goal, warranted their inclusion at the 10th rank. This decision sparked debate, with some observers praising the committee for their choice while others criticized the selection process, noting that Clemson had recently defeated SMU. Alabama's head coach, Nick Saban, expressed his disappointment with the committee's decision.