With the conclusion of the conference championship games, the landscape for the College Football Playoff (CFP) is mostly determined, pending any shifts in seeding. However, a significant discussion looms regarding which team will claim the final at-large spot, a heated contest between Alabama and SMU.
The CFP committee’s decision-making will be closely watched, especially in light of the US LBM Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25 poll, both of which have placed Alabama at No. 11 and SMU at No. 12. If Alabama secures a position in the newly expanded 12-team playoff, it would mark a historic moment as the first three-loss team to gain an at-large bid. Following the regular season, Ole Miss and South Carolina sit at No. 13 and No. 14 in the CFP rankings, and committee chairman Warde Manuel has indicated that neither of these teams is expected to surpass Alabama due to their inactivity during the championship weekend.
Clemson claimed an automatic bid by emerging victorious in the ACC Championship over SMU, despite holding three losses. This victory complicated Alabama’s playoff aspirations as the Crimson Tide fell to Oklahoma in their penultimate game of the season.
The loss faced by SMU has thrown them into a precarious position. To remain in the playoff conversation, Alabama is relying on the committee to prioritize its strength of resume over SMU’s. Alabama’s standing is somewhat clearer as a bubble team, but Clemson’s triumph has left questions regarding its positioning in the final bracket.
For Alabama to claim that pivotal last spot, they need the committee to view their SEC experience, with three losses including two against teams that are currently 6-6, as stronger than SMU’s two-loss record, which does not feature any victories against ranked opponents.
Alabama’s three-loss SEC record showcases strength in their schedule compared to SMU’s. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), while Alabama stands at 9-3, their strength of record and schedule measures better than that of SMU, who are 11-2 but lack significant victories. It’s crucial to note that Alabama holds a 3-1 record against top 25 teams, while SMU has not secured any wins against such ranked opponents.
As fans and analysts eagerly await the CFP committee’s final decision, it seems this will be a defining moment for both teams. The outcome will illuminate how the committee weighs resumes, conference performances, and the impact of championship games. Regardless of the decision, it serves as an exciting reminder of the intense competition and high stakes present in college football.
In summary, the determination of the final playoff spot hinges on the committee’s evaluation of Alabama’s compelling résumé compared to SMU’s performance, highlighting the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of postseason college football. The resolution of this contention will likely occur on Sunday, when the CFP rankings are officially announced.