After a thrilling finish to the ACC title game, the College Football Playoff committee is facing a critical decision: whether to include SMU or Alabama in the playoff field. The Mustangs’ 34-31 victory over Clemson has given them a slim chance of making the playoffs, despite being ranked No. 8 entering the game.
SMU’s comeback from a 17-point deficit was impressive, with quarterback Kevin Jennings and his 31 completions and 304 yards leading the charge. However, their chances are still uncertain due to their strength of schedule and losses to top-20 teams.
The committee must weigh the Mustangs’ impressive performance against Alabama’s weaker record, despite its two top-15 wins and a higher ranked strength of schedule. The SEC fourth-place finisher has a more established reputation in college football.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized that conference title games should not result in teams being penalized for playing an extra game. However, the committee may consider SMU’s inferior record to Alabama when making their decision.
The selection committee will gather on Sunday morning to discuss key decisions, including seeding other championship game losers and determining the order of teams like Arizona State and Boise State.
Ultimately, the committee’s decision will set a precedent for years to come. If they decide to include SMU in the playoffs, it could pave the way for the elimination of conference title games. On the other hand, if they choose Alabama over the Mustangs, it would be a repeat of last year’s controversial CFP history.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/after-clemsons-last-gasp-thriller-college-football-playoff-committee-faces-a-massive-decision-054808448.html