SMU Secures Final College Football Playoff Spot Amid Controversy
By CLIFF BRUNT, AP Sports Writer
The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee has selected Southern Methodist University (SMU) for the final at-large spot in the expanded 12-team field, edging out powerhouse Alabama following intense debate. SMU’s impressive 11-2 record, highlighted by a narrow loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game, bolstered their case.
Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee expressed gratitude, stating, "I just think America saw SMU belongs." The 11th-seeded Mustangs will face No. 6 seed Penn State in the first round.
The selection process sparked controversy, particularly regarding Alabama’s exclusion. The Crimson Tide, boasting quality wins against Georgia and South Carolina, finished with a 9-3 record but suffered critical losses to Tennessee and Oklahoma. Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne criticized the committee, claiming disappointment in the outcome and asserting they were among the nation’s best teams.
Despite Alabama’s challenging schedule, all their defeats came within conference play. As they prepare for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on December 31, Byrne stated he would reevaluate future nonconference matchups.
Others, including Miami, South Carolina, and Mississippi, also missed out on the playoffs. The committee’s chair, Warde Manuel, emphasized the importance of strength of schedule, provoking backlash from Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin who questioned the decision on social media.
In a notable twist, Boise State from the Mountain West Conference earned the No. 3 seed, surpassing Big 12 champion Arizona State, who received the fourth seed. The playoffs underscore ongoing debates about the treatment of Group of Five teams compared to Power Four programs, raising questions about equity in college football.
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