SMU Secures Final Spot in First 12-Team College Football Playoff, Bumping Alabama Out of the Bracket and Placing Oregon at No. 1

The College Football Playoff is stepping into a new chapter with its first-ever 12-team format, and things are already getting heated.

The Mustangs of SMU (11-2) clinched the last spot in the bracket, pushing Alabama (9-3) out of the running.

Despite Alabama’s stronger schedule and more prominent SEC background, SMU’s solid season and fewer losses earned them the edge, even though they suffered a tough defeat in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game.

The Debate Over the Final Spot

This decision highlighted one of the challenges of the expanded playoff system.

While the new format gives more teams a chance at the title, there’s no foolproof way to pick the perfect field.

The Alabama-SMU debate is proof that even with a broader pool of teams, the selection process will continue to stir debates about the best way to crown a champion.

What’s Next for the Teams?

The tournament will kick off on December 20-21 with four thrilling first-round matchups.

These games will feature teams seeded from 5 to 12, and the excitement builds toward the national title game, set for January 20 in Atlanta.

Notable teams include Georgia, who clinched the second seed as the SEC champion, and Boise State, earning the third seed as the Mountain West champion.

Arizona State, the Big 12 champion, grabbed the fourth seed and the final first-round bye.

Clemson’s Surprising Move

One of the more surprising moments of the selection process was Clemson’s late push into the playoff field.

Their shocking victory over SMU cost Alabama its place and earned the Tigers the 12th and final spot.

Clemson’s win bumped them to No. 16 in the rankings, but thanks to their position as the fifth-best conference champion, they still managed to secure a playoff bid.

First-Round Matchups and Home Field Advantage

There’s been some tension about how the teams were seeded, especially since it also determines who gets home-field advantage for the first round.

The exact dates and times for these games are still pending, but we know that the matchups will include No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, and No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State.

With so much on the line, the first round is set to be packed with drama and excitement.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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