The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) field was unveiled on Sunday, marking a significant expansion from the traditional four-team format. This inaugural iteration added layers of complexity and intrigue, as teams battled not only for conference championships but also to secure one of the coveted playoff spots. Below, we break down the final selections, analyze the committee’s decisions, and delve into the most controversial inclusions and exclusions.
The Final CFP Rankings
Top 12 Teams Announced by the Selection Committee:
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Boise State
- Arizona State
- Texas
- Penn State
- Notre Dame
- Ohio State
- Tennessee
- Indiana
- SMU
- Clemson
On Championship Weekend, pivotal games reshaped the playoff picture:
- Boise State defeated UNLV to secure the Mountain West title.
- Arizona State edged past Iowa State to win the Big 12.
- Georgia overcame Texas in the SEC Championship.
- Oregon topped Penn State for the Pac-12 crown.
- Clemson narrowly defeated SMU to claim the ACC title.
These conference champions earned automatic bids, leaving seven at-large spots to be fiercely contested. Among the notable absentees were traditional powerhouses Alabama, Miami, Ole Miss, and South Carolina.
Examining Key Exclusions
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Final Record: 9-3 (3rd in SEC)
- Signature Wins: Georgia (41-34), South Carolina (27-25), LSU (42-13)
- Key Losses: Vanderbilt (40-35), Tennessee (24-17), Oklahoma (24-3)
Alabama’s omission sparked heated debate, particularly given their win over SEC Champion Georgia. However, the Tide’s three losses, including a blowout against a .500 Oklahoma team, were glaring blemishes. Additionally, their absence from Championship Weekend proved costly. CFP Chairman Warde Manuel highlighted that Alabama’s strength of schedule (opponents’ combined record: 92-52) kept them ranked above other three-loss teams but ultimately wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot.
SMU, ranked 10th, earned the nod over Alabama due to their undefeated conference record and competitive showing against Clemson in the ACC Championship. Manuel pointed to SMU’s resilience, particularly in the second half against Clemson, as a deciding factor.
Miami Hurricanes
- Final Record: 10-2 (3rd in ACC)
- Signature Wins: Florida (41-17), Cal (39-38), Louisville (52-45)
- Key Losses: Georgia Tech (28-23), Syracuse (42-38)
Miami’s late-season stumble against Syracuse dashed their playoff hopes. Despite a stronger loss profile than Alabama—both defeats came against teams above .500—the Hurricanes’ absence from the ACC Championship hurt their case. Manuel emphasized that Miami’s body of work remained impressive but was ultimately overshadowed by other teams’ achievements.
Ole Miss Rebels
- Final Record: 9-3 (3rd in SEC)
- Signature Wins: Georgia (28-10), South Carolina (27-3)
- Key Losses: Kentucky (20-17), LSU (29-26), Florida (24-17)
Ole Miss’ strongest argument for inclusion was their dominant win over SEC Champion Georgia. However, their inconsistency—evidenced by narrow losses to middle-tier SEC opponents—left them as the second team out. The Rebels entered Championship Weekend ranked 13th and lacked opportunities to improve their standing.
Analyzing the Selection Process
The CFP committee’s criteria include:
- Conference Championships Won: Automatic bids for champions.
- Strength of Schedule: Heavily weighted in evaluating at-large candidates.
- Head-to-Head Results: Critical in breaking ties between comparable teams.
- Performance Against Common Opponents: Used to differentiate similar resumes.
- Overall Body of Work: Balancing wins, losses, and quality of competition.
Warde Manuel’s comments underscored the committee’s focus on “body of work.” Alabama’s losses to unranked teams, compared to SMU’s narrow defeats against ranked opponents, proved decisive. For Miami, failing to reach the ACC title game created an insurmountable gap despite their strong resume.
Takeaways from the Expanded Playoff Format
- Increased Opportunities: The 12-team format allowed teams like SMU and Indiana to showcase their programs on a national stage.
- Championship Weekend Impact: Teams playing for conference titles held a significant edge in securing at-large bids.
- Margins Matter: Narrow losses and second-half performances, as seen with SMU, carried substantial weight in committee deliberations.
- Traditional Powers in Peril: The new format did not favor perennial contenders like Alabama and Miami, emphasizing performance over reputation.
Looking Ahead
As the 12-team playoff era begins, this inaugural selection highlights the importance of consistency, schedule strength, and conference championships. While some fan bases will question the committee’s decisions, the expanded format has undoubtedly amplified the drama and stakes of college football’s postseason. The stage is now set for an exciting playoff, with fresh matchups and compelling narratives awaiting fans.