The first expanded College Football Playoff season brought unexpected drama as traditional powerhouse Alabama was left out in favor of SMU due to the Crimson Tide’s three losses. Despite Alabama’s notable victory over SEC champion Georgia, losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma cost them a spot in the playoffs. The SEC, much hyped after adding Oklahoma and Texas, ended up with fewer bids than the Big Ten.
The playoff brackets saw undefeated Oregon taking the top seed, followed by Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State. Texas, as the highest at-large seed, will face off against Clemson in the opening round. Penn State will play SMU, while Notre Dame will go up against Indiana. Ohio State will take on Tennessee in a highly anticipated first-round game with the winner advancing to face Georgia in the quarterfinals.
The postseason excitement was fueled by SMU’s strong performance, highlighted by a close loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game. The playoff selection process showcased how crucial a team’s overall record and quality wins are, as Alabama missed out despite their impressive victories. This season’s playoff format changes added an extra layer of competitiveness and unpredictability, setting the stage for intense matchups and exciting football action.
Source
Photo credit nypost.com