The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee is facing a high-stakes scenario this weekend that could lead to significant controversy in Sunday’s final rankings. The outcome of the ACC Championship Game on Saturday night between No. 8 SMU (11-1) and No. 17 Clemson (9-3) could dramatically alter the playoff landscape.
If SMU secures a victory, they would claim a playoff spot and likely earn a first-round bye in the expanded CFP. However, a loss to Clemson would give the Tigers an automatic berth, forcing the selection committee to make a challenging decision: choosing between SMU and No. 11 Alabama for an at-large playoff bid.
Michigan athletic director and CFP committee member Warde Manuel hinted at the committee’s approach during an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay in Atlanta. Manuel stated that playoff seeding for teams not participating in conference championship games, such as Alabama, was already finalized. Currently, Alabama holds the lowest at-large seed.
This prompted ESPN analyst Pat McAfee to speculate on Alabama’s precarious position. McAfee suggested that even if SMU were to lose to Clemson, the Mustangs might still remain ranked ahead of Alabama, potentially leaving the Crimson Tide out of the CFP entirely.
“Then you have to wonder about Alabama,” McAfee said during the broadcast. “Warde just kind of hinted, without giving a direct answer, that if you’re not playing this weekend, you’re not being reseeded. So if SMU is ranked ahead of Alabama now, and Clemson wins, SMU might just slide into Alabama’s at-large spot. That would effectively eliminate Alabama from the 12-team playoff. Roll tide their [expletive] right out.”
The comment sparked immediate outrage from the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where SEC fans were gathered for the SEC Championship Game between Georgia and Texas. The largely pro-SEC audience booed McAfee, with chants of “SEC” erupting in support of Alabama.
Implications for the CFP Picture
McAfee’s controversial statement highlights the complexities of the CFP selection process, particularly with the new 12-team playoff format set to debut. The scenario he described underscores the delicate balance between rewarding teams for strong seasons and acknowledging the significance of conference championships.
SMU’s impressive 11-1 record, coupled with their high ranking, has positioned them as a formidable contender. However, their fate rests not only on the ACC Championship result but also on how the committee evaluates the performances of other teams like Alabama, whose case is bolstered by their strength of schedule and history of postseason success.
The SEC crowd’s reaction to McAfee’s remarks underscores the emotional investment fans have in the playoff process. For many, the idea of an SEC powerhouse like Alabama being excluded in favor of an 11-2 ACC champion—or a potentially less dominant SMU team—feels antithetical to the conference’s tradition of excellence.
Broader Reactions
The backlash against McAfee’s comments also points to the intense regional pride and rivalries that define college football. While his crude humor has become a hallmark of his on-air persona, the timing and content of his joke struck a nerve with fans who view Alabama as a perennial playoff fixture. For some, the suggestion that the Crimson Tide could miss the postseason felt like an affront to the SEC’s dominance in the sport.
As the CFP committee prepares to announce the final rankings, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With potential chaos looming, the debates over seeding and at-large bids are sure to dominate conversations well beyond Saturday’s games.