Miami hopes for College Football Playoff spot after strong season
- The College Football Playoff committee selected 12 teams for the first time, expanding opportunities for various programs.
- SMU's last at-large selection secured a challenging matchup against 6th seed Penn State, with the game set for December 21.
- The selection sparked debates on fairness and competition in college football, especially concerning omitted teams like Alabama.
In December 2024, the College Football Playoff committee made its final selections, announcing a historic 12-team bracket for the first time. SMU, with an 11-2 record, claimed the last at-large berth, securing its playoff position despite a recent loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship. This decision followed extensive deliberation among committee members, reflecting on the competitive landscape in college football and the implications for program representation across conferences. The Mustangs will face No. 6 Penn State in the first round on December 21 at Beaver Stadium in Pennsylvania. The outcome of this matchup will play a crucial role in determining their path towards a potential national championship. Meanwhile, the selection process sparked debate regarding the exclusion of notable teams such as Alabama, which finished with a 9-3 record and missed out despite being a powerhouse in the SEC. This year's expanded playoff format allowed for a broader range of schools, aiming to enhance competitive balance and provide opportunities to teams from less represented conferences. The decision also highlights ongoing challenges and controversies in college football, particularly regarding fairness and equity in playoff selections, as many fans and analysts continue to voice opinions on the criteria used by the committee. The playoff's first round will kick off on December 20 and culminate with the national championship game on January 20, 2025, setting the stage for an exciting postseason for college football fans everywhere.