The expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) field from four to 12 teams was to give more teams from different conferences a fair shot at claiming the national title with the promise to include other underrepresented conferences. However, instead of the expanded CFP to ease the controversies, reduce the perceived bias for powerhouse teams, and level the playing field, the expanded format only shifted the discourse, centering it on whether the Southeastern Conference’s Alabama Crimson Tide or the Atlantic Coast Conference’s SMU deserved the final spot.
Despite Alabama’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse in college football, their omission from the bracket came up as a surprise by the committee. The strength of Alabama’s schedule, along with the history of success under coach Nick Saban, made this all the more vocal to fans as to why they’d be disappointed in the exclusion.
Raising questions about the importance the committee placed on schedule versus win-loss records.
In the first 12-team edition of the @CFBPlayoff, the simulated #BCS and the committee include 11 of the same teams, disagreeing only on Alabama vs. SMU. Here's your side-by-side brackets under both: pic.twitter.com/7ewBvClSSp
— BCSKnowHow.com (@BCSKnowHow) December 8, 2024
Fans React to Alabama’s Ommission in The 12-Team CFP Selection
Coach Nick Saban took to ESPN to express concerns. In his recent tweet on X (formally called twitter), Saban expresses concern on what the selection means for future scheduling practices.
He questioned what will encourage Tier 1 teams to face other Tier 1 opponents if strength of schedule is not something the committee considers a primary focal point.
Nick Saban on ESPN: "If we don't take strength of schedule into consideration, is there any benefit to scheduling really good teams in the future. Here at Alabama, we're supposed to play Notre Dame, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Florida State in the future outside the league. Those are…
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 8, 2024
His comments sparked debate on the future of non-conference games and how they might be canceled if they didn’t carry any weight in playoff selections.
admist the chatter, SMU was the center of attention. Some argue that the selection of SMU for this prestigious recognition is simply a way of recognizing the merits of their season, while others question just what metrics were taken into account in favor of them instead of more traditionally dominant programs.
The fans released their views on the selection on Twitter and Instagram. Comments ranged from angry posts decrying what many see as a snubby put-down of Alabama and Miami, to messages of excitement for what it will mean to SMU to compete on a national level. It was a very volatile outpouring from an active and passionate college football fan base.
SMU and Clemson BOTH don't belong in the playoffs. Strength of schedule should have been considered first. A signal has been sent to not play a difficult schedule. They're worried about conference championships? Why weren't they worried about the whole 12 game regular season.
— Ricki Tiki (@Space7not8) December 8, 2024
The Committee has now told all good teams to not schedule tough regular season games. Theyre saying you better schedule the Massachusetts and Kent Sts of the college football world, and go 12-0. They thought sacrificing the quality of regular season games was worth it.
— Ricki Tiki (@Space7not8) December 8, 2024
The crying for Alabama is gross
— Luke Driscoll (@ldriscoll12) December 8, 2024
Words I never thought I’d type: Congratulations to SMU Football on making the CFP field. If I’m going to have fun at a rival’s expense I also have to recognize when they’ve earned accolades, and the Mustangs absolutely have this year. Now, please go do this to the PSU field. pic.twitter.com/hnSe7KPvny
— Marc Istook (@MarcIstook) December 8, 2024
"SMU deserves to be in the Playoff over Alabama no matter what."
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2026: "Welcome to the 16-team College Football Playoff, with 10 automatic bids guaranteed to the SEC and Big Ten." pic.twitter.com/QgVVS8hfxX
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) December 8, 2024
With the expanded CFP field becoming a reality, the selection committee is bound to face increased scrutiny. The criteria for team selection and the importance placed on factors such as season performance, strength of schedule, and conference championships would continue evolving and lead to more controversy and analysis.
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