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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Ryan Phillips

CFP Committee Explains Why SMU Beat Out Alabama for Final Spot

Alabama SMU CFP CFP Committee the Crimson Tide Warde Manuel Clemson Mustangs
Alabama went 9-3 and missed the College Football Playoff in its first season under head coach Kalen DeBoer. | Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Alabama will be watching the College Football Playoff from home this year, and the committee that left the Crimson Tide on the sidelines is now justifying that decision.

On Sunday, the College Football Playoff committee revealed the final 12-team rankings and bracket. SMU grabbed the final at-large spot, leaving Alabama as the final team out. The Crimson Tide finished 11th in the rankings, but Arizona State (12) and Clemson (16) received automatic bids, thereby jumping Alabama. SMU finished 10th in the rankings.

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