College football has been a rollercoaster this season, with unexpected twists and turns at every turn. The chaos that unfolded over the previous three months seemed to continue through championship weekend, leaving fans and experts alike scratching their heads.

Unprecedented College Football Season Leads to CFP Dilemmas

Georgia's Backup Quarterback Triumph

Georgia, often regarded as the Boogeyman of college football, looked vulnerable throughout the season. However, they managed to win the SEC with backup quarterback Gunner Stockton stepping in for the injured Carson Beck. This unexpected victory added another layer of complexity to the playoff race.The Bulldogs' coach, Kirby Smart, found himself on the celebration stage after the win, yet he still complained about the schedule doled out by the league. It showed that even the seemingly dominant teams can face challenges and find ways to succeed.

Clemson's Miraculous Comeback

Clemson's journey this season was nothing short of remarkable. They lost the first game of the regular season to Georgia and the last to South Carolina, two of their toughest opponents. But in between, they won the ACC championship.In the ACC championship game, Clemson led by 17 in the fourth quarter but faced a fierce comeback from SMU. SMU tied the game with a 16-play, 79-yard drive and a touchdown pass with 16 seconds to play. However, Clemson's third-string kick returner, Adam Randall, returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards. Quarterback Cade Klubnik then hit Antonio Williams for 17 yards to set up a 56-yard field goal attempt. Nolan Hauser, one of three kickers used this season, nailed the kick, securing the victory for Clemson and sending them to the College Football Playoff.

Texas' Playoff Hopes and Quinn Ewers

Texas entered the playoff picture with high hopes, but their performance in the championship game raised questions. They struggled to string together first downs against the Big Ten's best defenses and had 518 total yards but still lost.This raises the question of whether Texas will last in the playoff unless quarterback Quinn Ewers changes his ways. His performance in the championship game was a cause for concern, and it remains to be seen if he can lead the team to success in the future.

The Power of the Transfer Portal

Arizona State is a prime example of how the transfer portal can transform a team. In 2023, they were one of the worst Power Five conference teams, with losses by 52, 36, and 36 points. But in 2024, with a transfer portal infusion, they won the Big 12 championship.The Sun Devils lost twice in 2024, by eight at Texas Tech and by 10 at Cincinnati with backup quarterback Jeff Sims playing for the injured starter Sam Leavitt. Leavitt accounted for four touchdowns in the Big 12 championship game, showing the impact that transfers can have on a team.

Other Notable Teams

Boise State won 11 consecutive games and advanced to the playoff with a Mountain West Conference championship. They have a strong case for a first-round bye.Indiana won 11 games and beat one team with a winning record. They are a lock for the CFP, but their wins against overmatched opponents raise questions about the quality of their competition.Army also won 11 games and won the American Athletic championship. With a win over Navy next week, they will reach 12 wins. Their success shows that teams from non-traditional power conferences can make an impact.Miami won nine in a row to begin the season but lost two of three to finish, both as double-digit favorites. They have been reduced to arguing that Alabama isn't worthy because it lost three games.Alabama, after losing two games to teams that finished 6-6 and finishing with a win over Mercer and Auburn, finds itself in a familiar position as a CFP contender. Their CFP argument is based on common opponents, as they beat both Georgia and South Carolina, who beat Clemson.In conclusion, this college football season has been a wild ride, with unexpected outcomes and controversial decisions. The CFP selection committee has a difficult task ahead of them as they try to find 12 worthy teams for the playoffs.