One significant query hung over Sunday's College Football Playoff selection show on ESPN. The question was whether it would be SMU or Alabama securing the final berth in the CFP's inaugural 12-team format. This was a matter of great anticipation and speculation among football fans.

The Shocking Leak that Shook the College Football Playoff

Section 1: The Build-up to the Selection Show

The College Football Playoff selection show on ESPN was a highly anticipated event. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see which teams would make it to the playoffs. One major question that loomed large was whether SMU or Alabama would secure the final spot. The tension was palpable as the clock ticked closer to the show's start.There was a sense of excitement and uncertainty in the air. Everyone was waiting with bated breath to see how the selection committee would make their decisions. The fate of these two teams hung in the balance, and the outcome would have a significant impact on the playoff picture.

Section 2: McMurphy's Leak and its Impact

Just before the selection show was set to begin at 11:59 a.m. ET, Brett McMurphy of the Action Network reported that SMU had received the playoff's final bid over Alabama. This was a monumental moment, as it was believed to be the first of its kind in the 11 years since the College Football Playoff first took effect in 2014.The leak had a profound impact on the College Football Playoff and ESPN. SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee even referenced the leak during an interview on the selection show after the bracket was revealed. His comments added to the drama and controversy surrounding the event.This leak raised questions about the integrity of the selection process and the security of information. It also put ESPN in a difficult position, as they had to deal with the fallout of the leak and its impact on the broadcast.

Section 3: The Reactions and Investigations

The College Football Playoff was clearly not happy with the leak. Rich Clark, a key figure in the CFP, admitted that he was "furious" over the incident. He stated that an investigation would be conducted to determine how the leak occurred.According to Clark, the only people who would have had direct knowledge that SMU had been selected over Alabama when McMurphy reported it were the 13-person selection committee, the CFP staff, and ESPN. This narrowed down the potential sources of the leak and added to the mystery surrounding the event.ESPN, on the other hand, had to deal with the aftermath of the leak. Host Rece Davis stated on the broadcast that the only person connected to the show who knew which team had been picked was the person responsible for the graphic that went up as soon as it was announced. This attempt to clarify the situation did little to ease the tensions.Regardless of how the leak came to fruition, it was clear that it had caused significant damage to the College Football Playoff and its reputation. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the selection process and protecting sensitive information.