SMU's thrilling battle against Clemson and its subsequent drop in rankings pose a significant conundrum for the College Football Playoff committee. With Alabama's unexpected jump into the provisional playoff field, the final set of rankings on Sunday becomes crucial. Let's delve into the details and predictions.

Unraveling the College Football Playoff Puzzle

SMU's Battle Against Clemson

The Mustangs fought valiantly against Clemson, tying the game with less than 30 seconds remaining. However, a 56-yard field goal in the final seconds sealed their 34-31 loss. This defeat dropped SMU to 11-2 and seemingly out of the playoff picture. But the question remains: will they fall out completely?SMU's performance against Clemson showcased their tenacity and potential. They gave the Tigers a run for their money and demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with. This loss, though painful, does not diminish their accomplishments throughout the season.

Alabama's Surprising Entry

Alabama's leap into the provisional playoff field despite having a 9-3 record is a surprise. They jumped Miami, who had a 10-2 record, and ended the regular season with a win. This raises the question of whether head-to-head results will hold weight in the playoff selection process.The committee's decision to include Alabama has opened up a can of worms. Will they be willing to have both Clemson and SMU in the playoff field with SMU ahead of Clemson? And what about the other teams? The playoff picture is becoming increasingly complex.

First-Round Byes and Matchups

The four teams with first-round byes seem straightforward. Oregon, as the Big Ten champion with a 13-0 record, is a clear favorite. Georgia, the SEC champion with an 11-2 record, and Boise State, the Mountain West champion with a 12-1 record, also earned their spots. Arizona State, the Big 12 champion with an 11-2 record, is just behind Clemson in Tuesday's rankings.In the first-round matchups, SMU finds itself at No. 12 and will face No. 5 Texas. Clemson is at No. 11 and will take on No. 6 Penn State. Indiana is at No. 10 and will play No. 7 Notre Dame, while Tennessee is at No. 9 and will face No. 8 Ohio State.The matchups are intriguing, especially with SMU in the playoff field over Alabama. It would be odd to have both Clemson and SMU in, but the committee's decision could have a significant impact on the playoff outcome.

The Committee's Dilemma

The committee faces a difficult decision. They need to evaluate each team based on their performance and watch all the games this weekend. Will they stick with head-to-head results or look at other factors?If they drop SMU below Alabama, it could set a precedent and create confusion in future playoff selections. On the other hand, if they keep SMU in, they may face criticism for not following the head-to-head rule.The committee's decision will not only affect the playoff teams but also the matchups and the overall excitement of the postseason. It's a delicate balance that they must navigate.In conclusion, the College Football Playoff field is in a state of flux. SMU's loss to Clemson has thrown a wrench into the plans, and Alabama's entry has added another layer of complexity. The committee's final rankings on Sunday will determine who makes the playoff and how the matchups shake out. Stay tuned to find out the outcome.