SMU found itself in a precarious situation during the ACC Championship Game on Saturday night. Falling behind by double digits early on, they managed to fight back and tie Clemson in the closing moments. However, it wasn't enough as Clemson managed to secure a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Automatic Bid and At-Large Consideration

With this win, Clemson almost guaranteed an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff as one of the top five conference champions. This left the Mustangs at the mercy of the selection committee for an at-large bid. It was a tense situation that had many wondering about SMU's chances.

Color Commentator's Perspective

During the broadcast after the game, color commentator Greg McElroy passionately made the case for SMU to be included. He firmly believed that "they absolutely have proven that they are good enough." McElroy pointed out that SMU had gone toe-to-toe with the top team in the ACC for the past 10 years and had come close to victory. Even with a subpar performance at the beginning of the game, he argued that the committee would be setting a dangerous precedent by leaving SMU out. "If SMU is left out, it's essentially de-incentivizing the conference championship game, which is concerning for the health of college football," he said.

At-Large Bid Implications

If SMU were to get an at-large bid, it would likely come at the expense of Alabama, currently ranked No. 11 and vying for the last at-large spot. McElroy's belief in SMU's case was perhaps telling, considering he is a former Alabama quarterback. He essentially made the case for an outcome that could see his alma mater miss the playoffs entirely. "When you think about what we watched tonight, I don't think anyone could come out of this and think that SMU doesn't belong," he emphasized.

SMU's Capabilities and Potential

SMU has shown time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to fight back from a double-digit deficit and tie a top team like Clemson is a testament to their resilience and talent. Despite the early struggles, they have the potential to make a significant impact in the playoffs. Their performance throughout the season and their ability to compete at a high level give them a strong case for inclusion.