College football enthusiasts have been engaged in a heated debate following the recent events that led to Alabama (9 - 3 overall) missing the College Football Playoff (CFP) for just the third time since its 2014 debut. The question at hand is whether the selection committee got it right by favoring the SMU Mustangs over the Alabama Crimson Tide for the final at - large berth in this year's 12 - team playoff.

Unraveling the Controversy - SMU vs. Alabama in the CFP

Evaluating the Records

Alabama, a powerhouse in college football, entered the discussion with a solid record. However, their 24 - 3 loss on Nov. 23 to an Oklahoma Sooners team that finished 6 - 6 raised eyebrows. It was a game in which the Crimson Tide were heavily favored but failed to score a touchdown for the first time since 2011. This unexpected defeat cast a shadow over their playoff hopes.On the other hand, SMU had a respectable record. But when it comes to the CFP resume, it faced some challenges. The committee had to weigh the significance of each team's performance and determine which one deserved the at - large berth.

Analyzing the Conference Championship Game

Greenberg argued that the committee had no choice but to take SMU after they reached their conference championship game. He claimed that if Alabama had been ahead of SMU in the final CFP rankings, it would have set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to teams boycotting or forfeiting conference championship games. This added another layer of complexity to the committee's decision - making process.Finebaum, however, was critical of the committee's handling of the situation. He singled out Warde Manuel, the CFP committee chairman and the athletic director at Michigan, for his remarks on Tuesday night. Manuel's statements, according to Finebaum, put a roadblock in the way and essentially influenced the committee's decision.

The Future of Conference Championship Games

Finebaum closed by suggesting that Alabama got "jobbed" but that they had no one to blame but themselves. He also offered a prediction about the future of conference championship games. He believed that while the committee had preserved them for at least another year, their days were numbered. The financial implications and the potential for teams to boycott or forfeit these games were significant factors that needed to be considered.In conclusion, the selection committee's decision to favor the SMU Mustangs over the Alabama Crimson Tide has sparked a lively discussion among college football fans. The various factors involved, including records, conference championship games, and the statements of key figures, have all contributed to the controversy. As Alabama prepares to face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the debate over this decision will likely continue.