Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior Writer, brings us the latest on the College Football Playoff. With the first 12-team field announced, there are some intriguing matchups and storylines. Let's dive in and explore the details.

SMU's Narrow Escape and Controversy

SMU, despite a loss in the ACC championship game, managed to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. Head coach Rhett Lashlee and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips insisted that their team's undefeated league play should be enough. The CFP selection committee chair, Warde Manuel, explained the tough decision, emphasizing the value of strength of schedule. SMU trailed Clemson by 17 points but rallied to tie the game with 16 seconds left. Clemson then won on a last-second field goal. Lashlee expressed his relief and gratitude after seeing SMU make it into the playoff.The team's performance throughout the year was a key factor. They have two losses by a combined six points to ACC champ Clemson and 10-2 BYU. While they don't have a win over a Top 25 team, they have a 5-2 record against teams over.500. This shows their consistency and ability to compete.Alabama, on the other hand, had a different path. The Crimson Tide were ranked No. 12 in the final rankings despite not playing on Saturday. They have a 41-34 victory over SEC champion Georgia and two other Top 25 wins, but also three losses, including two to.500 teams.

Conference Champions and Byes

Oregon earned the No. 1 overall seed with an undefeated record. Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State were awarded first-round byes as the highest-rated conference champions. Clemson, despite winning the ACC title, missed out on a bye and was seeded No. 12. They will play at No. 5 seed Texas.The other first-round matchups are No. 11 seed SMU at No. 6 seed Penn State, No. 10 seed Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, and No. 9 seed Tennessee at No. 8 seed Ohio State. These games will be played on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 at home sites.

Quarterfinal and Semifinal Matchups

The four quarterfinal games will be staged at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (Boise State-SMU/Penn State winner), Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Arizona State-Clemson/Texas winner), Rose Bowl presented by Prudential (Oregon-Tennessee/Ohio State winner), and Allstate Sugar Bowl (Georgia-Indiana/Notre Dame winner) on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.The two semifinal games will take place at the Capital One Orange Bowl and Goodyear Cotton Bowl on Jan. 9 and 10. The CFP National Championship presented by AT&T is scheduled for Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.Each team's record and performance throughout the season play a crucial role in these matchups. Oregon's undefeated run, Georgia's strong showing, and the ups and downs of other teams make for an exciting playoff picture.