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SMU has put together a magical season, qualifying for the ACC championship game in its first year with the conference as just one of four FBS teams with an unblemished record in league play. The Mustangs now turn their attention to arguably the biggest game in program history against Clemson, with ACC glory — and a whole lot more — on the line.
Yet there’s a lingering sense that SMU is headed toward a pitfall. Yes, the Mustangs could win the ACC and automatically secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff field. But what happens if they lose?
Understandably, SMU coach Rhett Lashlee has expressed some reservations about even playing the game. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips recently implored the College Football Playoff Selection Committee not to punish the loser of any conference championship game so long as that loser was already ranked inside the top 12.
SMU came in at No. 8 in the penultimate College Football Playoff Rankings release. On one hand, the Mustangs control their own destiny: beat Clemson, and there’s no doubt about their College Football Playoff standing.
Even if they lose, though — provided it isn’t in blowout fashion — this is a team that undoubtedly deserves a playoff berth. First off, the selection committee would be setting an extremely dangerous precedent if it excludes SMU.
It would provide incentive for teams to do everything they can to avoid a conference championship game in the future. Why risk a 13th data point, which almost 90% of the FBS doesn’t have to worry about, if it could cost you a shot at the national title?
The selection committee already laid the groundwork in 2023 when it excluded Florida State despite its 13-0 record and ACC crown. Conference championship games, an institution in this…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/smus-case-for-college-football-playoff-why-mustangs-deserve-spot-in-bracket-no-matter-acc-title-outcome/
Author : Will Backus
Publish date : 2024-12-06 19:34:00
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