In the groundbreaking inaugural edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP)...

The most intense drama unfolded at the bottom of the bracket, where Southern Methodist University (SMU) and esteemed program Alabama battled it out for the final at-large playoff spot. In a surprising decision, the CFP committee chose the Mustangs, despite their recent loss to Clemson in the ACC title game. This unexpected choice raises questions about how the committee views performance and the criteria for selection.

First-Round Matchups To Watch

Game 1: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame (Dec. 20, 8:00 p.m. ET)