CHARLOTTE – Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney issued a bold message to the College Football Playoff selection committee, but his plea wasn't solely for his own team. After a nail-biting 34-31 win over SMU in the ACC Championship game, Swinney highlighted the potential playoff pedigree of his opponents while urging that they too deserve a spot in the postseason mix.

The night unfolded dramatically as Clemson triumphed on the foot of freshman kicker Nolan Hauser, whose colossal 56-yard field goal at the buzzer sent fans into a frenzy at Bank of America Stadium. This moment marked not only a thrilling victory for the Tigers but also a significant shift in the playoff landscape.

Clemson’s path to the College Football Playoff seemed precarious earlier in the season. Following a tough loss to Georgia, an unexpected defeat against Louisville, and a home loss to South Carolina just a week prior, many doubted Clemson's potential playoff prospects. However, they have now secured a spot, becoming the first team to steal a bid in the expanded playoff era.

With this victory, the Tigers (10-3) are projected to claim one of the five automatic bids allocated to the highest-ranked conference champions, pending the official announcement by the selection committee. Experts speculate Clemson could land as the No. 11 or No. 12 seed, setting up a challenging road matchup against prominent programs like Notre Dame, Penn State, or Texas.

On the flip side, the SMU Mustangs find themselves in a precarious position. Ranking eighth before the championship clash, their upset loss raises questions about their playoff viability. After trailing 24-7 at halftime, SMU staged a remarkable comeback led by quarterback Kevin Jennings. However, their valiant effort fell just short, leading to uncertainty about their postseason status.

The selection committee now faces a compelling dilemma: Will they grant the Mustangs a playoff spot despite the loss, or will they favor Alabama, who finished fourth in the SEC? Both teams present contrasting resumes: Clemson's lack of top-25 victories and questionable strength of schedule against Alabama's two top-15 wins and a schedule ranked significantly higher.

Clemson's victory adds complexity to the selection process, as questions arise about the implications of a championship game loser failing to make the playoffs. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed concerns about the potential consequences, warning that it could undermine the value of conference championships.

Swinney’s impassioned defense of both his team and SMU underscores the stakes involved, emphasizing the importance of rewarding teams that compete in conference title games. After the game, Lashlee ardently argued for his team's inclusion, stating, “It would be criminal if we are not in. It would be wrong not just to our team but to what college football stands for.” His comments underscore the frustration of high-stakes playoff decisions that can drastically shape future college football landscapes.

As the selection committee gathers at the Gaylord Texan resort in Dallas to finalize their choices, they will ponder not just the fates of SMU and Alabama, but also the positioning of teams like Penn State and Texas, complicating an already intense decision-making process.

Ultimately, the committee must weigh several factors, including how recent performances will influence seeding, and the precedent this situation sets for championship game losers moving forward. With the pressure building, this year's playoff selection could reshape not only team legacies but the framework of college football itself.