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The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket was unveiled on Sunday, signaling a significant shift in the way teams are chosen to compete for the national championship.

The playoff committee’s selections highlight that historical success alone does not guarantee a spot in the postseason.

One of the most debated decisions was the inclusion of SMU over three-loss Alabama as the #12 seed. SMU’s selection came after a narrow defeat in the ACC Championship game, where a 56-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser sealed their loss.

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The Mustangs’ overall performance this season earned them the nod, leaving Alabama, a team with three losses including two against unranked opponents, on the outside looking in.

The top four seeds, all conference champions, were granted first-round byes. The Oregon Ducks, following a thrilling Big Ten Championship win over Penn State, secured the #1 seed.

The Georgia Bulldogs claimed the #2 seed after defeating Texas in the SEC Championship. Boise State earned the #3 seed, and Arizona State rounded out the top four as the Pac-12 champions.

The first round features compelling matchups, with several teams aiming for redemption after championship weekend defeats.

#5 Texas vs. #12 Clemson: Texas, fresh off a loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship, faces ACC champion Clemson. Despite their loss, Texas is viewed as a strong contender and could have a favorable path ahead.
#6 Penn State vs. #11 SMU: Penn State, whose only losses this season were to top-ranked Oregon and Ohio State, will face SMU in a game that could set up a potential clash with Boise State in the next round.
#7 Notre Dame vs. #10 Indiana: Notre Dame, an independent team that was idle during championship weekend, will take on in-state rival Indiana, creating an intriguing regional battle.
#8 Ohio State vs. #9 Tennessee: Ohio State, a two-loss team, hosts Tennessee in what promises to be a hard-fought game between two storied programs.

Alabama’s omission marks a departure from past seasons, where the Crimson Tide often found a way into the playoff picture.

Despite being ranked in last week’s projections, their three losses, including defeats against unranked teams, ultimately cost them a spot.

Miami, a two-loss team with several narrow wins and controversial finishes, was also excluded, signaling the committee’s emphasis on consistent performance over the course of the season.

Texas, despite their loss to Georgia, is in a favorable position with a matchup against Clemson and a potential second-round game against Arizona State, whose roster depth pales in comparison to Texas’ talent.

Penn State, another team coming off a tough championship loss, faces SMU in the first round.

If they advance, they will meet Boise State, a team lacking the NFL-caliber players that top-tier programs like Penn State and Oregon boast.

The 12-team College Football Playoff marks a new chapter in the sport, offering more opportunities for teams to compete for the championship.

With a mix of perennial powerhouses and underdog stories, the bracket sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason.

Fans can expect plenty of drama as the tournament unfolds in this expanded format.