A year ago, ESPN and College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit found himself at the center of a storm when he advocated for Alabama over an undefeated Florida State University (FSU) for the final spot in the 2023 College Football Playoff. The backlash from FSU fans was swift and intense, leaving Herbstreit with a bitter taste from that experience.
Selection Sunday Excitement
Fast forward to today, and it’s Selection Sunday once again for the College Football Playoff. Fans across the nation are buzzing with anticipation as they await the announcement of the 12-team field. Who will make the cut? Which teams will have the chance to chase the championship? The excitement is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Herbstreit’s Hesitation
Given the vitriol he faced last year, Herbstreit has been understandably cautious about making bold predictions this time around. “After last year, I’ve learned I have no opinions about anything. I think everybody gets a trophy, everybody gets in. I want no death threats, no punishment for eight months for #FSUTwitter,” he humorously remarked during a recent interview. Yet, the pressure from ESPN’s Mike Greenberg during Sunday NFL Countdown coaxed a slight prediction out of him.
Herbstreit Predicts SMU Over Alabama
Herbstreit hinted that he expects the 13-member CFP selection committee to favor ACC runner-up SMU over a three-loss Alabama for the Playoff’s final at-large bid. “I think they’ll put SMU in because of the extra data point that they had to play while they were three spots ahead of Alabama,” he explained. It’s a bold statement, considering the storied legacy of Alabama football.
SMU’s Heartbreaking Loss
SMU’s path to the Playoff wasn’t without its heartbreak. The Mustangs faced off against Clemson in the ACC Championship game, where they lost in dramatic fashion. A last-second 56-yard field goal from Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser sealed a 34-31 victory for the Tigers, sending them to the Playoff while leaving SMU’s fate hanging in the balance.
Alabama Sidelined
Meanwhile, Alabama, ranked No. 11, sat at home in Tuscaloosa, unable to defend their SEC title. The Crimson Tide watched as No. 5 Georgia triumphed over No. 2 Texas in a nail-biting overtime finish, claiming the 2024 SEC Championship. With a record of 9-3, Alabama’s absence from the Playoff picture has left fans questioning the committee’s decision-making process.
Comparing Resumes of Alabama and SMU
As the selection committee deliberates, the resumes of Alabama and SMU are under the microscope. ESPN broke down the key factors that could influence the committee’s decision:
Alabama
Strength of Record: 9th
Game Control: 6th
FPI: 6th
Strength of Schedule: 16th
SMU
Strength of Record: 15th
Game Control: 12th
FPI: 13th
Strength of Schedule: 60
SMU finished the season with an 11-2 record, and their only other loss was to a 10-win BYU team early in the season. However, the question remains: will their heartbreaking loss to Clemson be enough to keep them out of the Playoff field?
The Controversy Ahead
Herbstreit expressed concern over the potential fallout from the committee’s decision. “It hurts me because what I think you’re going to see is a spin the other direction – nothing against Bama or SMU,” he noted. He anticipates that athletic directors and coaches will argue that Alabama’s tougher schedule should weigh heavily in their favor, despite SMU’s higher ranking. “Bama played this schedule and they had that record. SMU didn’t beat anybody, their best wins are Louisville and Duke,” he said, highlighting the contrasting paths of the two teams.
The Final Thoughts
As the clock ticks down to the selection announcement, the college football community holds its breath. Will the committee reward the underdog in SMU, or will they opt for the tradition and strength of Alabama? Herbstreit, while hesitant to share a firm opinion, seems to lean towards SMU, citing the extra data point from their recent game. “So I’m guessing SMU, but I have no idea what they’ll do. Keep me out of it. I’m just here to call the games,” he concluded with a laugh.
With so much at stake, the selection process promises to be as thrilling as the games themselves. Fans will soon find out who will make the cut and who will be left on the sidelines, waiting for another chance next year. The drama of college football never fails to deliver!
