No. 8 SMU is on the brink of a historic moment, with one direct path and another indirect route into the College Football Playoff. The Mustangs, boasting an impressive record of 11-1, are set to face off against No. 17 Clemson (9-3) in the ACC championship game. This highly anticipated matchup will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. on ABC.
SMU’s Impressive Season
The Mustangs have made quite a statement in their inaugural season in the ACC. With a potent offense that ranks fifth in the FBS, averaging 39.2 points per game, SMU has captured the attention of college football fans and analysts alike. Head coach Rhett Lashlee has emerged as a candidate for Coach of the Year, thanks to his innovative strategies and the team’s stellar performance throughout the season.
Paths to the Playoff
So, what are the potential paths for SMU to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff? The Mustangs have a chance for a first-round bye, but they must first navigate the challenges posed by the ACC championship game. If they emerge victorious against Clemson, they will secure one of the five automatic berths awarded to conference champions. However, if they fall to the Tigers, the road to an at-large berth becomes significantly more complicated.
Winning the ACC Championship
If SMU defeats Clemson, they would likely be positioned as the No. 3 seed in the playoff, trailing only the champions of the Big Ten and SEC. This scenario would grant them a coveted first-round bye, allowing the Mustangs to rest and prepare for their next game, which would likely be the Peach Bowl on January 1, a CFP quarterfinal matchup. Currently, SMU is favored by 2.5 points against Clemson, adding to the excitement surrounding this pivotal game.
What If Clemson Wins?
Conversely, if Clemson pulls off the upset, they would claim the ACC championship berth, but their path to a first-round bye would be murky. With three losses, the Tigers would have to leapfrog teams like No. 10 Boise State and No. 20 UNLV, who are competing in the Mountain West Conference championship, as well as the winner of the Big 12 championship game between No. 15 Arizona State and No. 16 Iowa State.
Would SMU still be in contention for an at-large berth if they lose? The answer is uncertain. The Mustangs are currently ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but a loss could drop them down the pecking order. Teams like Indiana and Boise State, both with 11-1 records, could leapfrog them. The potential for a heated debate between SMU and three-loss Alabama looms large, especially if the Mustangs suffer a narrow defeat.
Current Rankings and Implications
As it stands, SMU’s College Football Playoff outlook is promising. They finished the regular season with an undefeated 8-0 record in ACC play, with their only loss being a narrow 18-15 defeat to No. 18 BYU on September 6. With the Mustangs holding the No. 8 spot in the latest rankings, the stakes are high as they prepare for the championship showdown.
The perception of the game’s outcome will weigh heavily on the selection committee’s decision. If Clemson decisively beats SMU, Alabama may have the upper hand in the argument for an at-large berth. However, if the game is closely contested, SMU could maintain their position over Alabama, despite the latter’s stronger strength of schedule.
External Factors and Other Games
While SMU controls its own destiny in terms of securing a first-round bye, the results of other games could still play a role in their playoff hopes. The Mustangs are currently ranked ahead of participants in the Mountain West Conference and Big 12 championship games, which positions them favorably. However, the ultimate decision may hinge on the outcome of the ACC championship and how the committee views the Mustangs in comparison to other contenders.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, if SMU secures a playoff spot, they are projected to face the winner of the first-round matchup between No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 11 Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. This potential matchup could set the stage for an exhilarating contest, allowing the Mustangs and Crimson Tide to settle their differences on the field.
As the championship game approaches, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eager to see if SMU can rise to the occasion and solidify their place in the College Football Playoff. With a talented roster and a passionate coaching staff, the Mustangs have the tools they need to make history. Will they seize the moment, or will they find themselves on the outside looking in? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the stakes have never been higher for SMU football.
