On December 3rd, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee announced which teams made the top 25 in NCAA football and who would be playing in the championship games.  The ranking is not solely based on the teams standings after conference championships. The committee ranks each team based on several criteria, including strength of schedule, head-to-head game results, and Conference Championship results.  

There was a lot of controversy after the top four teams were announced.  The University of Alabama was ranked fourth over Florida State University, who was originally placed fourth after their win over Louisville in the ACC championship game.  FSU went undefeated this season, while Alabama was 12-1, making them seem like the obvious pick for the number four spot.  Although some people believe that FSU deserved the spot to play in the Rose Bowl, ultimately Alabama was the better choice.

Alabama, who was ranked seventh in the NCAA before SEC championships, was not predicted to get a spot in the College Football Playoffs.  After delivering a win at the Iron Bowl, an annual game against one of their rivals, Auburn, Alabama moved on to the SEC Championships where they played, No. 1 ranked team, University of Georgia.  Alabama delivered a 27-24 win putting them in the number 5 spot for NCAA football.  This put them in the running for the playoffs.  

Alabama had one of the strongest schedules this year, being ranked fifth in the NCAA for strength of schedule, while FSU was 55th.  Leaving FSU out of the playoffs means that the ACC is left out of the playoffs for the third consecutive year.  The ACC has been one of the least effective power five conferences. Alternatively, leaving Alabama out would leave the SEC, the number one conference for NCAA football, out of the playoffs.

Alabama is capable of winning the championships.  Fandeul and BetMGM have Alabama with the second best odds, behind Michigan.  Florida State is predicted to lose against Georgia in the Orange Bowl, but Alabama has good odds against Michigan in the Rose Bowl.  Alabama’s better odds to win make them an obvious choice to play against number one, Michigan, rather than watching FSU get slaughtered in the game.  Fans want to watch an exciting game, not one where the winner is obvious from the start.  When asked, five of seven said Alabama deserved to win and that it will be an exciting game against Michigan on New Years Day!