Essentially the only path that guarantees a playoff berth for Alabama is an SMU win, as College Football Playoff selection committee chair Warde Manuel explained: “Those who are not playing [in conference championship games], we will not adjust those teams.” Manuel told ESPN.

The College Football Playoff is expanding to 12 teams for the first time this season, and the CFP committee revealed its final rankings before Selection Sunday

And the SEC again got the benefit of the doubt. Same as it ever was, right? That was the sentiment emanating from ACC Country Tuesday after the College Football Playoff's penultimate rankings propelled a three-loss Alabama team over a two-loss Miami.