I keep thinking about this in my head, and while based on the committee’s own past statements SMU should not be penalized for losing a conference title game, I don’t see any way they don’t drop out.
The reason is the committee will see fit to put 10-3 Clemson ahead of 11-2 SMU, but they wont move Clemson ahead of the SEC trio due primarily to the loss to SC. So instead the committee will move SMU down to one spot below Clemson, and out of the playoffs.
Relatedly this is the first time I’ve thought the committee could actually move Clemson ahead of the Big 12 champion - to make the SMU drop seem not as bad. And then Clemson gets a bye while Alabama sneaks in.
The only thing I’m not sure of is if this puts us on a fast track to a 16 team playoff or to 4 guaranteed bids for SEC and B1G (or both).
The reason is the committee will see fit to put 10-3 Clemson ahead of 11-2 SMU, but they wont move Clemson ahead of the SEC trio due primarily to the loss to SC. So instead the committee will move SMU down to one spot below Clemson, and out of the playoffs.
Relatedly this is the first time I’ve thought the committee could actually move Clemson ahead of the Big 12 champion - to make the SMU drop seem not as bad. And then Clemson gets a bye while Alabama sneaks in.
The only thing I’m not sure of is if this puts us on a fast track to a 16 team playoff or to 4 guaranteed bids for SEC and B1G (or both).
