The No. 8 SMU Mustangs will face the No. 17 Clemson Tigers on Saturday in a pivotal ACC Championship matchup, with a potential College Football Playoff berth on the line. In their first ACC season, the Mustangs have had remarkable success under head coach Rhett Lashlee, who was recently named ACC Coach of the Year. A conference title in their inaugural season would mark a historic achievement for SMU.
Despite their accomplishments, controversy has emerged surrounding the CFP committee’s stance. If SMU loses to Clemson, there’s speculation they could drop behind Alabama, who is idle, and miss the playoffs. Critics argue this highlights a flaw in the playoff system, suggesting that SMU might benefit more by skipping the game entirely to preserve their ranking.
Lashlee remains resolute, emphasizing that SMU is prepared for the challenge and committed to playing for the ACC title. This game is not only a milestone for the Mustangs but could reshape perceptions of playoff eligibility criteria moving forward.
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