Paul Finebaum Discusses Pressure on SMU and Clemson in College Football Playoff
Paul Finebaum shared his thoughts on the inclusion of SMU and Clemson in the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) field during a recent appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. He noted that the ACC finds itself under significant scrutiny this season, especially after last year’s controversial omission of Florida State.
Clemson secured its spot by winning the ACC Championship, while SMU’s inclusion over Alabama, despite having fewer losses, surprised some observers. Finebaum believes the committee’s decision reflects lingering effects from the Florida State snub in the previous season and a desire to preserve the importance of conference championship games.
“The ACC was at the center of this conversation,” Finebaum explained. “The FSU hangover from last year really influenced the committee. Plus, if Alabama had been included, it would have devalued these championship games.”
Finebaum also highlighted the pressure on both SMU and Clemson to perform well in the CFP. Clemson, set to face Texas, could finish the season 0–3 against SEC teams if it loses. This streak includes a 34–3 loss to Georgia earlier in the year, further complicating the ACC’s standing in comparison to the SEC.
For SMU, a lopsided loss to Penn State would fuel questions about the qualifications for CFP teams in future seasons. Finebaum emphasized that the ACC’s reputation could be at stake depending on the outcomes.
The first round of the CFP begins in less than two weeks.
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