The College Football Playoff is set

The GIST: The College Football Playoff (CFP) is set, with No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Texas, and No. 4 Alabama filling out the exclusive four-team field, and the selection committee leaving one undefeated team out in the cold.

• As a refresher, a team’s regular-season record takes them only so far in college football: a 13-member committee selects the four CFP teams based on metrics like schedule strength and conference championship wins, and that same committee is taking some heat for yesterday’s decision. Can you say drama?

How it happened: Following an undefeated 13-0 regular season and a 16–6 ACC Championship game win over Louisville on Saturday, Florida State landed at No. 5 in the final poll, listed outside the top four for just the second time this year.

• This marked the first time ever that the selection committee snubbed an undefeated Power Five champ, in part because of FSU’s unfortunate quarterback (QB) situation. Superstar QB Jordan Travis broke his leg on November 18th and the committee decided the current team was not worthy of a playoff bid without him. Double ouch.

• As for unfamiliar underdog ’Bama, the Tide rolled to a 27–24 SEC Championship game win over the two-time defending champs, No. 6 Georgia, squashing the Dawgs’ chance of a three-peat. Ruff.

What’s next: Some well-deserved rest before the CFP semis kick off on New Year’s Day. No. 1 Michigan will take on No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl semi, while No. 2 Washington will face No. 3 Texas in the parallel Sugar Bowl. Let the countdown begin.