Clemson's ACC Championship Win: A 56-Yard Field Goal for the Ages

Nolan Hauser, a freshman kicker from just outside Charlotte, etched his name into Clemson football history with a 56-yard field goal as time expired, securing a thrilling 34-31 victory over SMU in the ACC Championship game. This improbable win, fueled by a stunning comeback from SMU and a last-minute surge from Clemson, catapulted the Tigers back into College Football Playoff contention, leaving the Mustangs' fate hanging precariously in the balance.

The Unlikely Path to the Playoff

Clemson's journey to the ACC Championship was anything but straightforward. A season marred by early losses to Georgia and Louisville, followed by a late-season defeat against South Carolina, left the Tigers' playoff hopes seemingly dashed. Dabo Swinney, Clemson's head coach, faced intense scrutiny regarding his team's performance and recruiting strategies. Yet, Swinney and his team persevered, clinging to their belief and ultimately securing their ninth ACC championship and seventh College Football Playoff berth—a feat that seemed unimaginable just a week prior.

The Comeback That Almost Was

SMU's performance was nothing short of remarkable. Facing a 24-7 deficit at halftime, the Mustangs mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points to tie the game with a mere 16 seconds left on the clock. Their second-half surge, driven by quarterback Kevin Jennings' impressive 31 completions for 304 yards, demonstrated the Mustangs' championship-caliber resilience and arguably set the stage for a contentious playoff selection debate.

The Final Seconds: A Kicker's Dream, A Coach's Plea

Following SMU's tying score, Clemson's Adam Randall delivered a game-changing 41-yard kickoff return, setting the stage for Hauser's legendary kick. Hauser, despite a season marked by inconsistencies (eight missed kicks), showed nerves of steel and an unwavering confidence. His successful attempt delivered Swinney his ninth ACC championship and a playoff berth, sparking joyous celebrations on the field. Dabo Swinney's post-game comments praising SMU's performance underscored the intensity and significance of the game.

The Post-Game Aftermath: Swinney's Plea for SMU

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Swinney publicly championed SMU's playoff inclusion immediately after the game. His statement – “That’s a playoff football team. SMU better be in the dang playoffs” – highlighted the Mustangs' strong performance and reignited the debate surrounding their playoff eligibility. This unprecedented endorsement from a victorious coach added a unique layer to the already complex selection process.

The Playoff Selection Committee's Dilemma: SMU's Precarious Position

SMU's position going into the selection process was uniquely precarious. Their impressive comeback notwithstanding, the Mustangs' loss in the ACC Championship game raised critical questions for the playoff committee. Would they penalize a team for losing a game they had to play to reach the final? Such a precedent, critics argued, could potentially devalue conference championship games in the expanded playoff format. The committee faced a difficult decision: weigh SMU's regular season performance and second-half comeback against their loss and the overall strength of their schedule, which was less impressive compared to other competing teams.

The SEC vs. ACC Debate: A Recurring Theme

The SMU-Alabama debate, central to the playoff selection drama, highlighted the perennial conflict between the SEC and other conferences. The selection committee's decision would set a precedent impacting future playoff selections and could also influence the role of conference championship games in the selection process. The committee needed to consider various factors: SMU's regular-season performance, their impressive comeback, their loss to Clemson, Alabama's less than stellar performance against Oklahoma, the relative strength of the ACC and SEC, and the potential for disrupting the established order of championship-game importance.

Multiple Contenders, Limited Spots: A Complex Decision

The committee's challenge extended beyond SMU and Alabama. Other teams like Penn State, Texas, Arizona State, and Boise State were all vying for playoff berths, adding to the selection committee's complexity. Each team presented a unique set of arguments for inclusion. The committee was tasked with evaluating the relative strengths of these teams, and their performances against top-tier opponents, while simultaneously considering the impact of conference championship game results and seeding implications for future rounds of the playoff. The committee’s decision was not just about choosing teams; it was about setting a precedent for the newly expanded playoff format.

The Verdict: Awaiting the Final Selection

The College Football Playoff selection committee convened to deliberate on the fate of the Mustangs and other contending teams. Their final decision would not only determine the 12 teams that would compete for the national championship but also solidify the criteria for future playoff selections, especially concerning the importance of conference championship games in the expanded format. The selection committee's verdict, announced on Sunday, held profound implications for the future of college football's playoff system. The final decision was expected with bated breath by fans and coaches alike. It truly was a waiting game for a result that would shape the landscape of college football for years to come. The impact of this year’s selections will be felt for years to come. This is just the beginning of the new expanded playoff system.