BREAKING: Paul Finebaum Drops Strong Accusations Against Playoff Committee following SMU’s 34-31 loss to Clemson
The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee’s decision to choose SMU over Alabama for the 12-team playoff, despite SMU’s loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship game, has sparked considerable debate. Among the critics was ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, who accused the committee—particularly chair Warde Manuel—of inconsistency and questionable decision-making.
Finebaum expressed surprise and frustration on Sunday, suggesting the committee had hinted Alabama would secure a playoff spot if SMU lost the ACC Championship but then reversed course after SMU’s dramatic last-second loss to Clemson. “I think there’s a little bit of confusion,” Finebaum said, as reported by On3. “I think there’s a little bit of double-talk coming from Warde Manuel… He set one criteria, and then I think everybody watching the ACC game last night could see what was happening. That amazing comeback, the last-second walk-off. And you start thinking if I’m in a room with a bunch of people… we’re probably going to gravitate toward SMU. And I think that’s what happened. But I think they forgot their criteria on the way toward awarding SMU the berth.”
Finebaum went further, accusing the committee of prioritizing optics over consistency, suggesting the decision was made to minimize backlash both now and in the future. He speculated that if Alabama had been chosen over SMU, the committee would have effectively devalued conference championship games in determining playoff spots. Instead, SMU’s narrow loss to a playoff-bound Clemson was deemed more impressive than Alabama’s regular-season accomplishments.
“They’re being spun non-stop, even though they say they’re not,” Finebaum added, referencing potential outside influences on the committee’s decision-making process. He argued that awarding Alabama the spot would have created a national uproar and undermined the significance of conference championships. “The commissioners really can’t afford that,” he said, noting the SEC, despite being impacted, also has a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of championship games.
Finebaum’s critique highlights the ongoing tension in CFP decisions, as the committee balances performance, optics, and the broader implications of its selections.