Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne expressed disappointment and frustration after the Crimson Tide was left out of the College Football Playoff. Byrne had argued that Alabama’s strength of schedule made them a more deserving candidate than SMU, but the selection committee disagreed. Byrne suggested that the team would reevaluate its non-conference schedule in the future.
Alabama had been ranked 11th in the final rankings, but did not have a conference championship to play for. The Crimson Tide’s three losses, including two to unranked teams, were seen as a negative factor in the selection process. Meanwhile, SMU’s undefeated record in conference play and losses to ranked teams were seen as a positive.
The selection committee chair, Warde Manuel, explained the decision, saying that while Alabama’s strength of schedule was valued, SMU’s losses to ranked teams and its undefeated record in conference play gave them the edge. Alabama will instead play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan.