SMU Coach Rhett Lashlee Makes Strong Case for Playoff Inclusion Despite Championship Game Uncertainty

Rhett Lashlee, head coach of the SMU Mustangs, has firmly stated that his team’s No. 8 ranking in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee rankings proves they deserve a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff format. Speaking ahead of SMU’s ACC Championship showdown against No. 17 Clemson on Saturday, Lashlee emphasized that his team has already earned their place, regardless of the game’s outcome.

SMU’s Dominant Season

The SMU Mustangs (11-1) have been a standout in their first season as members of the ACC, going undefeated in conference play with an 8-0 record. They now face Clemson (9-3) for an automatic playoff berth, but Lashlee insists that the Mustangs’ consistent performance throughout the season already makes their case clear.

“The reason I know we should be in is that the committee ranked us. They’ve said we’re good enough,” Lashlee stated during the ACC Championship Game press conference. “The regular season is over for all 134 teams. The committee said we’re the eighth-best team in the country, better than some teams in the playoffs right now.”

Controversy Over Rankings and Championship Games

While SMU’s impressive season has been acknowledged, committee chair Warde Manuel hinted earlier this week that the Mustangs could drop behind No. 11 Alabama (9-3) with a loss. This remark raised questions about how championship game results impact rankings.

Manuel explained that teams not competing in championship games are essentially locked in their positions, while those participating could move up or down based on their performance.

Lashlee countered this notion, stating, “If a team not playing can’t jump another team not playing, then how could a team playing a championship game be penalized? We’ve shown up, done the right thing, and earned this opportunity.”

Championship Games and Expanded Playoffs

The discussion about the value of conference championships has intensified with the introduction of the expanded playoff format. Some coaches have questioned whether competing in these games puts teams at risk of being penalized for a single loss.

However, Lashlee dismissed the idea of bypassing the ACC Championship as a strategy. “We respect the opportunity to play for a conference title,” he said. “Facing Clemson and competing for the ACC Championship is a significant honor. Winning our conference is bigger than just securing a playoff spot—it’s the right thing to do, and it speaks to our integrity.”

Trusting the Selection Committee

Lashlee expressed confidence in the selection committee’s ability to make the right decision, trusting that SMU’s accomplishments would be recognized. “Our players have earned the right to be one of the 12 best teams in America. The committee ranked us that way, and we believe they’ll reward our efforts fairly,” he concluded.

The Path Forward

As the Mustangs prepare to face Clemson, the stakes are high, but Lashlee’s unwavering belief in his team’s worthiness highlights the broader conversation about fairness in the CFP rankings. SMU’s consistent excellence throughout the season, coupled with their No. 8 ranking, puts them in a strong position to make history, whether through an automatic berth or committee selection.

The ACC Championship Game on Saturday will not only determine SMU’s fate in the playoff race but also test the committee’s ability to uphold fairness and integrity in this new era of college football.