Confirmed: Alabama vs. Michigan. Rose Bowl. New Years Day.

The Alabama Crimson Tide made it into the College Football Playoff, being seeded at No. 4 and facing off against the No. 1 ranked Michigan Wolverines in a Rose Bowl matchup for the right to play in the National Championship.

Things looked in doubt for the Tide even after defeating Georgia with all of Washington, Michigan, Texas, and Florida State winning their conference championship matchups, but ultimately the committee placed Alabama in over undefeated Florida State in the last spot.

It’s a decision that won’t come without criticism, as it is the first time in the entire ten year history of the College Football Playoff that an undefeated power five champion was left out.

Since Seminoles star quarterback Jordan Travis was lost for the season several weeks ago, Florida State has been a different team. While they were still able to win against Florida and last night against Louisville, offensive struggles marked both wins.

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When it comes down to the “best four teams”, the committee had to weigh an undefeated record for Florida State vs. Alabama’s strength of schedule, eleven wins in a row and what was the best win of the season in college football in the SEC Championship.

While many will not be happy about the decision, you simply cannot make the case that the Crimson Tide is not one of the four best teams in the country, and that’s how the committee saw it as well.

The other playoff matchup will pit No. 2 Washington against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Both games will be played on Monday, January 1st with the national championship being played a week later the following Monday.

Here’s the general reaction from Michigan’s fanbase at the moment:

Michigan’s reaction to seeing they drew Alabama is an all-time reaction 😂 pic.twitter.com/y3zBNVW6Zd

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 3, 2023