SAD NEWS: Michigan’s Star Player Decided Not To Play Against….

What the nation is saying about Michigan’s Rose Bowl matchup against Alabama and the final CFP rankings.

Following Alabama’s 35-16 victory over Michigan in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, head coach Nick Saban of Alabama and head coach Jim Harbaugh of Michigan shake hands. (Mulholland, Mike | MLive.com)Mulholland, Mike | MLive.com

The four-team playoff format’s final playoff field is determined, but not without controversy.

The first team to be revealed during Sunday afternoon’s selection show was 13-0 Michigan, who had just defeated Iowa 26-0 on Saturday night in the Big Ten championship. As the top seed, they earned it. There was then suspense for the final spot as the matchup between Texas (12-1) and Washington (13-0) was revealed.

After ending Georgia’s 27-game winning streak in Saturday’s SEC championship, Alabama (12-1) was chosen. This meant that even though Florida State defeated Louisville in the ACC championship game using its third-string quarterback, they were still eliminated. Heisman Trophy contender and starter Jordan Travis broke his neck on November 18, and Tate Rodemaker, the backup, missed Saturday’s game due to a brain injury.

The choice made by the CFP Selection Committee quickly became a contentious issue as fans and analysts argued over who deserved to take the final spot. The Michigan Wolverines were not happy to be playing a skilled Nick Saban-coached team with a better postseason record, as evidenced by the viral nature of their team’s reaction video upon learning that Alabama would be their national semifinal opponent.

The sixth meeting between the two teams will take place on January 1 at the Rose Bowl in California between the Wolverines and Crimson Tide. The last time they played, Alabama won 35–16 in the Citrus Bowl. Here are some national comments regarding the game and the final CFP rankings.