Winner: CFB Selection Committee
I've already gone into why the selection committee got it right this season, but its worth mentioning them as winners this week. The playoff selection is so important to the sport and in the past the committees decisions have been questionable at best. Its great for us, the fans, that we get to watch the best four teams battle it out for the National Championship.
Loser: USC
USC had a real chance Saturday to make the decision for the playoff committee this week even harder. If the Trojans would have beaten Oregon in the Pac-12 title game, denying them a playoff spot would of been difficult. Instead, USC turned the ball over three times and fell to the Ducks 31-24. The season has to be considered a failure now for the Trojans after failing to make a top bowl game.
Winner: Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats capped off an impressive undefeated season with a victory over Tulsa on Saturday, winning the AAC Championship. Cincinnati will be disappointed they didn't get selected to have a chance to compete for the National Championship, but a trip to a New York Six Bowl is a huge accomplishment for the program.
Loser: Notre Dame
The Irish had a chance this weekend to knock Clemson out of the playoffs and win the ACC Championship. Instead, they were easily handled by the Tigers, 34-10. Now Notre Dame, who luckily still made the playoffs, has to face #1 Alabama in the first round. The Irish are huge underdogs in the game and would of avoided the matchup with a win last week.
Winner: Nick Saban
Saban just completed his 3rd undefeated season in the last five years, and his 5th overall during his time at Alabama. The Crimson Tide head coach will be the heavy favorite to take home his 6th National Championship in the New Year. I think sometimes the success of Saban's coaching career is overlooked because we he does it year in and year out. At some point in each of the last 13 years, Saban's team has been ranked #1 in the country. The Nick Saban Alabama tenure will always be considered one of the best runs ever.
Biggest Loser of the Week: Michigan
The University of Michigan is the biggest loser of the week because they have not announced that Jim Harbaugh has been fired. Harbaugh's tenure as head coach has been nothing short of a disaster. The Wolverines finished the season with an embarrassing 2-4 record. Under Harbaughs leadership, the program is 1-4 in bowl games and haven't won a game against their biggest rival, Ohio State. Michigan needs too move on and they need to do it yesterday.
