The College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal between Clemson and Texas is being billed as a clash of titans, but not everyone is celebrating. While fans of both programs are eager for what promises to be a historic showdown, critics argue that the CFP selection committee’s choices have left deserving teams out in the cold, sparking yet another round of debate about the playoff system’s fairness.

A Matchup for the Ages

Clemson and Texas are two of the most storied programs in college football history. Clemson, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, has become a CFP regular with multiple national championships under its belt. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has made an impressive resurgence, returning to national prominence after years of rebuilding.

The game itself promises fireworks: Texas’ high-powered offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, against Clemson’s tenacious defense, anchored by a formidable front seven. It’s the kind of marquee matchup that CFP organizers dream of — ratings gold, passionate fan bases, and a storied history of success.

But at What Cost?

However, the excitement surrounding the game has been tempered by a wave of backlash over the CFP selection process. Critics argue that Texas’ selection came at the expense of a one-loss SEC powerhouse, while Clemson’s inclusion raised eyebrows after a mid-season slump that saw them narrowly escape several upset bids.

Teams like Alabama and Oregon, both with strong résumés, were left out despite dominant finishes to their seasons. Social media erupted with accusations of “brand bias,” suggesting that the committee favored bigger names for TV ratings rather than selecting the four “best” teams.

The Larger Debate

The controversy has reignited calls for an expanded playoff format. With the 12-team playoff set to debut next season, many wonder if this year’s uproar will be the final straw that proves the four-team system is outdated.

Despite the controversy, fans of Clemson and Texas are ready for a showdown that could define the legacies of both programs. For now, the focus shifts to the field — but win or lose, the CFP committee’s decision-making process will remain under the microscope long after the final whistle.

Will Clemson and Texas live up to the hype, or will the committee’s decision overshadow the game itself? Only time will tell.