In a stunning upset, No. 8 Alabama shocked top-ranked Georgia to take home the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title and put their own College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes back on the table. This victory not only ended Georgia's 29-game winning streak but also injected a wave of uncertainty into the selection committee's decision-making process.

The CFP selection committee now faces a dilemma as it deliberates over the final four-team playoff spots. With No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Washington securing their places with unbeaten records, there remain two spots for contention. The SEC champion, Alabama, will be vying for a spot along with Texas, the team that defeated the SEC champion, and Florida State, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) champion.

The exclusion of any of these three teams would be unprecedented, and each has a valid argument for inclusion. If Alabama is left out, it would mark the first time in the CFP's 10-year history without at least one SEC team. Similarly, if Florida State is not chosen, it would be the first unbeaten Power 5 champion to be passed over.

In previous years, the playoff bracket has fallen into place with minimal debate. However, this season presents a unique challenge for the committee. The top eight teams in the country, including No. 6 Ohio State, finished with an impressive 97-6 record. Nearly all of their losses were against other top-eight teams, highlighting the strength of competition among the elite programs.

The two Power 5 conference title games on championship Saturday further intensified the selection committee's dilemma. No. 7 Texas convincingly routed No. 19 Oklahoma State, showcasing a strong case for their first-ever playoff berth. Texas also holds the distinction of defeating Alabama back in September, adding to their credentials. However, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey dismissively mentioned that the SEC should not be left out, confident in the conference's track record of success.

Meanwhile, Washington secured their place in the playoffs, becoming the first Pac-12 team to achieve a perfect 13-0 record since the conference expanded in 2011. Michigan also solidified their spot by defeating Iowa in the Big Ten title game.

The Seminoles of Florida State find themselves in a peculiar situation. Their perfect record remains intact despite quarterback injuries sidelining key players. With Heisman Trophy contender Jordan Travis and Tate Rodemaker out, the Seminoles have been forced to rely on freshman Brock Glenn. While their defense has held strong, the uncertainties surrounding their quarterback position raise doubts about their inclusion in the playoff.

The CFP selection committee's mission is to pick the four best teams, as described in their protocol. However, with such a crowded field of contenders, the decision-making process becomes complex and subjective.

As the committee gathers in Grapevine, Texas, the anticipation for the final playoff announcement builds. The question remains: Who will secure those coveted spots in this year's CFP? The answer will undoubtedly shape the landscape of college football and ignite passionate discussions about the fairness of the selection process.