An Oregon win, a Clemson upset, and 'now what?' for Alabama in the College Football Playoff

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Undefeated Oregon pulled off the expected and grabbed the top spot in the College Football Playoff. Underdog Clemson pulled off a last-second stunner and stole one of the last ones.

In between, Georgia’s quarterback got hurt, Alabama’s hopes grew murkier and the selection committee settled in to create a first-of-its-kind 12-team postseason bracket that promises only one sure thing: a 100% chance of enraging at least some slice of college football's rabid fanbase.

The drama began — and ended — when No. 17 Clemson blew a three-touchdown lead Saturday night, then got a 56-yard field goal to win with no time left, nosing its way into the 12-team playoff with a 34-31 victory over No. 8 SMU.

That game, for the Atlantic Coast Conference title, killed off any small chance of a placid, predictable Selection Sunday.