SMU Mustangs prove they belong by officially ending a college football dynasty making the 12-Team Playoff

The biggest question surrounding the College Football Playoffs has officially been answered. 

11 out of the 12 spots were fairly clear, but the biggest mystery was regarding that final spot. 

SMU or Alabama? 

And in the end, it was the Mustangs who were victorious, knocking out a college football dynasty. 

SMU fell to Clemson 34-31 in the ACC title game on Saturday night. Its ability to make it a close game, along with Alabama not even playing on conference championship weekend factored into the final decision. 

The Mustangs were undefeated in conference play this season, including wins over ranked Louisville and Pittsburgh. They finished first in the ACC, but couldn't overcome Clemson. 

That loss was the worst-case scenario for the Crimson Tide. 

Had SMU won the title game, they would have gotten an automatic spot in the playoffs. And then Clemson, who also had three losses, would have been less likely to get in over Alabama. 

The Mustangs will face off against No. 6 Penn State in the first round, and if they are able to get past the Nittany Lions, it's No. 3 Boise State up next.