The final CFP rankings didn’t end the controversy; they ignited a new one. This immediately establishes a tone of conflict and aligns with the article’s core theme. However, the 12-team bracket included non-major conference teams like Tulane (11–2) and James Madison (12–1), prompting ESPN’s Holly Rowe to make a bold statement about the committee’s decision.

“My point is, they are a better football team than Tulane/JMU, so is BYU, Notre Dame,” wrote Rowe. “System isn’t right yet.”

While Tulane finished the regular season with the same record as BYU, its AAC title may have given it the edge over the Cougars. Without that, while Tulane’s two losses came against Ole Miss and UTSA, both of the Cougars’ losses came against Texas Tech. A 29–7 stumble in Lubbock set the tone, and a 34–7 thud in

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