Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Washington Make Playoffs

It is finally over. As predicted a while ago the four selections for the 2016 season's playoffs are in and everyone is happy except for those who are not. Only one Big Ten team made it but it was not a team that won its division let alone the league title. No one is unhappy with Alabama and Clemson but the selections of OSU and Washington are the more controversial. Penn State beat OSU, won their division and won the conference title and, while happy with the Rose Bowl berth, have to be disappointed that they are on the outside looking in. Michigan is pissed too but they did not have enough good wins. As for the Washington Huskies they are being hammered for their out-of-conference schedule but that just kept others in the running because they are champs of the second or third best conference and only had one loss. They also pass the dreaded eye test as they excel in each facet of the game. Without specific rules this type of controversy will continue to flourish. I am okay with the four teams selected, although would have been okay with PSU getting OSU's spot, and am hoping for some good playoff football.

What We Learned Yesterday

First of all, Joe Paterno has officially run out of things to accomplish. Sure another Big Ten title and corresponding BCS bowl berth would be outstanding, but the team's three toughest conference games remain (Nebraska, at OSU, at Wisconsin). Win two and the first-ever Leaders title is yours. But before of all that is just the daily celebration that should be Paterno's remaining games/years/decades on the sideline.
Clemson realistically fell out of the BCS title game race with Saturday's loss to Georgia Tech. But the Tigers should be able to hold on for the Atlantic crown and a spot in the conference title game against the Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech winner (probably).
As for Stanford, they held on to knock off USC in triple overtime. But the Trojans showcased Stanford's weaknesses and Oregon was paying attention. But Luck is on their side, so perhaps they can remain in the national title game hunt.