College Football Playoff: Ranking every team in playoff history

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 12: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after scoring a 33 yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium on January 12, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

7 of 17

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Of all the teams on this list, 2017 Clemson would top it if we were discussing the most surprising and disappointing outcomes for a team. This Clemson team is the first program to lose as the No. 1 seed in the Playoff since the 2014 Crimson Tide.

Alabama will never be an easy out in the Playoff, but no one expected the result that came about in the Sugar Bowl this year. Junior quarterback Kelly Bryant was nowhere to be found, tossing two interceptions and no throwing a single touchdown.

Swinney saw his team get handled by Alabama the entire way, to the tune of a 24-6 defeat. Clemson was tested all season, and passed every one, outside of a confusing midseason road loss to the Syracuse Orange.

Losing Watson had a bigger effect on the Tigers in the Playoff than most anticipated. But, Bryant should be a preseason favorite for the 2018 Heisman and played well during the regular season. He just wasn’t ready for what the Crimson Tide had to throw his way.

Home/College Football Playoff