By putting SMU on the outside looking in, the CFP committee let the ACC know that it’s permanently behind the SEC in the pecking order.

The SMU Mustangs are coming off their most impressive win of the season by crushing Pitt's soul, but they are still on the outside looking in at a playoff berth. What needs to happen for the Ponies to make the College Football Playoff this season?

The Mustangs spent decades in the wilderness before landing in the ACC this season to post an 8–1 overall record and go 5–0 in conference play.