GRAPEVINE, Texas -- The moment No. 8 Ohio State punctuated its résumé with a win over No. 4 Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game, the debate began. Would the Buckeyes or No. 5 Alabama claim the fourth and final spot in the College Football Playoff?
The only discussion that really mattered happened inside a conference room at the Gaylord Texan Resort, named "Selection Central" for the occasion. That's where the 13 members of the selection committee began their final deliberations over what would end up being the most difficult -- and controversial -- decisions in the CFP era.