The end of the NCAA regular season has arrived, as this weekend delivered the various conference finals. After generations of contested final rankings, the governing body relented years ago to a playoff format to alleviate the controversies – and the solution delivers controversies. It is the nature of the beast; some schools will always feel a valid claim to inclusion.

This year’s conference final results led to several questions as a few upsets and the resulting configurations meant today’s announced final rankings for the college football championship playoffs brought a quandary for the selection committee. These are the questions that were up in the air:

• Would Alabama’s win launch them from the lowest-ranked contender into the finals?

• Could Georgia still be included among the final four teams?

• Will an undefeated Florida State move down as a result of losing its two top quarterbacks and starting a freshman?

• Does Texas have a claim going in after delivering a solid win, as well as having beaten Alabama?

• Can Ohio State benefit at all while not having played this weekend?

First, here are this weekend's championship results, followed by the final rankings for the NCAA Football Championship.

South East Conference

Alabama 27 - Georgia 24

After getting the opening score, Georgia gave up 17 before halftime and played catch-up the rest of the way, as it saw its NCAA-best winning streak of 29 games come to a close. Alabama’s offense operated by committee, with Jalen Milroe having a modest but efficient game leading the Tide. Carson Beck went 21/24 for 243 yards and a rushing touchdown for the Bulldogs, but the final score came with just over two minutes to play, and Alabama controlled the clock for the win. The committee is likely to place them into the playoffs.

The Big-10

Michigan 26 - Iowa 0

In possibly the most overlooked final, Michigan was all but assured of a win, going into the game as a better-than-three-touchdown favorite. The thought was: If the Wolverines could score, that would be all that was needed against the anemic Hawkeyes offense. This held, as Iowa could only manage 155 yards total while handing Michigan three turnovers. Blake Corum scored a pair of touchdowns to bring him to 55 for his career, matching the Michigan all-time record.

PAC-12 Conference

Washington 34 - Oregon 31

In what was considered a win-and-in game, Washington got out to an early lead as it took a while for the Oregon offense to begin to click. Michael Pennix began the game with a series of underneath passes, and as this drew in the Ducks’ defense, he then went for the big strikes downfield. Dillon Johnson carved up Oregon’s defense, running for 152 yards and scoring twice, as well as throwing for a touchdown as well.

Atlantic Coast Conference

Florida State 16 – Louisville 6

The big question was: Could FSU survive losing its second quarterback and rely on freshman Brock Glenn to keep its perfect record intact? The Seminoles' defense was more than up to the task. The telling stat of this game: The teams combined for 18 punts and just 22 first downs. Eventually, FSU turned to Lawrance Teofili for some second-half big plays, as he turned in a 118-yard game with a touchdown.

The Big-12

Texas 49 - Oklahoma State 21

This one was no contest as the Longhorns made their bid to enter the playoffs, finishing with only one loss this season. Quinn Ewers had over 350 yards and four touchdowns by halftime, ending with 452 yards total. The Texas defense also arrived, as they held Ollie Gordon — the nation’s top rusher — to only 34 yards. 

American Athletic Conference

SMU 26 - Tulane 14

Backup QB Kevin Jennings threw for 203 yards, and the team ran for 197 as the balanced attack was bolstered by the defense for the upset. 22nd-ranked Tulane only converted two of its 15 third-down opportunities and managed to rush for just 66 gross yards, with seven sacks bringing it down to 36 net yards. 

Conference USA

Liberty 49 - New Mexico State 35

The Liberty Flames made a serious bid for a major January 1 bowl invitation as they close out a perfect 13-0 season. This game belonged to Quarterback Kaiden Salter. He passed for 319 yards, ran for 165, pitched two touchdowns, and ran for a third. Combined, the team amassed over 1,200 yards of offense.

Mountain West Conference

Boise State 44 - UNLV 20

The Broncos are likely to go to The LA Bowl, and the Rebels have become bowl-eligible for the first time in a decade.

Sun Belt Conference

Troy 49 - Appalachian State 23

The 11-1 James Madison Dukes were excluded from the championship due to NCAA transition rules.

Mid-American Conference

Miami (OH) 23 - Toledo 14

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Things became clearer — and more interesting — with the final AP poll rankings. In order, the teams ended up ranked as: Michigan, Washington, Texas, FSU, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Missouri, and Penn State. This set the table for The Committee, which has always had a tendency towards arbitrary moves. 

The final alignment for the postseason has been finalized, and the New Year's Six bowls have been set. With half a dozen teams making very valid claims on the finals, an undefeated FSU looks to be the most affected, and former #1 Georgia falls to #6

 Jan. 1 Rose Bowl:  #1 Michigan - #4 Alabama

Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl: #2 Washington - #3 Texas

Jan. 8: National Title Game - Houston, TX

Later this week, once all the invitations are accepted and the schedule finalized, we will give the rundown on all 43 bowl games that will run for three weeks, beginning with half a dozen contests on Saturday, December 16.