CFP committee takes Alabama, Miami over Notre Dame

Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech officially claimed the first-round byes for this year's College Football Playoff, but the real drama came as the committee determined the final at-large berths Sunday.

Despite neither team playing this weekend, Miami jumped Notre Dame to make the field, with the committee finally honoring the Hurricanes' head-to-head win over the Fighting Irish. The committee also opted to keep Alabama in the bracket, deciding not to punish the Crimson Tide for their 21-point loss in Saturday's SEC championship.

Miami's inclusion gives the ACC a representative in the field, something that was in question after five-loss Duke defeated Virginia for the conference title. The Blue Devils were left out of the playoff, while Sun Belt champion James Madison got the nod as the final conference title winner.

Tap here for our biggest takeaways from the playoff field

First-round matchups

Game 1: No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama (Dec. 19, 8 p.m. ET)

Alabama not only remained in the field, but it will get to play a familiar foe in the opening round with a trip to Norman. Despite the Crimson Tide dominating the Sooners in yardage and time of possession during their meeting three weeks ago, the visitors escaped Tuscaloosa with a shocking upset win. Oklahoma's swarming defense forced three turnovers in that victory.

Game 2: No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Miami (Dec. 20, 12 p.m. ET)

Miami's inclusion over Notre Dame means there won't be a rematch between the Aggies and the Irish. Instead, the Hurricanes are heading to College Station in what should be the most physical first-round matchup. The teams enter this game on opposite ends of the spectrum, as Miami has won four straight outings by double digits, while Texas A&M is coming off its only loss of the season.

Game 3: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 Tulane (Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m. ET)

While the scene in Oxford will be outrageous, the 6-11 contest between Ole Miss and Tulane lacks the juice of some other first-round matchups. These teams already played in September, with the Rebels winning 45-10. Things are different now, especially with Lane Kiffin having left for LSU, but it's tough to see the Green Wave making enough changes to narrow that gap. An Ole Miss victory would set up an enticing rematch with Georgia. The Bulldogs won 43-35 in their previous meeting in Athens.

Game 4: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 James Madison (Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. ET)

The 5-12 matchup is a true David-versus-Goliath situation. James Madison was undoubtedly one of the top Group of 5 teams this season, but the step up to a power conference opponent in the wild Autzen Stadium will be a massive test. Oregon will certainly be much happier with this bracket than last year's, which pitted them against eventual national champion Ohio State in the quarterfinal. This time, the Ducks avoided the Buckeyes being on their side of the bracket, although a possible rematch with Indiana - the Hoosiers won 30-20 in Eugene back in October - is possible in the semifinal.