Alabama fans sounded off Sunday after the College Football Playoff committee revealed SMU – and not the Crimson Tide – had been included in the 12-team CFP.

The big debate: Strength of schedule.

The Tide had the 16th toughest schedule and went 3-1 against teams in the top 25. SMU’s numbers: 60th in strength of schedule and 0-2 against the top 25.

However, the committee indicated it was reluctant to penalize teams that play in conference title games. SMU did. Alabama didn’t. And the way the Mustangs fought back from a three-touchdown deficit before finally losing to Clemson almost certainly had an impact among the 13 people making the decision.

Here are just a few of the reactions from Alabama’s fans of being left out of the CFP:

“Personally, I think if Alabama would have played better through the season, the debate would be a question. However, I would be happy if they had made it, and I’m not upset they didn’t. But, I don’t see how Clemson a No. 17-ranked team taking SMU down, who was No. 8 only falls to No. 11. And Bama, who was No. 1 and lost to Vandy fell to 15 this season.” – Andrew Parsons

“Well, it is what it is. Alabama just gone have to do better next year. I wish Jalen (Milroe) wasn’t staying. We have better options at QB, and, with him staying, it could trigger the other good QBs we have coming or already have to transfer out.” – Shermae Whitson

“Should’ve beat OU, and Bama would’ve played yesterday with a chance to get the 2 seed.” – Skyler Lovett

“I don’t think it’s about the wins. I think it’s about the losses. Vandy and Oklahoma are two pretty bad losses. If they would have beat one of those two, then they would be in no question.” – Dylan Pope

“I laughed out loud because it’s going to be another TCU situation. PSU is going to run through SMU, They have the easiest route to the semis.” – Kaelyn Rose

“I think there will be massive blowouts this first round because it doesn’t matter if you win your respected championship or not, some teams just can’t compete with some.” – Nick Frazee

“Apparently, strength of schedule doesn’t matter. Schedule cupcakes, so you can stack up wins. Let SMU and Boise State play Bama’s schedule. They would have 4 losses easy.” – Ted Lester

“Fine! But, if I was Greg Byrne, I would cancel all big non-conference games and play easy games being strength of schedule doesn’t matter anymore!” – Sherry Parker DiMario

“Rewarding teams that don’t play anyone. At least 2 of the first-round games will be blowouts.” – Ryan Davis

“We didn’t deserve to be there this year even though we would be favored against every team in but a few. The truth is the committee is now saying it’s fine if you go play against your local high school team because a win is a win. Schedule no one and you go. We should have beat Vandy and OU and didn’t get it done so that’s on us.” – Chris McColl

“Alabama better than some teams that got in the playoffs. And that’s plain to see.” – Dylan Murner

“Gotta get rid of Jalen. And move on to a better QB. Defense needs to make adjustments. Should be a fun year next year.” – Cody Crawford

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.