The semifinals will be played on December 31st. The winners will go on to the National Championship game on January 9th, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Here is a look at the top 4 and their resumes:
No. 1 Alabama (13-0, 8-0 SEC)
The defending champions have set themselves apart from the rest country all season long. They rolled over eight ranked opponents on their way to an undefeated season and 25 straight wins over the last two seasons. This will be the third straight College Football Playoff for the Crimson Tide.
No. 2 Clemson (12-1, 7-1 ACC)
The Tigers return for their second straight playoff appearance, and will be looking for another trip to the National Championship game. Head coach Dabo Swinney, and his team faced a lot of close calls all season long. They played in seven games decided one score or less, losing only to Pitt 43-42, but defeating four ranked opponents including a 42-35 victory against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship.
No. 3 Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 B1G)
As the only team to not win their conference title in the CFP, the Buckeyes get in on the strength of their resume. After losing to eventual B1G Champion, Penn State in Happy Valley, it looked like they would be a long shot to get into the play off for the second time. But, they would go on to blow-out Nebraska, and beating Michigan in double-overtime. Those wins coupled with victories over Wisconsin and Big 12 Champion Oklahoma, gave them enough to keep their loss against the Nittany Lions, who were defeated by Michigan and Pitt during the season, out of the discussion.
No. 4 Washington
Even before the Huskies lost to USC, many of their doubters screamed and yelled about the strength of their schedule and the weak PAC 12. However, Washington would finish the season with blowout victories over Washington State, and top 10 Colorado in the conference championship. That strong finish convinced the committee that they belong in the College Football Playoff over two loss teams Penn State and Michigan.
