Kirby Smart is still in it to win championships, but the model has changed, and UGA — like most everyone else — is working on a new business model. That doesn’t ease the pain or frustration of what proved to be a tough College Football Playoff season for the Bulldogs.

This year, Boise State was the non-power representative for the College Football Playoff. Next year, it will be Tulane, but it will be a very different situation than the Broncos'. Boise State got a bye and was actually ranked inside the top-12. That won't be the case next season.

Can the Buckeyes repeat? Will Penn State make a breakthrough? Is Arch Manning the guy? Let's evaluate the toughest challenges for each CFP team entering next season.

ATHENS, Ga. — Three years ago, Georgia won a national championship and then set a modern NFL Draft record when 15 players from that team were selected. Five Georgia players went in the first round, all off a defense that was regarded then and still might be as generationally great. All in all, it was an immense, irreplaceable loss of talent.

When Ohio State beat Notre Dame 34-23, the College Football Playoff wrapped up its biggest postseason ever, and despite the high amount of blowouts, the 12-team playoff was a success. A season ago, seven teams were vying for a spot in the playoff during conference championship week.

Even with a 12-team College Football Playoff, who’s No. 3 at the end of the season still matters. So does No. 13. And No. 18. And No. 25.