As the anticipation builds for the College Football Playoff, Alabama is positioned to make a strong case for their return to the postseason. Currently ranked No. 11 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Crimson Tide may have a pathway to their ninth playoff berth in eleven seasons, pending the outcome of the ACC championship game featuring Clemson and SMU.
Alabama, under the guidance of first-year coach Kalen DeBoer, faced some challenging moments this season, including three losses. Their most recent setback came in a disappointing 24-3 defeat against Oklahoma on November 23. In contrast, the Miami Hurricanes—ranked just below Alabama—also encountered struggles, particularly with a recent loss to Syracuse, which marked their second defeat this season.
Since neither team qualified for their conference championships, the selection committee is expected to keep Alabama ranked higher than Miami, especially as teams not participating in championship games won’t see their rankings shift. Committee chairman Warde Manuel emphasized that without additional performance data, the rankings remain as they are, firmly placing Alabama in a favorable position due to their stronger record against ranked opponents.
Despite the turmoil, Alabama’s body of work has been notable. They hold a record of 3-1 against ranked teams and 6-1 against teams with winning records, while Miami recorded no wins against ranked opponents and has struggled in recent outings. Manuel pointed out that Miami’s two losses in their last three games have impacted their standing significantly.
In the lead-up to the final rankings, the intensity of the playoff picture remains high. The top four conference champions are set to receive byes in the upcoming 12-team playoff, with teams like Oregon, Texas, and SMU leading the way. Alabama’s inclusion will depend on the result of Clemson’s game against SMU, as Clemson’s victory could shift the selection dynamics.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips expressed his disappointment regarding Miami’s ranking, advocating for a review of the committee’s decision, as he believes the Hurricanes deserve better recognition for their season performance. Miami’s head coach, Mario Cristobal, added that they are worthy of consideration, highlighting their ability to maintain competitiveness even in close losses.
The upcoming playoff schedule is set, with first-round matchups slated for mid-December and culminating in the championship game on January 20 in Atlanta. As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, Alabama’s hopes remain alive, fostering excitement among fans as the playoff picture becomes clearer.
In summary, while challenges have emerged, Alabama’s historical performance and competitive spirit suggest they could once again demonstrate their excellence on the national stage, provided they secure a favorable position following the upcoming games. The narrative of resilience and determination is strong, reminding fans that every season presents new opportunities in the world of college football.