With the College Football Playoff (CFP) nearing its final decision, Alabama is in a strong position to potentially secure a spot in the playoffs for the ninth time in 11 seasons, provided there isn’t an upset in the upcoming ACC Championship game between Clemson and SMU.
In the latest CFP rankings, Alabama holds the No. 11 spot, just ahead of the 12th-ranked Miami. Under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has faced challenges, recording three losses this season, including a significant defeat against Oklahoma. On the other hand, Miami suffered a tough loss to Syracuse last Saturday, marking their second defeat of the season.
Due to both Alabama and Miami not qualifying for their respective conference championship games, the chances of Miami moving ahead of Alabama in the final rankings appear slim. CFP chairman Warde Manuel emphasized that rankings for teams not participating in championship games this weekend will remain unchanged, tying their potential status to the performance of the teams in championships.
Manuel pointed out that Alabama boasts a stronger record against ranked opponents, which aided in their current ranking. While Alabama is 3-1 against ranked teams and 6-1 against teams with winning records, Miami stands at 0-1 and 4-2 respectively.
Looking at the overall rankings, undefeated Oregon remains at No. 1, followed by Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Georgia. The upcoming matchups for the first round of the playoff bracket have been preliminarily set based on current rankings, suggesting exciting pairings ahead.
However, Alabama’s path may be complicated if Clemson clinches the ACC’s automatic bid, with the committee needing to choose between an 11-2 SMU and the 9-3 Crimson Tide. Miami’s ranking has sparked a strong response from the ACC, with commissioner Jim Phillips expressing his dissatisfaction and urging the committee to reconsider Miami’s placement.
Despite some recent losses, Miami’s coach Mario Cristobal argues their overall performance deserves recognition, emphasizing their 10-win season and narrow defeats. Meanwhile, Alabama is confident in its performance against ranked opponents as they seek to return to the playoff discussion.
As the final rankings approach and the championship games unfold, fans remain hopeful for an exciting conclusion to the college football season. The anticipation builds for the CFP National Championship scheduled for January 20 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This year’s playoff race exemplifies the competitive nature of college football, highlighting that every game matters greatly in determining teams’ fates. The upcoming championship matchups promise to deliver thrilling action as teams strive for a coveted playoff position.