Alabama is looking primed for a return to the College Football Playoff, potentially making its ninth appearance in 11 years, contingent upon the outcome of the upcoming ACC championship game between Clemson and SMU. Currently, the Crimson Tide sits at No. 11 in the latest rankings from the College Football Playoff selection committee, just ahead of Miami. Under the guidance of new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s season has seen three losses, including a challenging 24-3 defeat to Oklahoma.
Conversely, Miami experienced a setback over the weekend, losing 42-38 to Syracuse, which would exclude them from the playoff, as the fifth-highest-rated conference champion would overshadow them. With neither Alabama nor Miami playing in their respective conference championships, the likelihood of Miami surpassing Alabama in the final standings seems slim. Warde Manuel, chair of the CFP selection committee, stated that teams not participating in championship games will not see their rankings altered, as there are no additional performance data points to consider.
Manuel pointed out that Alabama’s performance, with a record of 3-1 against ranked teams and 6-1 against winning teams, gives them an edge over Miami’s 0-1 against ranked opponents and 4-2 against winning records. This evaluation has led the committee to rank Alabama higher, despite both teams facing losses this season.
The current top teams in the rankings feature undefeated Oregon at No. 1, followed by Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Georgia. Ohio State has slid to No. 6 following a recent loss, while Tennessee, SMU, Indiana, and Boise State complete the top ten.
Looking ahead, the top four conference champions will earn first-round byes in the upcoming 12-team playoff. There is still uncertainty, as Boise State’s upcoming game against UNLV could influence the standings, and the outcome of the Big 12 championship game will also have implications for the playoffs.
In a recent statement, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips expressed disappointment about Miami’s drop in the rankings, emphasizing that the Hurricanes deserve a better recognition and advocating for their inclusion in the playoff. Head coach Mario Cristobal reinforced this sentiment, asserting that Miami’s 10-win season and competitive losses distinguished them from teams with similar or fewer wins.
In conclusion, while Alabama holds a favorable position in the rankings, Miami remains hopeful for another opportunity. As the conference championship games unfold, the landscape of the College Football Playoff could shift dramatically, providing fans with an exciting conclusion to the season.
Hope remains alive for teams like Miami as they continue to advocate for their place among the elite, and regardless of final rankings, the spirit of college football thrives on competition and resilience. The upcoming weeks promise thrilling matchups and the potential for unexpected twists in the playoff narrative.