Alabama’s prospects for participating in the College Football Playoff (CFP) improved significantly on Tuesday when they moved ahead of Miami in the latest rankings. With a record of 9-3, the Crimson Tide now sits at No. 11, while the Hurricanes, boasting a 10-2 record, have dropped to No. 12. If the rankings remain unchanged until the final determinations on Sunday, Alabama would secure the last at-large spot in the 12-team playoff ahead of Miami.
Notably, Ohio State has slipped to No. 6 after their home defeat to Michigan in Week 14. The top five spots in the rankings are occupied by Oregon, Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Georgia, with Georgia representing the highest-ranked two-loss team.
As for first-round byes, the teams ranked in the top four are:
1. Oregon
2. Texas
3. SMU
4. Boise State
Boise State currently ranks ahead of the highest-ranked team from the Big 12, Arizona State. Should Boise State defeat No. 20 UNLV on Friday, it would likely maintain its lead over both the Big 12 champions and potentially rise even higher, especially if Clemson defeats SMU in the ACC title game.
The matchups in the first round of the playoff are as follows:
No. 12 Arizona State at No. 5 Penn State
No. 11 Alabama at No. 6 Notre Dame
No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Georgia
No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State
These pairings could change based on outcomes from the upcoming conference championships, where Penn State faces Oregon for the Big Ten title and Georgia competes against Texas for the SEC title. Both Notre Dame and Ohio State are expected to host first-round games regardless of the championship results since they are not participating this weekend.
Alabama’s rise in the rankings is noteworthy, particularly when compared to Miami’s struggles, which included a recent loss to Syracuse after leading 21-0 in the first half. The CFP committee cited Alabama’s stronger schedule as a factor in their ranking, with Alabama holding a 3-1 record against current top 25 teams, while Miami has yet to secure a win against such opponents.
The competitive landscape is intensifying, especially with debates surrounding SEC bias and ACC representatives expressing frustration over Miami’s ranking. Miami’s athletic director voiced concerns regarding the evaluation criteria, illuminating the passionate discourse around playoff selections.
In conclusion, as the championship weekend looms, Alabama’s playoff aspirations hinge not only on their ranking but also on the outcomes of other games. The excitement and unpredictability of college football continue to captivate fans, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Further developments during conference championships could significantly affect the playoff landscape, making it an exhilarating time for college football enthusiasts.