The excitement is palpable as college football rivalry week approaches, and it’s not just about the turkey and stuffing. This weekend promises to be one of the most thrilling in sports, featuring a lineup of fierce matchups steeped in tradition and history. For one storied program, however, this Saturday carries an added weight following the recent College Football Playoff rankings.
Alabama’s season took a significant hit on Tuesday night when the team fell to a tough Oklahoma squad, marking their first three-loss season since 2010. This unexpected turn of events leaves the Crimson Tide sitting at 13th in the rankings, just outside the playoff picture. New head coach Kalen DeBoer certainly had higher hopes for his inaugural season, but the reality is that Alabama now faces a challenging road ahead.
Will Alabama make the playoffs?
Despite the setbacks, it’s not entirely out of reach for DeBoer and the Tide to claw their way into the postseason. The path to the playoffs will require a mix of sheer determination and a bit of luck. Jalen Milroe and his teammates must not only focus on winning their upcoming game but also hope for favorable outcomes in other matchups across the nation.
This Saturday, the Iron Bowl will take center stage, a tradition that never fails to captivate fans. Auburn is set to travel to Tuscaloosa for a showdown that will be broadcast nationwide on ABC. History tells us that this rivalry often produces nail-biting finishes, and even though Alabama is favored by two scores, the stakes are incredibly high. The Tide’s recent 24-3 loss to Oklahoma raises questions about their confidence, but the playoff implications make this clash even more compelling.
College Football Playoff rankings 2024
As we dive deeper into the rankings, let’s take a look at the top 12 teams in the latest CFP bracket poll:
Who are the top 12 teams in latest CFP bracket poll?
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 1. | Oregon | 11-0 |
| 2. | Ohio State | 10-1 |
| 3. | Texas | 10-1 |
| 4. | Penn State | 10-1 |
| 5. | Notre Dame | 10-1 |
| 6. | Miami | 10-1 |
| 7. | Georgia | 9-2 |
| 8. | Tennessee | 9-2 |
| 9. | SMU | 10-1 |
| 10. | Indiana | 10-1 |
| 11. | Boise State | 10-1 |
| 12. | Clemson* | 9-2 |
*Despite being ranked No. 12, Clemson is projected to miss the 12-team field in favor of Arizona State, who is the projected Big 12 champion.
First four teams out
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 13. | Alabama | 8-3 |
| 14. | Ole Miss | 8-3 |
| 15. | South Carolina | 8-3 |
| 16. | Arizona State* | 9-2 |
*Arizona State is projected to make the 12-team field as the Big 12 champion.
Rest of the top 25
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 17. | Tulane | 9-2 |
| 18. | Iowa State | 9-2 |
| 19. | BYU | 9-2 |
| 20. | Texas A&M | 8-3 |
| 21. | Missouri | 8-3 |
| 22. | UNLV | 9-2 |
| 23. | Illinois | 8-3 |
| 24. | Kansas State | 8-3 |
| 25. | Colorado | 8-3 |
As Alabama gears up for their rivalry game against Auburn, the question remains: can they turn their season around? If they secure a victory and a few other top teams stumble, the Crimson Tide could still find themselves back in the playoff mix. The drama of college football is what makes it so thrilling, and this weekend promises to deliver plenty of excitement. Will Alabama rise to the occasion, or will their playoff hopes slip away? Only time will tell.
