With a shocking upset loss to Oklahoma in Week 13, the Alabama Crimson Tide have faced their first three-loss season since 2010. This defeat has raised serious questions about their chances to compete for a national title. While perfection is no longer the standard in college football, Alabama’s recent performance has left fans wondering if their playoff hopes are dashed.
Alabama’s Disappointing Performance
Entering Week 13, Alabama was in a strong position, ranked seventh and needing to secure wins in their final regular-season games. However, in a disheartening display, the Crimson Tide managed to score only three points in a 21-point loss to an unranked Oklahoma team. This was a must-win for Oklahoma, who needed the victory to become bowl-eligible. For Alabama, it was a wake-up call that left them reeling.
Now, with just one game left on their schedule, Alabama’s playoff resume is looking weak. They sit at an 8-3 record and a 4-3 mark in conference play. The question on everyone’s mind is: is Alabama out of the playoffs?
Is Alabama out of the playoffs?
While Alabama’s fate isn’t entirely sealed, the road ahead is steep. The Crimson Tide no longer control their destiny and will need significant help from other teams, as well as some favorable decisions from the playoff committee. In simpler terms, making the playoffs seems highly improbable, yet it’s not entirely impossible.
Alabama’s final game is the Iron Bowl against their fierce rivals, Auburn, on Saturday, Nov. 30. A win is essential, but it won’t be enough on its own. They will also need chaos in the rankings, with several teams above them suffering third losses. The disappointment from their recent loss in Norman will linger, but the Tide must focus on the task at hand.
College Football Playoff bracket projection
Following their loss, Alabama now finds itself fifth in the SEC hierarchy, according to the latest projections. The Sporting News’ Bill Bender has indicated that Alabama is not even considered a bubble team at this point. This is a stark contrast to the expectations that surrounded them at the beginning of the season.
Let’s take a closer look at the projected playoff landscape. The teams currently projected to receive first-round byes are:
- No. 1 Oregon
- No. 2 Texas
- No. 3 Miami
- No. 4 Arizona State
In the first round of the College Football Playoff, the matchups look like this:
- No. 12 Boise State vs. No. 5 Ohio State
- No. 11 SMU vs. No. 6 Penn State
- No. 10 Tennessee vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
- No. 9 Indiana vs. No. 8 Georgia
As for the bubble teams, they include Iowa State, BYU, Clemson, and Texas A&M. With one-loss Texas leading the charge for the SEC, Alabama has fallen behind other teams like Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. Even though the Aggies also have three losses, they still maintain a direct path to the playoffs if they can secure wins against Texas and Georgia in the upcoming weeks.
The Road Ahead for Alabama
So, what does the future hold for Alabama? The Iron Bowl against Auburn is not just a game; it’s a chance for redemption. A win would not only boost their morale but also keep their slim playoff hopes alive. However, they will need to put the Oklahoma loss behind them and come out with intensity and focus.
The Crimson Tide have always been a powerhouse in college football, and their fans expect nothing less than excellence. This season has been a rollercoaster, but the potential for a thrilling finish is still there. If Alabama can rally and secure a victory against Auburn, they will need to keep their fingers crossed for some chaos in the rankings.
Final Thoughts
In the world of college football, anything can happen. While Alabama’s chances of making the playoffs are slim, they are not entirely extinguished. The Tide must focus on their upcoming game and hope for a little luck along the way.
With the landscape of college football constantly shifting, fans will be watching closely to see if Alabama can turn their season around. The Iron Bowl is not just another game; it’s a chance to prove that the Crimson Tide still have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
