As we gear up for the final rankings release tomorrow, college football fans are buzzing with anticipation. Three teams from the SEC—Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina—are all sitting on the bubble with 9-3 records. The big question is: where will the selection committee place these teams as they prepare for the playoff this weekend?
Paul Finebaum’s Take on the SEC Bubble Teams
On ‘The Matt Barrie Show’ this past Sunday, college football analyst Paul Finebaum weighed in on the uncertain fate of these three SEC contenders. His insights shed light on the complexities of the selection process, and while he offered some thoughts, he admitted that a definitive answer was elusive.
“I don’t have a good answer for you today,” Finebaum stated candidly. This uncertainty reflects the competitive nature of college football, especially within the SEC, where every game can have playoff implications.
Alabama’s Case for the Playoff
If Finebaum had to choose a favorite among the trio, it would be the Crimson Tide. He expressed his belief in their ability to compete against top-tier teams, which could bolster their case for inclusion in the playoff. “I mean, I’m gravitating a little bit back toward Alabama because I know they’re capable of beating good teams,” he explained.
Finebaum emphasized the importance of strength of schedule and performance against quality opponents. “I would rather put in a flawed team that can beat a good team like Georgia than just put somebody in because they have a win over the No. 23 team in the country.” This perspective highlights the committee’s focus on not just wins, but the quality of those victories.
Ole Miss: A Strong Contender
Interestingly, Ole Miss shares a similar argument with Alabama. Both teams managed to defeat the Bulldogs at home, but Ole Miss did so with a significantly larger margin. This raises the question: could the Rebels’ dominance in that matchup sway the committee’s decision in their favor?
While Finebaum acknowledges Alabama’s strengths, he also recognizes that Ole Miss has a compelling case. Their performance against strong opponents cannot be overlooked, and they too have shown they can compete with the best.
South Carolina’s Impressive Run
However, the conversation inevitably drifts towards South Carolina. Finebaum is impressed by their recent performance, particularly their six-game winning streak, which includes victories over three ranked teams. Yet, he wrestles with the fact that two of their three losses came against Alabama and Ole Miss.
“Yeah, I really don’t – I mean, I was vacillating as I watched Clemson that South Carolina belongs in,” Finebaum remarked. His struggle to fully endorse the Gamecocks stems from their previous losses to the other bubble teams. “But then you start thinking about South Carolina’s loss, yeah, to Alabama. Fluke or not, they still lost.”
The Impact of Previous Matchups
One of the most telling moments in Finebaum’s analysis is his reference to the “beatdown” that Ole Miss handed South Carolina earlier in the season. “I know it was weeks and weeks ago but it’s hard to square,” he noted. This sentiment resonates with many fans and analysts alike, as past performances often weigh heavily in the committee’s evaluations.
What Will the Committee Decide?
As we await the rankings release on Tuesday, the tension is palpable. Each of these teams has made a case for themselves, but only one—or perhaps none—may secure a spot in the playoff bracket come Sunday. The selection committee’s choices will undoubtedly spark debates among fans and analysts, as they always do.
“It really doesn’t matter what you did Labor Day Weekend. It helps, it puts you in position, which all these schools have done,” Finebaum pointed out. “But, if you’re looking at it in terms of how do you get a great tournament, which is what we’re looking at here – how are you playing?”
South Carolina has certainly shown consistency, but Finebaum questions whether that alone is enough to outweigh their earlier defeats. “Is that enough to get you over the fact that they got destroyed at home by one of the other teams who is trying to get in?” he pondered, illustrating the tough decisions the committee faces.
Looking Ahead
As the clock ticks down to the rankings announcement, fans are left to speculate. Will Alabama’s pedigree and past successes earn them a spot? Can Ole Miss leverage their impressive margins to sway the committee? Or will South Carolina’s late-season surge be enough to overcome their earlier setbacks? We’ll find out soon, but one thing is for certain: the drama of college football never disappoints.
