Alabama football becomes the face of controversy following latest College Football Playoff rankings
The Alabama Crimson Tide lost control of their own destiny when they dropped an egg against the Oklahoma Sooners less than two weeks ago. With their dreams of the College Football Playoff on the line, they took care of the Aubrun Tigers in the Iron Bowl. But perhaps more importantly, they received some much-needed help, […]
The Alabama Crimson Tide lost control of their own destiny when they dropped an egg against the Oklahoma Sooners less than two weeks ago.
With their dreams of the College Football Playoff on the line, they took care of the Aubrun Tigers in the Iron Bowl.
But perhaps more importantly, they received some much-needed help, as both Clemson and Miami were upset.
Here's what that did for Alabama in the latest CFP rankings:
Alabama Ranked No. 11 in the latest CFP Rankings
"I think everyone's aware of our schedule, and I don't know the exact stats, but I know we beat four top-25 teams throughout the year," said DeBoer when asked why UA should be in the 12-team playoff. "And I don't know how many, [or] if anyone's done that. And so, when you talk about the schedule and who did what, it is week to week, just a grind. And having to come back every week the only conference that has to do that is ours…
"…We won five of our last six. [We're] playing physical football. [I] Think we've continued to excel in that area. We were what the game was all about. So I think those are two pretty big deals [wins and physicality]. We beat some high-quality teams, teams that are still playing some good ball themselves."
Regardless of what the committee decided to do, Alabama was always going to be at the forefront of controversy. Those who favor the Tide point to their record against top 25 teams, while others say a three-loss squad that dropped two games to mediocre squads like Vanderbilt and Oklahoma has no right being in the playoff.
Alabama AD Greg Byrne made a pitch for Bama in a public post on X-Twitter, citing the following numbers as a reason to put the Tide in the top 12:
- No. 2 in opponent winning percentage (.674)
- No. 4 in ESPN FPI
- No. 4 in ESPN Efficiency Ratings (offense/defense/special teams)
- No. 10 in ESPN Strength of Record
- No. 17 in ESPN Strength of Schedule
- Three wins against teams currently ranked in the CFP Top 25 Poll
- Four wins against teams ranked or receiving votes in the AP Top 25 poll at the time of the game
- Six of the eight FBS wins have come against bowl-eligible teams
- Won four of the last five games heading to the postseason
Greg Byrne, Alabama Athletics, Via Twitter-X
We'll see where Alabama sits when the final 12-team playoff is complete come Sunday.
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