Alabama’s Projected Drop in New College Football Playoff Rankings
The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee faces significant challenges as it prepares for forthcoming rankings. The committee’s decisions will be particularly scrutinized due to Alabama’s recent performance and its implications for the playoff structure.
Alabama’s Ranking Dilemma
Alabama sustained its second loss of the season, this time against Oklahoma at home. Previously, the Crimson Tide held a No. 4 spot in the rankings for two consecutive weeks. This positioning had placed Alabama in contention for a first-round bye in the anticipated playoff bracket.
The committee had treated Alabama favorably, ranking it above other one-loss teams after its impressive wins over opponents such as Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Tennessee. However, with a second loss now on the record, the Tide must be compared with other two-loss teams, raising questions about how impactful its earlier loss to Florida State will prove.
Comparative Analysis of Teams
Alabama’s loss to Florida State was considered a significant setback. This defeat stands out as the worst loss among current playoff contenders. The selection committee may weigh this heavily when considering Alabama’s position against teams like Notre Dame, which also has a less powerful win (over USC) but better losses to teams like Texas A&M and Miami.
Additionally, Oklahoma, with its own two-loss record, is expected to rank above Alabama. The committee’s past decisions suggest a preference for teams with impressive historical performance, as seen in Oregon’s rise despite lacking a significant win.
Current Rankings Insights
- Ohio State is projected to clinch the Big Ten championship and secure a first-round bye.
- Georgia is expected to mark its dominance as the SEC champion.
- Texas A&M remains relevant with a dramatic comeback win against South Carolina.
The College Football Playoff first-round byes are projected as follows:
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State |
| 2 | Indiana |
| 3 | Georgia |
| 4 | Texas A&M |
Teams projected to host first-round games include:
- Texas Tech
- Ole Miss
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
Final CFP Team Predictions
The final teams expected to make it to the CFP field are:
- Notre Dame
- Alabama
- Miami
- Tulane
It’s important to consider the unique aspects of Miami’s position as the ACC champion. They currently rank ahead but may face competition from Virginia or Georgia Tech for the championship game spot.
Group of 5 Team Rankings
Rankings for teams outside the power conferences remain uncertain. Tulane has shown strength with five wins over teams with .500 or better records. Their notable victories against Power 4 opponents could influence the committee’s rankings, despite setbacks against UTSA and Ole Miss.
The upcoming rankings will likely shed light on how the committee values strength of schedule and performance, especially with several teams eager for playoff spots.
