Week 13 Analysis: Why Alabama Deserves a Higher Ranking

As the 2025 college football regular season nears its end, the playoff landscape is solidifying. The rankings suggest that six teams are almost guaranteed spots in the playoffs, with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Group of 5 conferences also expected to provide champions. This week, a significant matchup between USC and Oregon looms, likely impacting playoff bids. Notre Dame, currently ranked ninth, should finish strong against Syracuse and Stanford. This paints a picture of potential playoff spots being mostly filled, leaving teams like Alabama hoping for favorable recognition.

Alabama’s Playoff Prospects Under Scrutiny

This week, Alabama stands at number ten, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts. The Tide has faced recent criticism for their ranking, particularly after a narrow two-point loss. In that game, Alabama’s performance included a controversial missed field goal attempt and a substantial yardage advantage over their opponent, Oklahoma. The committee’s ranking decisions have sparked considerable debate, as many believe Alabama’s strong schedule should award them a higher spot.

Key Wins and Rankings Context

Alabama has distinguished itself by securing victories against notable opponents, including:

• No. 4 Georgia
• No. 14 Vanderbilt
• No. 20 Tennessee
• No. 22 Missouri

In contrast, Notre Dame’s notable win is against No. 15 USC. Oregon’s marquee victory is notably absent from discussions, indicating a need for improved performance in critical games. This context leads to questions about how rankings are determined, especially when Alabama is penalized for a single defeat.

Evaluating the Selection Committee’s Decisions

Since its inception, the college football playoff selection committee was meant to analyze teams with a fresh perspective each week. However, it appears the committee is leaning towards a more traditional ranking approach, impacting how teams like Alabama are evaluated. A simple drop in rankings after a loss has become the norm, leading to frustration among teams like the Tide, who have strong records against ranked opponents.

The Need for Nuanced Evaluation

Alabama’s schedule and performance metrics, notably their victories over top-40 opponents, highlight the need for a more comprehensive evaluation scheme. Their strength of schedule and performance against ranked teams cast doubt on the fairness of their current ranking. Alabama’s case reflects a larger issue: the selection committee must prioritize nuanced analysis over simple win-loss records.

Comparative Analysis of Other Teams

The current rankings raise further questions regarding the placements of other teams. For example:

This analysis shows notable disparities in how teams with similar performance metrics are treated. As the final weeks approach, Alabama’s case for a higher ranking underscores a broader need for transparency and fairness in playoff selections.