College Football Playoff (CFP) chase intensifies, Alabama fans find themselves in a position where the outcome of various games will influence the Crimson Tide’s chances of securing…

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) chase intensifies, Alabama fans find themselves in a position where the outcome of various games will influence the Crimson Tide’s chances of securing a coveted spot in the four-team field. With multiple teams vying for playoff spots and conference championships still on the line, who should Alabama fans be rooting for—and against—during this crucial stretch of the season?

### Root for:

**1. Teams from the SEC to Perform Well in Other Conference Championships**
While Alabama has a slim chance at making the playoff without winning the SEC Championship, the performance of other SEC teams, particularly those ranked ahead of the Crimson Tide, will be important. Alabama fans should root for teams like Georgia and LSU to perform strongly in their conference matchups. A Georgia victory in the SEC Championship would likely solidify the Bulldogs’ playoff spot, which could help Alabama if it secures a high enough ranking in the committee’s final standings. The higher the SEC is represented in the playoff, the more likely Alabama is to edge out other non-conference champions for a potential spot.

**2. Root for Teams with Weak Non-Conference Schedules**
Alabama fans should also keep an eye on teams with weak non-conference schedules, particularly those near the top of the rankings. If these teams, like Michigan or Florida State, falter in their conference title games or lose a game they should have won, it could open up an opportunity for the Tide to leapfrog them in the playoff race. For example, if a team like Florida State—currently undefeated—loses in the ACC Championship, Alabama could be a strong contender to replace them in the CFP.

**3. Support for One or Two Non-SEC Teams Losing**
Given that the SEC is the most competitive conference, Alabama fans should hope for at least one of the non-SEC teams currently ahead of the Crimson Tide to lose. Whether it’s Ohio State, Washington, or Michigan, a loss for any of these teams in their respective conference championships or regular-season finale could potentially open up a spot for Alabama.

### Root Against:

**1. Any Teams with Strong Out-of-Conference Wins**
For Alabama to move up in the rankings, fans should hope for teams like Texas, Ohio State, or any other playoff hopefuls with strong non-conference victories to fall in their respective games. These victories are a huge factor in the playoff selection process. A loss for a team like Texas—especially to an underdog or a team with a weaker overall record—would significantly improve Alabama’s chances, as it would likely lead to a slip in the rankings.

**2. Teams with a Conference Championship Berth Locked In**
Alabama fans should also hope against teams from conferences where the playoff berth is essentially locked up, especially if those teams have little chance of losing their spots. In particular, fans should root against teams like Michigan or Georgia (if Alabama doesn’t win the SEC) securing an undefeated season while other powerhouses like Ohio State and Washington keep on winning. These teams are almost guaranteed to get a playoff spot, potentially reducing Alabama’s margin of error for making it into the field.

**3. Root Against Undefeated Teams Remaining Unscathed**
If teams like Michigan, Washington, and Florida State remain undefeated heading into their conference title games, Alabama’s chance of making the CFP becomes even slimmer. Rooting against undefeated teams, particularly in high-profile games, could make room for one-loss teams (like Alabama) to rise in the rankings.

### Conclusion:
Alabama fans should focus on rooting for teams with weaker schedules, hoping that undefeated or one-loss teams above the Tide falter in their conference championships or key matchups. At the same time, they should root against teams with strong non-conference wins, as a loss for these teams could open up the path for Alabama to jump into the CFP field. Ultimately, Alabama’s playoff hopes hinge not only on their own success but on the fate of other major conference contenders in the coming weeks.