Former Alabama quarterback and current pundit Greg McElroy made predictions on what the Crimson Tide must do to guarantee a postseason berth as the College Football Playoff (CFP) race intensifies.
As the College Football Playoff (CFP) race heats up, former Alabama quarterback and current analyst Greg McElroy has weighed in on what must happen for the Crimson Tide to secure a spot in the postseason. After a somewhat rocky start to the season and a few close calls, Alabama’s playoff hopes still depend on several key factors, according to McElroy. In a recent discussion on his podcast and during coverage on ESPN, McElroy laid out the path that Alabama must follow to keep their CFP chances alive.
### 1. **Win the Rest of Their SEC Schedule**
The most obvious but essential step is for Alabama to win out in the SEC. McElroy emphasized that the Tide’s fate largely rests on their ability to take care of business in the Southeastern Conference, which has long been known as the toughest in college football. “There is no margin for error,” McElroy said. “Alabama cannot afford another slip-up in the SEC, especially with the eyes of the committee on their every move.” This means victories over teams like LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn in the Iron Bowl are imperative for maintaining their strength of schedule and avoiding a second loss.
Alabama’s resume is built around their performance in the conference, and winning the SEC West, along with a potential appearance in the SEC Championship Game, would give them the necessary statement wins to push their case for inclusion in the playoff. In McElroy’s view, even with a strong finish to the season, Alabama would need to emerge as champions of their division to have a legitimate argument for a playoff spot.
### 2. **Jalen Milroe’s Continued Development**
Another crucial element for Alabama’s playoff aspirations is the continued development of sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe. After some early-season struggles and inconsistencies, Milroe has shown flashes of his potential, especially with his ability to make big plays with both his arm and legs. McElroy has been a vocal supporter of Milroe’s talent, but he also highlighted the need for him to consistently execute, particularly in big moments.
“Alabama’s offense has to become more consistent,” McElroy stated. “Jalen Milroe has shown he can make all the throws, but he has to do it more regularly. If Alabama is going to get into the playoff conversation, they need their quarterback to step up, especially in key SEC games.” Milroe’s ability to read defenses, manage the game, and deliver under pressure will be vital if the Tide are to reach the playoffs.
### 3. **Strong Play from the Defense**
Nick Saban’s Alabama teams have been known for their ferocious defense, and this year is no different. However, McElroy pointed out that Alabama’s defense, while solid, has occasionally shown vulnerability against fast-paced offenses and in games that require critical stops in the clutch. For the Crimson Tide to maintain their playoff hopes, they must continue to rely on their defense to dominate.
“Alabama has some real studs on defense, but they need to stay disciplined,” McElroy said. “The defense will need to elevate its play, especially in the secondary, to limit big plays and create turnovers. The offense may take some time to find its rhythm, but Alabama’s defense can carry them.” If the Tide defense can regain its form and be dominant in their remaining matchups, it will only bolster their case for the CFP.
### 4. **Securing a Spot in the SEC Championship Game**
McElroy stressed that one of the biggest hurdles Alabama faces is securing a spot in the SEC Championship Game. Even if they win out, they still need some help from other teams in the SEC, especially in the form of a loss from either LSU or Texas A&M in the SEC West. If Alabama can make it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship, McElroy sees them as a strong contender, even if they are up against a powerhouse team like Georgia or Tennessee.
“Winning the SEC West is the first goal, but they will need to take down a strong opponent in the SEC Championship Game,” McElroy said. “If they can win that, they’re in. They can’t afford to lose and hope for other chaos to work in their favor. Winning the SEC is the key.”
### 5. **Hope for Chaos in the Playoff Picture**
Finally, McElroy acknowledged that, while Alabama can control its own destiny to some extent, they may need some help from the rest of the college football landscape. With teams like Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and others battling for playoff spots, a few unexpected losses—particularly by teams currently ahead of Alabama—could improve their chances.
“If some of the top teams in the nation slip up, it will open up a spot,” McElroy said. “Alabama has to do its job first, but a little bit of chaos could help them make their case.”
### Conclusion
In McElroy’s view, Alabama still has a realistic shot at the College Football Playoffs, but it requires a combination of factors to go their way. They must win out in the regular season, take care of business in the SEC Championship Game, and see other teams falter along the way. With a young quarterback in Milroe, a defense that still has the potential to be elite, and the leadership of Nick Saban, Alabama’s path to the playoff is not entirely out of reach—but it is a challenging road.
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