McElroy, Greg Describe in detail why Alabama wasn’t favored in the 2024 season (CFP) after a difficult loss to Oklahoma.

McElroy, Greg Describe in detail why Alabama wasn’t favored in the 2024 season (CFP) after a difficult loss to Oklahoma.

Alabama’s position in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings following their loss to Oklahoma has been a point of considerable debate. The Crimson Tide, a perennial powerhouse in college football, entered the 2024 season with high expectations. However, after a tough loss to Oklahoma, Alabama’s playoff hopes became more uncertain, prompting questions about how the CFP committee would view the Crimson Tide in comparison to other one-loss teams.

### Impact of the Oklahoma Loss

The loss to Oklahoma, while significant, did not completely eliminate Alabama from CFP contention, but it did drop them in the rankings. Prior to the loss, Alabama had been ranked in the top 5 in the CFP rankings, but the defeat to Oklahoma forced the committee to reassess their placement. Despite the loss, Alabama’s resume still included key wins over ranked teams, as well as their overall reputation under head coach Nick Saban.

The CFP rankings take into account various factors such as strength of schedule, conference championships, and head-to-head results. After the Oklahoma loss, Alabama was still considered a strong team with a high ceiling, but the loss revealed some vulnerabilities, especially in their defense and in-game execution. As a result, the Crimson Tide were likely dropped to the lower end of the top 10, possibly somewhere between 6th and 9th, depending on the overall performance of other teams in the top 10.

### The Role of Alabama’s Historic Reputation

One of the primary factors keeping Alabama within striking distance of the playoff picture is their reputation and historical success. Alabama has a rich tradition of excellence, and the CFP committee often gives weight to the programs with strong resumes and a track record of success in big games. This reputation worked in Alabama’s favor, as even with the loss, the Crimson Tide were still considered a viable contender for a spot in the top 4, if they could win out and win the SEC title.

Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback and current analyst, has repeatedly emphasized that Alabama’s path to the playoffs would likely depend on winning the rest of their SEC games, including crucial matchups against LSU, Tennessee, and the Iron Bowl rivalry against Auburn. If Alabama could win the SEC Championship, it would solidify their case, regardless of the Oklahoma loss, by giving them a conference title and another quality win.

### Comparison with Other Teams

After the loss to Oklahoma, Alabama’s ranking would have been influenced by the success of other one-loss teams. For example, teams like Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and others, who had strong seasons and fewer or no losses, were likely ranked above Alabama. The CFP committee also considers how teams perform against quality opponents, and a team with a strong overall schedule and a single loss to a top team might still rank higher than teams with similar records but weaker competition.

If other teams in the CFP top 10 also suffered losses, this could work in Alabama’s favor. For instance, if a team ranked above them faltered, Alabama could move up in the rankings without needing to do anything beyond winning their own games. The importance of a strong finish to the regular season cannot be overstated, as Alabama would need to prove that they are still one of the four best teams in the nation.

### The Road Ahead for Alabama

Alabama’s ranking after the loss to Oklahoma is a reflection of the fine line they now walk. They are likely outside of the top 4 after the loss, but if they can navigate a difficult SEC schedule, defeat their rivals, and win the SEC Championship, they could still force their way into the CFP. However, the Crimson Tide will need help from other teams to ensure they have the necessary room to move up in the rankings.

In conclusion, while Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma has certainly complicated their playoff hopes, their ranking likely dropped to a lower position in the top 10, and the road to the College Football Playoffs is still open, provided they finish the season strong and hope for some help from other teams. A strong finish could be enough to push them back into the top 4, but it all depends on their performance in the coming weeks and the results from other contenders.