Playoff Chances Still Alive for the Crimson Tide

This week’s updated AP poll saw multiple changes that could influence the 12-team playoff bracket that is selected later this year. The top 5 has slightly updated as Texas drops to number six and undefeated Miami (FL) moves into the coveted top 5. Other major playoff implications have been seen farther down the top 25.

Three more changes to the top 10 occurred this week as Notre Dame, BYU, and Texas A&M took over the 8th, 9th, and 10th spots. Notre Dame dominated the Navy in a ranked matchup, beating them 51-14 to ruin Navy’s undefeated season. BYU moves to 8-0 on the season with a 13-point victory over UCF, and Texas A&M welcomed the LSU Tigers to Kyle Field and, after a shaky first half, forced three LSU turnovers in the second half and won 38-23 in a huge SEC matchup. With that loss, LSU’s playoff hopes are on the bubble as they move into a bye week before welcoming the University of Alabama into Death Valley to squeak into the playoffs.

The University of Alabama has had a very rocky season. They took home a win against the currently ranked second Georgia Bulldogs, only to lose to Vanderbilt the following week. After a devastating loss to Vanderbilt, they struggled at home against a weaker South Carolina team and then suffered another heavy blow in Knoxville as they lost to the Tennessee Volunteers 24-17. Alabama’s playoff implications are as follows – They must win every game from here on out.

Alabama fans and players knew this going into a ranked matchup against the Missouri Tigers this past Saturday, and dismantled Missouri, winning 34-0 to keep their hopes of an 18th National Championship alive. They will have two weeks to prepare for the hardest game remaining on their schedule as they travel to Death Valley to take on an LSU team that is just as hungry as the Crimson Tide.

LSU struggled to defend against the rush, specifically from the backup quarterback Marcel Reed, who took over duties after a struggling Connor Weigman was taken out of the game. If Alabama hopes to roll through the Tigers, the game plan should focus on the rushing attack with their deep running back room and their dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe. Both teams will have a record of 6-2 going into their matchup, with the loser most certainly being eliminated early from the playoffs.