With the College Football Playoff (CFP) final rankings looming, Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne has entered the fray to advocate for the Crimson Tide’s place in the top 12. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Monday night, Byrne made a compelling argument, emphasizing Alabama’s strength of schedule and competitive performance despite losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
The Case for Alabama
Byrne highlighted several key points to bolster Alabama’s case:
Strength of Schedule: Alabama ranks second in opponent win percentage and fourth in ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) and efficiency ratings. Byrne stressed that not all schedules and conferences are created equal, particularly in the rigorous SEC.
Quality Wins: The Crimson Tide secured three victories over teams currently in the CFP Top 25 and four wins against opponents ranked or receiving votes in the AP Top 25 at the time of play.
Bowl-Eligible Opponents: Six of Alabama’s eight wins came against teams that are bowl-eligible, further showcasing the program’s resilience against formidable competition.
Byrne also pointed to Alabama’s proactive approach in scheduling challenging non-conference matchups, reinforcing the team’s readiness to compete at the highest level.
CFP Implications
As it stands, Alabama is ranked No. 11 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and is projected to face No. 6 Notre Dame in the first round of the CFP, with a potential quarterfinal matchup against No. 3 SMU.
Byrne’s push comes amid heated discussions about whether two- or three-loss teams deserve a spot in the playoffs. While critics might cite Alabama’s losses, supporters argue that their overall body of work, including the caliber of their opponents, makes a strong case for inclusion.
A Tense Wait Ahead
The CFP Selection Committee is set to release updated rankings Tuesday, with the final bracket revealed Sunday. With Byrne’s pointed remarks and Alabama’s storied reputation, the Crimson Tide’s inclusion could stir significant debate.
Will the committee prioritize strength of schedule and quality wins, or will losses weigh too heavily against Alabama? The stakes are sky-high as fans and analysts await the final decision.
