As Alabama football embarks on its quest to secure a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, the journey has been marked by inconsistency, particularly in key matchups. Despite showcasing a dominant performance against Missouri, where they achieved a 34-0 shutout—marking their first such win over an SEC opponent since 2020 against Mississippi State—analysts remain skeptical about the Crimson Tide’s playoff credentials.
CBS Sports HQ analyst Danny Kanell has expressed doubts regarding Alabama’s chances of making the playoff, pointing out that their resume does not measure up to that of other contenders. “I don’t think they are a playoff team,” Kanell stated, emphasizing that he believes Alabama’s performance has not warranted playoff consideration.
Kanell highlighted the importance of the upcoming game against LSU, indicating that a decisive victory would significantly enhance Alabama’s standing. He stated, “It needs a big win over LSU where it looks impressive.” While acknowledging Alabama’s rebound against Missouri, Kanell criticized the quality of that win, citing Missouri’s previous struggles in the season, including a heavy loss to Texas A&M.
He emphasized that for Alabama to regain credibility, they must not only defeat LSU but do so in a convincing manner. “For me, it is about getting Jalen Milroe back in the comfort of this offense, being able to get the running game going—all things they did against Missouri. But now they have to do it against LSU,” Kanell remarked, reiterating that the upcoming game will be a true test of Alabama’s capabilities against a more formidable opponent.
With Alabama on a bye week before facing LSU in Baton Rouge, Kanell believes the Tide needs to deliver stronger performances to impress the College Football Playoff Committee. A commanding showing against LSU could shift perceptions and potentially sway committee members, but Kanell is clear that Alabama must dominate to change the narrative.
In summary, while Alabama has shown flashes of brilliance, the consensus among analysts is that they need more dominant performances to prove they are worthy of a playoff spot. The upcoming clash with LSU will serve as a critical juncture for the Crimson Tide’s playoff aspirations, with the potential to either solidify their case or raise further doubts.
