Alabama Playoff Chances: An 11th Ranking Is Good Enough

The College Football Playoff selection committee released its first rankings of the 2022 season on Tuesday, and Alabama found itself ranked 11th.

The Crimson Tide are coming off a 6-0 start to the season, but they have not played a ranked opponent yet. Their only close call came in a 24-20 win over Texas A&M in Week 2.

So, is an 11th ranking good enough for Alabama to make the College Football Playoff?

The Case for Alabama

There are a few reasons to believe that Alabama can still make the College Football Playoff despite its low ranking.

They have a strong schedule. Alabama’s remaining schedule includes games against three ranked opponents: No. 6 Tennessee, No. 18 LSU, and No. 23 Mississippi State. If the Crimson Tide can win those games, they will have a strong case to be one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff.
They have a lot of experience. Alabama has 10 starters back from last year’s team that won the national championship. That experience will be valuable in close games down the stretch.
They have a history of success. Alabama has won six national championships in the past 13 years. The Crimson Tide know how to win big games, and they will be confident heading into the postseason.

The Case Against Alabama

There are also a few reasons to believe that Alabama may not make the College Football Playoff despite its high ranking.

They have not played a ranked opponent yet. Alabama’s six wins have come against unranked opponents. The Crimson Tide will need to prove that they can beat ranked teams before they can be considered a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.
They have some injuries. Alabama has been hit by injuries to some key players, including quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver Jameson Williams. If those players are not healthy for the stretch run, it could hurt the Crimson Tide’s chances of making the College Football Playoff.
They have a tough schedule. Alabama’s remaining schedule includes games against three ranked opponents: No. 6 Tennessee, No. 18 LSU, and No. 23 Mississippi State. Those games will be tough tests for the Crimson Tide, and they could lose one or two of them.

Conclusion

So, is an 11th ranking good enough for Alabama to make the College Football Playoff?

The answer is: maybe.

The Crimson Tide have a strong schedule, a lot of experience, and a history of success. However, they have not played a ranked opponent yet, they have some injuries, and they have a tough schedule remaining.

Ultimately, Alabama’s chances of making the College Football Playoff will depend on how they perform down the stretch. If they can win their remaining games, they will be in good shape. However, if they lose one or two games, they could be left out of the College Football Playoff.