Two ACC results on Saturday might have given Alabama football just enough leverage to enter the College Football Playoff field, but the outcome of the ACC Championship Game could ultimately decide their fate.
Alabama took care of business in the Iron Bowl, defeating Auburn 28-14 for its fifth consecutive series win. However, the Crimson Tide’s earlier loss to Oklahoma cost them a guaranteed spot in Atlanta for the SEC Championship and likely an automatic ticket to the College Football Playoff. Now, Alabama’s postseason hopes rest in the hands of the CFP Committee, along with some help from other teams.
On Saturday, Alabama got that help. First, South Carolina stunned Clemson on the road. Clemson, ranked one spot above Alabama last week, is now likely to fall behind. Despite some push for South Carolina to leapfrog Alabama, the Tide’s head-to-head win over the Gamecocks should prevent that.
Later, Syracuse upset Miami, knocking the Hurricanes to 10-2 and out of the ACC Championship Game. While Miami has fewer losses than Alabama, their lack of quality wins compared to Alabama’s three (over Georgia, South Carolina, and Missouri) strengthens the Tide’s case. The committee has already shown it values Alabama over Miami despite the extra loss, ranking the Tide at No. 6 and Miami at No. 10 two weeks ago.
ACC Championship Holds the Key for Alabama
Alabama is projected to be the last team in the playoff field when the rankings are released on Tuesday. If they fall lower, a trip to the Citrus Bowl might be in their future instead.
However, even if Alabama is in the top four, the ACC Championship Game looms large. SMU, currently 11-1, likely secured its playoff spot with a dominant win over Cal. Ranked ninth last week, the Mustangs shouldn’t drop for playing—and losing—an extra game Alabama avoided.
Clemson, now out of contention after its loss to South Carolina, could re-enter the picture by upsetting SMU in the ACC title game. A Clemson victory would likely steal a playoff bid, potentially giving the ACC two teams in the field and leaving Alabama on the outside looking in.
For Alabama fans hoping for a playoff berth, the path is clear: cheer loudly for SMU to take care of business in the ACC Championship Game.
