The final Coaches Poll of the 2024 regular season ranks Alabama Football in its rightful position among playoff contenders. While teams like SMU, Indiana, and Boise State are ranked higher due to having just one loss, their Strength of Schedule (SOS) is much weaker than Alabama’s. SMU’s SOS ranks No. 75, Indiana’s is No. 65, and Boise State’s is No. 86, while Alabama’s stands at No. 16.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee has emphasized SOS but has yet to fully factor it into rankings. With the regular season over, it’s time for the committee to take SOS seriously, as it’s a crucial data point. While undefeated teams like Oregon may not be penalized for a lower SOS, teams with multiple losses, like Alabama, should be rewarded for a tougher schedule. Teams such as South Carolina and Ohio State, with solid SOS, should be ranked higher, while teams like Miami, Iowa State, and Arizona State should be penalized for weaker schedules.
The Coaches Poll offers a valuable guide for the Selection Committee. If they follow its lead, Alabama could secure a spot in the playoffs, especially if SMU defeats Clemson in the ACC Championship, placing Alabama as the No. 12 seed.
