Crimson Tide Ranked 11th in Latest CFP Rankings

The Alabama Crimson Tide has secured the 11th spot in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, marking a pivotal point in their potential postseason journey. This ranking comes after Alabama’s recent performances, and it positions them just above Miami, which sits at 12th. Despite a season with ups and downs, Alabama remains in the conversation for a ninth CFP appearance in the past 11 seasons.

Alabama, led by coach Kalen DeBoer in his first year, has faced challenges this season, including a significant 24-3 loss to Oklahoma on November 23. This defeat, coupled with other close games, has impacted their position. However, the Tide’s resilience and key victories continue to keep them in contention as the season nears its end.

Miami’s Struggles and the CFP Committee’s Decision
Miami, ranked 12th, faced a tough defeat to Syracuse (42-38) over the weekend, marking their second loss of the season. This setback has left them vulnerable in the CFP race, especially since the top conference champions are expected to claim the highest playoff spots. According to Warde Manuel, the CFP selection committee chair, teams not participating in conference championships—like Alabama and Miami—are unlikely to move up in the rankings since no additional data is available to assess their standings.

Manuel explained, “Teams that are not competing will not see any change in their positions, as we don’t have new data to reevaluate them. We base the rankings on where we see them entering the final week of the conference championships.” Alabama’s 3-1 record against ranked teams and their 6-1 performance against undefeated opponents contribute to their favorable positioning, giving them an edge over Miami, which holds a 0-1 record against ranked teams.

The Road Ahead for Alabama and Miami
The Tide’s potential path to the playoffs depends on outcomes from upcoming conference championship games. If Clemson defeats SMU in the ACC title game, the committee will need to decide whether to select the 11-2 Mustangs or the 9-3 Crimson Tide for the 12-team playoff. This decision could significantly impact Alabama’s chances of securing a playoff spot.

Alabama’s Strengths and Challenges
Alabama’s season includes notable wins over Georgia, South Carolina, and Missouri—teams that are currently ranked in the CFP top 25. Despite a 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt and a 24-17 defeat at Tennessee, the Tide’s victories against ranked opponents illustrate their potential to compete at a high level. Coach DeBoer expressed confidence, stating, “We believe we are one of the top 12 teams.”

The CFP’s Perspective on Miami
Miami’s recent performance has been mixed, with two losses in their last three games, including a 28-23 defeat to Georgia Tech on November 9. They have not secured a win over a CFP-ranked opponent this season. Miami’s head coach, Mario Cristobal, has argued that their 10-2 record and narrow losses differentiate them from other 9-3 teams. He emphasized, “We’ve won 10 games this year, which not many teams can say. Our losses have been by just one possession, showcasing our competitiveness.”

Outlook for the 12-Team Playoff
With the current rankings, the first round of the 12-team playoff would feature matchups like No. 12 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Penn State, No. 11 Alabama vs. No. 6 Notre Dame, No. 10 Indiana vs. No. 7 Georgia, and No. 9 Tennessee vs. No. 8 Ohio State. Manuel acknowledged that the situation could change, stating, “It all depends on the outcomes of these conference championship games. We evaluate based on the performance in these critical matches.”

Conclusion
The final CFP rankings, to be announced on Sunday, will determine the four highest-rated conference champions and the remaining teams that will participate in the playoff. Alabama’s fate hinges on the results of the upcoming championship games, with their current ranking keeping them in the conversation for a playoff berth. As for Miami, the Hurricanes’ hopes rest on the committee’s evaluation of their competitive record and the impact of their recent losses.