College Football Playoff staple Alabama was left out of the latest bracket predictions after a week full of upsets
If college football’s recent standards hold true, this year’s deadline will look a lot different than previously expected.
When the committee announced it would be moving from a four-team to a 12-team playoff format, it seemed like Alabama would be a lock almost every year.
But, in the first year of the twelve-team playoff, the Crimson Tide is on the outside looking in.
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Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer reacts after a game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 24-3. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Here’s a look at the bracket projections, featuring five automatic bids and seven major options. (Reminder: The team’s investment may not be equal to its standards).
Automatic bids
1. Oregon – Big Ten representative (11-0, 8-0)
2. Texas – SEC representative (10-1, 4-1); ranked third
3. Miami – ACC representative (10-1, 5-1); ranked sixth
4. Boise State – Mountain West representative (10-1, 7-0); ranked 11th
12. Arizona State – Top 12 seed (9-2, 6-2); ranked 16th
Arizona State defensive back Shamari Simmons, center, celebrates with fans after a 28-23 win over BYU on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Big bids
5. Ohio State (10-1, 7-1); ranked second
6. Penn State (10-1, 7-1); ranked fourth
7. Notre Dame (10-1); ranked fifth
8. Georgia (9-2, 6-2); ranked seventh
9. Tennessee (9-2, 5-2); ranked eighth
10. SMU (10-1, 7-0); ranked ninth. SMU leads the ACC, but the committee projects Miami will win the conference title.
11. Indiana (10-1, 7-1); ranked tenth
This means that the first two teams out are Clemson (ranked 12) and Alabama.
Oklahoma students and fans rush onto the field after Oklahoma beat Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
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Alabama and Ole Miss were in the picture last week, but after losses to Oklahoma and Florida, respectively, they are now 13th and 14th, respectively.
Indiana held on to its projected spot despite being blown out by Ohio State on Saturday. The Hoosiers dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 in the nation.
Colorado has been in control of its College Football Playoff future, but after losing to Kansas over the weekend, it will need a lot of help.
If ‘Bama misses the playoffs, it will be the first time since 2022, when the Tide finished the season No. 5. They have made the playoffs eight of 10 times. They finished 13th in the country when they missed out in 2019.
Defensive end R Mason Thomas (32) of the Oklahoma Sooners gets his hands on tight end Jalen Milroe (4) of the Alabama Crimson Tide as he tries to throw in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Nov. 23, 2024, Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 24-3. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
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Clemson faces No. 15 South Carolina, but since the teams in the bracket are well balanced, a Tigers win alone might not be enough.
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