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College Football World Reacts to Alabama's Controversial Latest CFP Ranking
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The Alabama Crimson Tide came in at No. 11 in the latest edition of the College Football Playoff rankings—a position that would earn them an at-large berth in the first-ever 12-team CFP.
Many have argued that the committee has long favored Alabama, which has made the College Football Playoff 10 times in the postseason's 12-year history. Their latest ranking—given both their 9–3 record and their two-slot jump from No. 13 last week—had the college football community up in arms on Tuesday night:
The CFP committee has positioned Alabama for a playoff berth.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 4, 2024
If this surprises you, you haven’t been paying attention for the past decade.
Let me state loud and clear. South Carolina should be in ahead of Alabama. And I have a 100k future on Bama.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 4, 2024
So, just to get it straight:
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) December 4, 2024
A win over a Top 12 Clemson team on the road - which feels like a pretty big piece of a resume, especially this time of year - moved South Carolina up... one spot.
A win over 5-6 Auburn at home moved Alabama up... two spots.
THE RIG IS IN!
This is why everyone hates Alabama and the SEC https://t.co/opjef3mMWD
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) December 4, 2024
Alabama lost by 21, two weeks ago, at Oklahoma and the Sooners went 6-6.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 4, 2024
The committee evidently thought Miami's four-point loss at Syracuse (9-3) was more damaging than a 24-3 loss to a mediocre team.
The SEC wins, again.
We can argue Ole Miss, South Carolina, Clemson and all the rest.
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) December 4, 2024
Alabama will make the College Football Playoff because of one reason:
Their logo.
It's unfortunate. It truly is.
Alabama being ranked #11 pic.twitter.com/wUPjPGc7P7
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) December 4, 2024
Miami being behind Alabama is completely ridiculous.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 4, 2024
Alabama could have 6 losses and they’d be the last team in.
— DRVawl (@DRVawl) December 4, 2024
Nick Saban’s not at Alabama anymore. Giving him the benefit of the doubt was semi understandable most years.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 4, 2024
The coddling has to stop now.
Alabama (9-3) beats a 5-7 Auburn team: jumps from #13 to #11.
— Alex Gookin (@_AlexGookin) December 1, 2024
Iowa State (10-2) beats an 8-4 (and ranked) Kansas State team: #17 to #16.
Yes, very good system we have.
Everyone watch Alabama sneak into the final College Football Playoff spot for the 2nd year in a row: pic.twitter.com/gpgSfOyVMe
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) December 4, 2024
According to the latest projected bracket, the Crimson Tide would face off against No. 4 Notre Dame in the first-round for a chance to take on No. 8 SMU (earning a bye as the projected ACC champion) in the quarterfinals.
The First Round of the College Football Playoff is slated for Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21.
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Mike Kadlick is an NFL writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.