Did the Faculty Soccer Playoff snub Alabama?
On Sunday, the CFP unveiled its 12-team bracket. SMU clinched the No. 11 seed and can face No. 6 seed Penn State in a highway recreation on Dec. 21. The Crimson Tide, in the meantime, had been the primary crew out.
Unsurprisingly, selecting SMU as a substitute of Alabama might spark controversy.
Though the Mustangs (11-2) have a greater file, the Crimson Tide (9-3) confronted much better competitors. Per ESPN’s Football Power Index, Alabama ranks sixteenth in power of schedule, whereas SMU is sixtieth.
The Mustangs misplaced 34-31 to Clemson (10-3) within the ACC Championship Sport on Saturday. The Crimson Tide tied for fourth within the SEC, which is a superior convention.
In two of the previous three seasons, a crew from the SEC has captured the nationwide championship. This 12 months, the 12-team bracket options three SEC groups (Georgia, Texas and Tennessee).
Nonetheless, Alabama’s highway losses in opposition to unranked groups possible value it. Vanderbilt (6-6) beat the Crimson Tide 40-35 in Week 6, and Oklahoma (6-6) upset them 24-3 in Week 13.
ESPN analyst Nick Saban, who gained six nationwide titles in 17 seasons as Alabama HC, stated power of schedule issues, however the committee’s selections appear honest.
“However on the similar time, I do suppose the perfect groups are within the playoff, which I feel is most essential,” Saban stated on ESPN’s telecast, per Terrible Asserting. “No coach ought to have any complaints about what his circumstance is within the playoff or out of the playoff as a result of all of them managed their very own future.”
Alabama could also be a extra gifted crew than SMU. Its roster options potential first- and second-round picks in quarterback Jalen Milroe and linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
Regardless of the star energy, it is honest to say the Crimson Tide have appeared inconsistent all through the season. That may very well be why they weren’t included within the CFP, and maybe that is the best alternative.
