Alabama hasn’t missed the College Football Playoff since it was created prior to the 2014 season. The Tide have managed to get in despite having a regular season loss in two out of the past three years.

So losing a game won’t eliminate the Tide from playoff contention, but it could prevent them from controlling their destiny.

So, who has the best shot at beating Alabama this season? Here are Alabama’s four biggest obstacles to posting a second straight perfect regular season.

1. Florida State Seminoles

When: Sept. 2

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.

Why they can win: The Seminoles are fresh off a 10-3 season — two of those losses were by less than a field goal. They did suffer one ugly loss, 63-20 to Louisville, but were otherwise impressive.

The team lost star RB Dalvin Cook to the NFL, but a combination of Jacques Patrick and freshman phenom Cam Akers will ensure that the run game continues to thrive. At 6-2, 231 pounds, Patrick is a load to bring down. Over his first two years, he ran for 664 yards and 5.4 per carry.

Akers — the No. 1 RB in the 2017 recruiting class — is also expected to see significant playing time. The 5-star prospect has the size, speed and vision to become a featured back. Combining him with Patrick could give Florida State one of the best 1-2 punches in the country.

The run game should continue to be effective, but the offense is going to rely a lot more on QB Deondre Francois. During his first season as the starter, he threw for 3,350 yards and 20 touchdowns while tossing only 7 interceptions.

Whether it be Deshaun Watson in 2015 and 2016, Johnny Manziel in 2012 or Cam Newton in 2010, the Tide has struggled against elite quarterbacks. Francois has the ability to give Alabama’s defense trouble — especially when you consider what the Tide lost as far as their pass rush.

2. Tennessee Volunteers

Date of Game: Oct. 21

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Why they can win: When I originally started this article, I had mapped out Mississippi State as the Tide’s fourth toughest game. Upon further review, it became clear that Tennessee could have the better chance of pulling off an upset.

First off, Tennessee is going to be the last of a tough five-game stretch that includes Vanderbilt (away), Ole Miss (home), Texas A&M (away) and Arkansas (home). On top of that, let’s not forget that Tennessee is one of Alabama’s biggest rivals.

It’s been 10 years since the Vols were able to hand Alabama a loss, and they’ll be looking to do anything in their power to prevent the Tide faithful from lighting those traditional victory cigars yet again.

Tennessee lost a lot of talent from last year’s team. QB Josh Dobbs, RB Alvin Kamara, DE Derek Barnett and CB Cameron Sutton are just a few of those notable losses, but that could actually end up playing in the Vols’ favor.

If Alabama ends up underestimating Tennessee, it could prove to be a critical mistake following what should be a physical game against the Razorbacks.

3. LSU Tigers

Date of Game: Nov. 4

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Why they can win: LSU hasn’t beaten Alabama since 2011 when the Tigers won 9-6 in the regular season before losing a rematch 21-0 in the national championship game. That doesn’t mean they haven’t come close, however.

One thing that has hindered the LSU offense has been a lack of quality quarterback play. That deficiency could change this season.

When Danny Etling took over the starting job against Jacksonville State last season, he didn’t look back. He threw for 2,123 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he continued to improve as the season wore on. If he can continue to get comfortable with the offense, it should help an already impressive run game.

Having a quarterback who can threaten the defense will help, but if LSU wants to have a chance of beating the Tide, they are going to need all-star performances from their two best players — RB Derrius Guice and edge rusher Arden Key.

Guice led the SEC in rushing yards (1,387) and rushing touchdowns (15) despite having to share the backfield with Leonard Fournette at times. Now that the offense is going to be built around him, he should post even more impressive numbers.

Key is arguably the best defensive player in college football. The 6-6, 238-pound pass-rusher can single-handily impact a game, so Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Alabama offense will need to know where he is lined up at all times.

4. Auburn Tigers

Date of Game: Nov. 25

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.

Why they can win: This could be the most significant Iron Bowl that we’ve seen since the Kick Six back in 2013. Auburn is fresh off a Sugar Bowl appearance and an 8-5 (5-3) finish.

The Tigers suffered several big losses on defense — including edge rusher Carl Lawson, DT Montravius Adams and CB Joshua Holsey — but they should still be competitive on that side of the ball.

The biggest threat to Alabama, however, will come from Auburn’s offense. The Tigers had the SEC’s best rushing attack last season, and they return their biggest contributors — Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson.

At one point, Pettway looked like a lock to earn a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, but an injury prevented that from happening. In only nine games, he still ran for 1,224 yards and 7 touchdowns. Johnson contributed 895 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The run game will continue to be the focal point of the offense, but transfer QB Jarrett Stidham could be the key factor that puts Auburn over the top. The former 4-star quarterback has been impressive since arriving on the Plains this spring. He most recently threw for 267 yards — completing 80 percent of his passes — in only one half during Auburn’s A-Day game.

If Auburn can continue its success on the ground while also creating more balance, it could upset Alabama for the first time since the Kick Six.