Alabama included in ‘first 4 out’ of ESPN’s latest CFP bubble projection

Alabama is still fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff even after sustaining 2 losses before the start of November.

On Tuesday, ESPN updated its bubble projection for the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide were included in the “first 4 out” section along with other Playoff-hopefuls such as Notre Dame, Iowa State and Kansas State.

It’s the first time Alabama has been this high in ESPN’s projection since its loss to Tennessee earlier this month. Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Heather Dinich:

“This is the first time a two-loss team has crept into this category, but (1) more teams have two losses, and (2) Alabama finally put together an impressive performance against a decent Missouri team. The Nov. 9 trip to LSU is the best remaining chance to impress the committee.”

As Dinich notes, there is some good news for Alabama: The Crimson Tide have a marquee matchup left on their November slate that could really impress the CFP selection committee. Alabama will go on the road to face LSU in Death Valley under the lights on Nov. 9.

That game could serve as a Playoff elimination contest of sorts, with the loser guaranteed to pick up its third loss of the season.

Both Alabama and LSU will be off this upcoming weekend before meeting for that all-important clash in Week 11.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.