Fans, media weigh in on Alabama’s Playoff hopes after loss at Tennessee

Alabama is now 5-2 after a 24-17 loss to Tennessee in Knoxville in the latest edition of the Third Saturday in October rivalry.

The Crimson Tide had a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Nico Iamaleava’s touchdown pass to Chris Brazzell with less than 6 minutes remaining in regulation gave the Volunteers a 21-17 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish as they later tacked on a field goal. Alabama had a chance at a last-minute drive before Jalen Milroe threw an interception to seal the Vols’ win.

And now discussion inevitably turns to what the Tide’s College Football Playoff fate will be. With the newly-expanded Playoff field, 2 losses won’t eliminate you per se, but dropping games to Vanderbilt and now Tennessee won’t help their cause. Not only that, but the Tide are now 2-2 in the SEC, with their hopes of an SEC Championship Game appearance essentially out the window.

Looking ahead at Alabama’s upcoming schedule, there are opportunities for it to get back into the discussion, with Missouri next up. And Nov. 9 against LSU takes on even more significance — assuming the Tide beat the Tigers — with Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn following. Theoretically, Alabama would need to win out to stay in the hunt.

Kalen DeBoer entered the 2024 season with a massive weight on his shoulders as he was tasked with filling the large shoes of the legendary Nick Saban. Missing the Playoff in his first year in charge won’t endear him to Tide fans.

Here’s reaction from social media about the Tide’s Playoff hopes:

@CFBPlayoff Playoff Comittee, Do right and not be bias for once and put Alabama out of the top twenty. They will loose again. Gone are the days of easy scheduling for Alabama and conference play they are rolling. Roll away arrogant Tide.

— Cee J (@CeeJ1970) October 19, 2024

Alabama say goodbye to the playoffs bub

— Ocho (Not Affiliated With The Saints) (@OchoReacts) October 19, 2024

First year of a 12-team playoff and Alabama likely won't be there. New day in the SEC.

— JWF (@JammieWF) October 19, 2024

No Alabama in playoffs. God is good.

— Bruno Galhardo (@Broonaum) October 19, 2024

This guy just ended Alabama's playoff hopes. Go Big Orange! pic.twitter.com/OYh4glSIaO

— Greg (@gregman1982) October 19, 2024

Alabama does not have the schedule to warrant making the playoffs anymore. A win versus Georgia should not overshadow a loss to Vandy and a loss to Tennessee. I don’t see them winning out either because.

— Salty Rush3r (@SaltyRush3r_) October 19, 2024

I am not going to name this certain football player on Alabama football team because I will get roasted on X for it but it is obviously this player is not an accurate passer but he is a physically gifted athlete but this guy has costed Alabama a playoff spot with his sorry play

— Eastman Lewis (@EastmanLewis1) October 19, 2024

https://twitter.com/hrparrishh/status/1847785998475808848

https://twitter.com/ChrisDuttonAL/status/1847785939143442566

https://twitter.com/DansmithBYU_/status/1847787467006443759

We're about to find out exactly how rigged the new playoff system is now that Alabama has two losses

— Ehxxalt (@ehxxalt) October 19, 2024

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.