For Alabama, the initial No. 3 ranking has an ominous history in the Playoff era
For Alabama, starting out at No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings may not be a good sign, if history is any indication.
In the CFP era, the No. 3 team has never gone on to make the Playoff since it began in 2014. It further proves that Saturday’s game against LSU is huge.
“Alabama — I don’t think they make it at all if they lose to LSU Saturday,” ESPN host Rece Davis said.
Added Kirk Herbstreit, “No, they don’t have the resume. They’re playing at home. They’re against LSU. They’ve got to take care of business.”
The breakdown in the No. 3 spot in the CFP era in the initial rankings is LSU (2018), Notre Dame (2017), Michigan (2016), Ohio State (2015) and Auburn (2014).
The one saving grace for Alabama may be the eye test, however that may be a tall order since the committee ranked undefeated Clemson at No. 5 likely because of a narrow win over North Carolina.
Alabama’s non-conference win over Duke is simply not strong enough in the committee’s eyes, and Texas A&M is the only other quality win.
“What you see when you watch Alabama is obviously outstanding playmakers,” CFP Chair Rob Mullens said on a media teleconference, according to Stewart Mandel. “They’ve been dominant against their schedule, and while it might not be as strong as others, when you watch the games, they certainly have been dominant.”