Is Alabama in the Playoff even with a loss? National CFB writer doesn't think so

The Alabama Crimson Tide are heading into the SEC title game this weekend with a 12-0 record and the No. 1 ranking in the College Football Playoff poll.

Many think that the Tide would still be in the final four even if they lose a close game to Georgia in Atlanta this weekend, as they have proven to be an elite team time and time again.

However, USA TODAY writer George Schroeder doesn’t necessarily think that’s the case. On Monday’s “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Schroeder said last year, a one-loss Alabama team was battling with two-loss Ohio State. This year, they’d be battling with Ohio State and Oklahoma teams that only potentially have one loss:

"If Alabama loses to Georgia, it's not a forgone conclusion that Alabama is in the #CFBPlayoff … Last year Alabama was up against 2-loss conference champions. It's a little different when you're compared to 1-loss conference champions" – @GeorgeSchroeder pic.twitter.com/CCTQUdgZnX

— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) November 26, 2018

That is a good point, and one that the Playoff committee will certainly consider.

It does seem ridiculous to think that Alabama wouldn’t be one of the top-four teams even in that scenario, but there’s a chance they wouldn’t get in if they lose Saturday.