In 2011, the “Game of the Century” turned out to just be the first round of Alabama and LSU “No. 1 vs. No. 2.” While the Associated Press Top 25 voters have LSU at No. 1 and Alabama at No. 2 this week, the College Football Playoff selection committee – responsible for the poll that actually matters – has LSU at No. 2 and Alabama at No. 3. Many analysts came away from the Nov. 5 CFP rankings thinking that Alabama cannot afford to lose in the regular season and make the field of four as an at-large team. On Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the “College GameDay” crew weighed in on whether Saturday’s showdown is an “elimination game” in regards to the Playoff.

Lee Corso wouldn’t count the Crimson Tide out with a loss.

“Not for me. If Alabama loses a close game, especially with Tua (Tagovailoa) hurt,” Corso said. “A one-loss Alabama team will be a giant elephant in that selection committee room. Alabama has been in every Playoff. The only team in America that can say that.”

Kirk Herbstreit disagreed with Corso.

“If they (Alabama) lose, that won’t be the case. It just doesn’t feel like that (this year),” Herbstreit said. “In the past, Alabama would lose a game, and you could still make the argument, ‘Hey, they are one of the best four teams. You still have to put them in.’ I think Alabama knows they are taking the field today to continue to keep their hope alive of winning an SEC Championship and ultimately getting into the Playoff. If they lose today, they are out.”

Desmond Howard said it’s too early to say one way or the other.

“It depends on other one-loss teams that are our there when it’s all said and done. I can’t say that Alabama is out yet if they lose.”