College GameDay analysts discuss Alabama’s Playoff chances after LSU loss
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The debate continues: can Alabama make the College Football Playoff? On ESPN’s “College GameDay” the topic was discussed a week ago ahead of the LSU-Alabama game. Since then, Alabama lost to LSU and dropped to No. 5 in the selection committee’s rankings. The GameDay crew, this week in Waco, Texas, revisited the topic on Saturday.
“When I think it’s final and done, a one-loss Alabama is still in the Playoff,” Lee Corso said. “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”
Kirk Herbstreit isn’t as sure as Corso.
“I disagree it’s a slam dunk, they’ve got to look good in the Iron Bowl,” Herbstreit said. “Two years ago they didn’t make it to Atlanta, but all of us collectively said, ‘You know what? They’re one of the four best teams.’ This year doesn’t feel like that to me personally. They don’t have the resume. They don’t look like they’re better than everybody else. They’re in the discussion, but a Pac-12 champion or Big 12 champion ends up trumping them and going ahead of Alabama the final weekend.”
Crimson Tide supporters hope the committee sees things the way Desmond Howard does.
“It’s hard not to look at Alabama as one of the four best teams in the country. They lost by 5 points with a gimpy quarterback to the No.1 team in the country,” Howard said. “I know they don’t have a marquee victory, but right now, it’s a tough task to say they’re not one of the four best teams in the country.”
David Pollack agreed that a fully healthy Tua Tagovailoa makes Alabama even with LSU.
“A healthy Tua and they play 10 times, I think it’s 5-5,” Pollack said. “If I’m LSU, I would definitely not want to see Alabama again.”
Herbstreit disagreed with Pollack on the possible rematch.
“I don’t think they’re real worried about Alabama again,” Herbstreit said. “It’s a different year. Oh, LSU just scored again. Why is it the Big 12 and Pac-12 seem to be forgotten?”
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
