Did Ohio State and Clemson reopen Alabama’s door to the College Football Playoff?

Ohio State and Clemson losing may have given Alabama some life in regard to the College Football Playoff. But could they really get in?

Alabama’s loss to LSU definitely eliminated the Crimson Tide from the SEC title game and seemingly eliminated them from contention for the College Football Playoff.

However, college football is unpredictable and sometimes the results fall in your favor.

That may have just happened for Alabama with losses by Ohio State and Clemson.

Did Ohio State, Clemson reopen Alabama’s door to the College Football Playoff?

One of Ohio State or Michigan was always going to lose. But the way the Wolverines drubbed the Buckeyes in the second half made it all the more likely Ohio State will not get into the Top 4 even with the loss. That helps Alabama

Clemson took themselves out of contention with a loss to South Carolina. Even though they also seemed on the outside looking, the fact that they’d play in the ACC title game could have launched them ahead of the Tide. Now that’s not a possibility.

As it stands, Georgia, Michigan and TCU are firmly in the first three playoff spots. Then LSU and USC slot in next in whatever order the committee decides.

The question is where Ohio State will sit relative to Alabama. With one loss on their record to the presumptive No. 2 team in the land, it’s hard to imagine two-loss Alabama will sit ahead of them.

That’s ultimately why Alabama needs significantly more help to get in.

It would take Georgia beating LSU in the SEC title game. And USC losing to Notre Dame or their Pac-12 title game opponent. And maybe TCU losing in the Big 12 title game and Michigan losing in the Big Ten title game to open the door for Alabama.

Even then, the argument is tough. One-loss Ohio State will have an argument over Alabama. One-loss TCU and Michigan would have an argument.

The committee clearly respects the Tide to have them ranked at No. 7 to start with this week. They’d have to adore the Tide to put them in even in the most chaotic scenarios.