Nick Saban makes Alabama’s case for the College Football Playoff
By Scott Rogust
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban explained why they deserve a College Football Playoff berth.
A berth in the College Football Playoff seemed unlikely for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide after they lost to the LSU Tigers in overtime back in November. That was Alabama’s second loss of the season, meaning that they faced long odds to make it to the Playoff.
As it turns out, everything fell the way Alabama needed it to. Ohio State, Tennessee, USC, Oregon, and LSU all lost leading up to Conference Championship Saturday. That afternoon, the TCU Horned Frogs suffered their first loss of the season, losing to the Kansas State Wildcats 31-28 in the Big 12 Championship Game.
During an appearance on the ESPN Twitter College Football Show, Saban made his case as to why Alabama should receive a spot in the playoff, despite their 10-2 record. Saban cited Bryce Young’s injury against Arkansas and how it kept him limited in practices upon returning, and their close to the season.
Additionally, Saban made the point that the committee should ask themselves if they “would be underdogs” if they matched up with Playoff eligible teams.
As far as determining who gets in and who doesn't, Saban said it should be asked -- if they played a team now "would they be underdogs?"
— Alex Scarborough (@AlexS_ESPN) December 4, 2022
"That's how this should play out," he said. https://t.co/o8RT6DOm4K
Nick Saban makes case for Alabama to make the College Football Playoff
“I guess I would ask the question if we played these teams in question, would we be underdogs in the game or not?” Saban said, h/t BamaOnLine. “And that should answer everybody’s questions relative to who the best teams are at present. That’s how this should sort of play out.”
Young did miss Alabama’s game against Texas A&M after suffering a shoulder injury against Arkansas. The Crimson Tide were able to get a narrow 24-20 win over the Texas A&M Aggies behind the starter for that game, Jalen Milroe.
In regards to the games after the LSU loss, Alabama defeated No. 11 Ole Miss 30-24, Austin Peay 34-0, and Auburn 49-27 to close out the regular-season.
While TCU did lose on Saturday, they fought tooth-and-nail to overcome a 28-17 deficit to force overtime. Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan ran for 110 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. 95 of those yards came on TCU’s penultimate drive, where they tied it at 28 points apiece.
For Alabama’s detractors, they aren’t thrilled that there is a potential chance that they could sneak into the Playoff. Well, there will be an official answer on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. ET as to whether they’re in or out.
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