The college football world gave fans another surprise: In a significant move, Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3) has overtaken Miami (10-2) in the penultimate CFP rankings, helping them to secure the 11th spot over Miami’s 12th.
If these rankings hold through Sunday, This shift puts Alabama in a much better position to grab the final playoff berth in the 12-team field.
Notably, after a loss to Michigan, Ohio State’s ranking fell to No. 6 in week 14. Leaving opportunities for rank alteration. Oregon maintains its position at No. 1, with Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Georgia behind them.
The rankings have ignited debate all around, especially on the fact that the Bulldogs are still ranking the highest among the two-loss teams. The competition remains tough, with all teams trying to get places in the playoffs.
How Alabama Gained the Advantage Over Miami
Alabama Crimson Tide gained an edge over Miami Hurricanes through their powerful schedule. According to the CFP committee, Alabama has a 3-1 record against current Top 25 teams, which contrasts with Miami’s record of 0-1.
Alabama’s profile is further strengthened by victories over powerhouses Georgia and Missouri to counterbalance losses against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.
Miami’s placement ahead of Ole Miss and South Carolina, yet not surpassing Alabama, has sparked discussions. The major question remains- why not higher? A potential factor could be Miami’s vulnerability on defense. A striking example was when Miami squandered a 21- lead against Syracuse in Week 14.
Throughout the season, Miami has narrowly escaped several close encounters. While their offense, spearheaded by Cam Ward, has shown brilliance, they’ve struggled to present themselves as a complete unit.
Alabama is ranked above Miami in the latest CFP rankings. pic.twitter.com/tOmRqj1Xi9
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) December 4, 2024
Even as Alabama’s performance hasn’t been particularly overwhelming, the
chairman of the CFP committee made a strong point on why Alabama’s strength of schedule is a very important reason for its best positioning.
Manuel noted, “Alabama is 3-1 against current top 25 teams, while Miami is -1.” Miami’s sole loss came at the hands of Syracuse. And Alabama boasts victories over formidable opponents like Georgia, South Carolina, and Missouri, although they did fall to Tennessee.
Warde Manuel said that what put Bama over the top of Miami for the last spot in is that Miami went 1-2 in their last 3 games (by an average of 4.5 pts, to a ranked Syracuse and GT team that just took UGA to 8OT). Bama went 2-1 (to 5-7 Auburn, destroyed by OU, and FCS Mercer) pic.twitter.com/WXWYBIN23c
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 4, 2024
"Alabama is 3-1 against current top-25 teams and Miami is 0-1. Alabama is 6-1 against teams above .500 and Miami is 4-2."
CFP Selection Committee Chair Warde Manuel explains why Alabama is ranked ahead of Miami in the latest CFP rankings. 👀 #CFBPlayoff
pic.twitter.com/JE7rC5xwX4— OutOfSightSports🚀™️ (@OOSSports) December 4, 2024
First Round Bye Contender
Oregon, Texas, SMU, and Boise State are currently the top four teams in position for first-round byes.
A victory over UNLV, ranked No. 20, on Friday night would likely help Boise to stand out. Setting them up to stay ahead of the Big 12 champion Sun Devils and No. 16 Iowa State for the final first-round bye.
Boise State could even shift to the three seed should Clemson knock off SMU in the ACC title game on Saturday, as the Tigers sit ranked below the two Big 12 schools at No. 17.
The updated College Football playoff rankings. 👀
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/i6HOPpDjdO
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) December 4, 2024
Potential First-Round Matchups
No. 12 Arizona State at No. 5 Penn State
No. 11 Alabama at No. 6 Notre Dame
No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Georgia
No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State
Note: These matchups are likely to shift again before final rankings come in on Sunday.
Penn State’s battle with Oregon for the Big Ten title, and Georgia’s clash with Texas or the SEC title. Adjustments in the rankings could see changes in seeds and matchups heading into this climactic weekend.
Both Notre Dame and Ohio State look to be playing at home for first-round games. But both teams won’t be playing on Saturday.
Alabama had two more losses along the road- Vanderbilt and an especially painful loss to Oklahoma in week 13. The score was a complete 24-3. Oklahoma finished its journey with 6-6 scores. In contrast, on the other hand, Miami got a second blow to its credit with a loss to the Georgia Tech team that carried Georgia to an exciting and excruciating eight overtimes on the infamous black Friday.
Fairness aside, Alabama’s leap over Miami will inevitably ignite hot debate about possible SEC bias-all to the detriment of the ACC. A mere glance at the ACC’s tweets leading into the rankings, combined with an annoyed response from Miami’s athletic director, Dan Radakovich, indicates escalating tension. Such doesn’t bode very well for the committee’s view of whether Miami is deserving.
Really ?? ….what put Bama over the top of Miami for the last spot in is that Miami went 1-2 in their last 3 games (by an average of 4.5 pts, to a ranked Syracuse and GT team that just took UGA to 8OT). Bama went 2-1 (to 5-7 Auburn, destroyed by OU, and beat FCS Mercer)
— Dan Radakovich (@DanRadakovich) December 4, 2024
Will perceptions change in time for the last rankings to be announced Sunday? While improbable, it is not entirely out of the question.
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