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AUBURN, Ala. – Alabama managed to narrowly escape with a 27-24 victory over Auburn in what turned out to be a wild Iron Bowl showdown. This win keeps No. 8 Alabama in the running for a College Football Playoff spot if they can pull off an upset against No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship game.
However, it won’t be an easy feat for Alabama to make it to the playoffs. Despite their undefeated record against SEC competition, their performance is not impressing the playoff selection committee. In fact, after No. 6 Oregon and No. 7 Texas had strong showings in their recent games, Alabama may fall behind even if they beat Georgia. Furthermore, other undefeated teams like No. 5 Florida State also pose a challenge for Alabama’s playoff hopes.
If No. 2 Michigan and Florida State win their conference championship games, they will secure playoff spots, leaving little room for a one-loss Alabama to take a spot. Despite Alabama’s potential to improve and play up to their competition, it may not be enough to secure a coveted playoff berth.
This creates a situation where the SEC, which has historically dominated the playoffs with teams like Alabama, could end up being shut out of the field in the final year of this playoff format. It’s a situation that would be a particularly cruel twist of irony for Alabama to be the cause of the SEC’s exclusion from the playoffs.
In the end, the pressure is on for Alabama to not only beat Georgia but also to do so in a way that impresses the playoff committee and secures a playoff berth. It’s an uphill battle, but Alabama has shown the ability to surprise and excel when it counts. The upcoming SEC Championship game will be a crucial test for Alabama’s playoff hopes.
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