CFP Tracker: Alabama has no margin for error in playoff hunt
Ed Orgeron will end his tenure as head coach for the LSU Tigers with a 1-6 overall record against the Crimson Tide. Alabama sent him home a loser for the fifth time this season after posting a 20-14 win on Saturday.
Alabama now sits at No. 2 and No. 3 in the USA TODAY AFCA Coaches Poll and the AP Poll, respectively.
When the new CFP rankings are introduced on Tuesday, it should look nearly the same as it did when the initial rankings were released last week – the Tide at second.
The margin for error is, at this point, miniscule. Alabama can’t afford another slip up.
With Arkansas and Auburn still on the itinerary, it’s by no means an easy stretch to end the season.
If all goes well and the Tide takes down both the Razorbacks and the Tigers, it will be sitting pretty with another SEC Western Division title and a spot in the SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Michigan State was taken down by the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday in a 40-29 loss, earning a little bit of room for the Tide to be safe at No. 2 when the new rankings drop following a nail biter over LSU.
Elsewhere near the top of the rankings, Georgia took care of business, yet again, against Mizzou by a score of 43-6. Ohio State, on the other hand, struggled in their win against Nebraska, sneaking past the upset-minded Huskers 26-17.
At this juncture, there doesn’t appear to be a complete team anywhere. While UGA has the best defense in the nation, their offense is mediocre.
Alabama has the offense to score on anybody with sound play-calling and execution. However, the defense is a clear question mark, even after the defense secured the win for the Tide on Saturday.
The Tide still controls its own destiny, win and you’re in. An undefeated season is rare, and Tide fans should realize that this team is still capable of beating anybody.
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