Alabama Football: Crimson Tide high as it could be in first CFP rankings

The respect of the CFB Playoff Selection Committee was shown to Alabama Football Tuesday night. The Crimson Tide was ranked No. 2 in the first Playoff rankings for the 2021 season. Four undefeated teams were ranked below the defending National Champions. The fanbase of at least one of those teams, Michigan State, can voice a legitimate complaint of being ranked below the Tide. Instead, the Spartans were ranked No. 3.

The Oregon fanbase should be ecstatic with the one-loss Ducks (and a bad loss, at that) being slotted at No. 4 in the rankings. Two other Big Ten teams should feel good about the rankings. Ohio State at No. 5 has an achievable path to making the final four. Michigan was not severely punished for losing to Michigan State, being ranked two spots behind Ohio State at No. 7.

Speaking of respect, there was a considerable lack of it for two undefeated teams. The 8-0 Cincinnati Bearcats were ranked No. 6 and the 8-0 Oklahoma Sooners were ranked No. 8. At least in the case of the Sooners, the ranking reinforces the idea the committee uses ‘eye tests’ to measure teams.

Fans of the Bearcats will cry foul and perhaps they have a reason to complain. But outside of upsetting Notre Dame, Cincinnati has played a weak schedule and not looked strong in a couple of wins. The bigger problem for the Bearcats came from neither SMU nor Houston being ranked. The Bearcats must face winning out may not be enough.

The wails of complaints can be seen on every social media platform. In response to the wailing, consider these thoughts.

Good decisions in first CFP rankings

• The first ranking matters but there is a long way to go. There will be changes as the season plays out and the committee did not strongly underrate any legitimate championship contender.
• Hats off to the committee for crediting Oregon’s win over Ohio State. Especially early in the ranking process, head-to-head matchups should be given strong consideration.
• Also, the committee should be complimented for its decisions not being shaped by the traditional polls. Their job requires independent thinking.

Happy Alabama Football Fans

Selection Committee Chair, Gary Barta stated the Alabama Crimson Tide had a strong consensus of being the No. 2 team. Even with the Tide at No. 2, the Tide still needs to win out. There is, at most, a sliver of a chance, a two-loss Crimson Tide, following a close loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship game might make the final four.

Check out the full Top 25 rankings below.

Another point – on the lower-ranked teams. Mississippi State at No. 17 boosts the Alabama Football resume.