Alabama's Playoff Journey Hangs in the Balance
Mountain West: No. 20 UNLV vs. No. 10 Boise State
The Mountain West matchup between No. 20 UNLV and No. 10 Boise State on Friday at 7 p.m. on FOX in Boise, Idaho, may not hold great importance for Alabama. If Boise State emerges victorious, they will secure an automatic bid as conference champions and likely maintain their position in the playoff picture. There won't be much upheaval. On the other hand, if UNLV wins, they will also obtain an automatic bid and move up in the rankings, but it's unlikely they will surpass Alabama in the CFP rankings. Boise State, which currently ranks just one spot above Alabama, would likely drop in the rankings.
This game offers an opportunity to simply sit back and enjoy a quality college football contest. The outcome may not have a significant impact on Alabama's playoff chances, but it can still provide some entertainment for fans.
AAC: Tulane vs. No. 24 Army
The AAC game between Tulane and No. 24 Army on Friday at 7 p.m. on ABC in West Point, New York, has minimal influence on Alabama and its CFP prospects. It's a game that can be enjoyed for its own sake, but it won't sway the playoff picture significantly.
Both teams are focused on their own performances, and while the game may be exciting, it doesn't hold the key to Alabama's playoff fate.
Big 12: No. 16 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Arizona State
The Big 12 showdown between No. 16 Iowa State and No. 15 Arizona State on Saturday at 11 a.m. on ABC in Arlington, Texas, is a crucial one. The winner of this game will secure the Big 12's automatic bid and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. The loser, on the other hand, will be eliminated.
Neither team is expected to move up in the rankings enough to affect Alabama's CFP chances. It's a battle between two strong teams, and the outcome will determine which one advances to the playoff.
SEC: No. 5 Georgia vs. No. 2 Texas
In the SEC showdown between No. 5 Georgia and No. 2 Texas on Saturday at 3 p.m. on ABC in Atlanta, Georgia, both teams are virtual locks for the CFP. While a Georgia win would likely bump them up in the rankings and give Alabama a victory over a likely top-two team, the impact on Alabama's playoff chances is minimal.
This game is more about the excitement of two top SEC teams competing. It won't be the deciding factor in whether Alabama makes the playoff or not, but it can still have an effect on the rankings and potential first-round matchups.
Big Ten: No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 1 Oregon
The Big Ten clash between No. 3 Penn State and No. 1 Oregon on Saturday at 7 p.m. on CBS in Indianapolis, Indiana, is another game that won't have a major influence on Alabama's inclusion or exclusion in the playoff. Both teams are guaranteed a spot, and the focus is more on the competition between them.
It can affect where and who Alabama would play in the first round, but that's a matter of preference rather than a crucial factor in their playoff hopes.
ACC: No. 17 Clemson vs. No. 8 SMU
The ACC game between No. 17 Clemson and No. 8 SMU on Saturday at 7 p.m. on ABC in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a significant one for Alabama. If SMU wins, it eliminates a potential fiery debate heading into Selection Day and creates the least amount of shakeup. According to the Allstate playoff predictor as of Friday, Alabama has a 99.7% chance to make the playoff if SMU wins. Rooting for the Mustangs can make Sunday a much less stressful day for Alabama fans.
If SMU loses, things become more chaotic. Clemson would secure the ACC's automatic bid, and the final CFP spot would likely come down to either SMU or Alabama. The playoff predictor on Friday gives Alabama a 72% chance to make the playoff if Clemson wins. So, while the result may not ultimately matter for Alabama, it's certainly easier if SMU emerges victorious.
Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.