The College Football Playoff has excluded Alabama from its annual postseason event for the third time in its history. The Crimson Tide (9-3 overall) will be competing in a bowl game outside of the CFP, with the location and host city yet to be announced.
Alabama’s exclusion was despite having a strong schedule, according to ESPN’s College Football Power Index, which ranked it No. 16 in the country. In contrast, SMU Mustangs (11-2) were selected over Alabama for the final at-large berth in the 12-team CFP.
Former coach Nick Saban criticized the selection committee’s decision, citing the lack of incentive for schools to schedule tough non-conference games moving forward. Saban believes that strength of schedule should be a consideration when scheduling marquee opponents, but notes that athletic directors may cancel these games due to the SEC’s competitiveness.
Alabama’s upcoming schedule includes home-and-home series with FSU, West Virginia, Ohio State, and Notre Dame in addition to its annual rivalry games with Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU. The Crimson Tide will also face Wisconsin at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2025 and Florida State in Tallahassee next season.
Saban expressed his support for the committee’s decision, stating that the best teams should be in the playoff, regardless of their circumstances. He acknowledged that each team has its own destiny and opportunities to succeed or fail.
Source: https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2024/12/08/alabama-football-nick-saban-cfp-snub-reaction