The list of unbeaten teams in college football has dwindled yet again. As reported by the Inquisitr , the Crimson Tide defeated number one Mississippi State 25-20, making their case as the best team in the country in the process.
Yes, Florida State is still undefeated, but they have struggled mightily in recent weeks, including narrowly escaping with a victory against unranked Miami on Saturday. The Seminoles will certainly make the four team playoff if they continue winning, but they don’t appear to be nearly as dangerous as the team that won last year’s National Championship.
Alabama, meanwhile, continues to bounce back from a loss to Ole Miss with another impressive victory over a top opponent. The Crimson Tide will likely move into the top four rankings on Tuesday, having defeated the number one team and with number four TCU struggling to get by lowly Kansas.
Alabama will need to be at the top of their game though in coming weeks. With victories over top 25 LSU and Mississippi State in consecutive weeks, the Tide still must get by a dangerous Auburn team as well as the SEC East champion. Should they complete that gauntlet, it likely will mean four victories over top 25 teams in their final five games of the season. Alabama coach Nick Saban reiterated the importance of every game in post game comments, as reported by USA Today .
“It’s just like being in the playoffs now. We can’t afford to lose. Every game is a big game.”
With NCAA going to a four-team playoff for the first time this year, the landscape has become increasingly muddled in recent weeks. Notre Dame, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arizona State, and Auburn have all fallen out of contention in recent weeks. Poor showings by one loss TCU and undefeated Florida State also contribute to a feeling of uncertainty at the top of the rankings.
The weak schedule of other top teams also contributes to the confusion. As reported by SB Nation, one loss Ohio State likely needs Big Ten West front runner Wisconsin to win out to provide the Buckeyes with another top opponent for their admittedly weak ledger.
As it stands now though, Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide control their own destiny. They don’t need any help from other teams, they just need to win the games in front of them. The Crimson Tide aren’t as dominant as in years past, but if they take care of their business, the road in front of them could lead to Dallas and another National Championship.
[Photo courtesy of bamahammer.com]
