The Alabama Crimson Tide earned its spot back in the SEC title game this past weekend with an Iron Bowl victory over Auburn to finish the regular season with 10 wins and just one loss in conference play.
Waiting for them is another date with the Georgia Bulldogs, who obviously Alabama has had their number in recent years both under Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer including a victory in Athens for the Tide this season.
With Georgia at 11-1 following an undefeated non-conference record, their spot in the forthcoming College Football Playoff is likely secured no matter what happens, however there has been some speculation about Alabama’s fate if they were to lose and take a third defeat.
In the past, teams have not been punished for losing in the extra game on conference title week while their competitors for the final spots stay home, however many are still worried.
This topic came up during a discussion on CNN between lead anchor Kaitlan Collins and SEC analyst Paul Finebaum. While the discussion was about Lane Kiffin and his decision to leave for LSU, Collins pivoted towards Tuscaloosa and got Finebaum’s take on what should happen in case of a Tide loss in Atlanta.
“Absolutely,” Finebaum said when Collins asked if Alabama should be in the playoff regardless of their results this weekend before taking it a step further. “If they don’t [make the playoff], I will be back here [on CNN] next Monday calling for a federal investigation of how Alabama lost out and I hope you’ll be supporting me in that.”
Collins, a noted Alabama alum, responded emphatically that she would join Finebaum on the crusade for justice should the unthinkable actually happen and the Tide be left out of the playoff.
Of course, the easiest way for Alabama to avoid any sort of discussion is to beat Georgia and DeBoer to win his first SEC Championship.
If they don’t, however, and get left out, count on Finebaum having some strong takes on the committee’s decision.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
