Alabama Secures Final Playoff Spot Despite Loss to Oklahoma

The latest College Football Playoff (CFP) projections have really stirred things up. Alabama’s unexpected loss to Oklahoma has shaken the playoff landscape, sending shockwaves through the rankings.

This has set up some intriguing first-round matchups that nobody saw coming. Let’s take a closer look at the current playoff picture, some key games, and what all this could mean for the teams involved.

Alabama’s Tumble and Its Impact

Alabama’s defeat to Oklahoma has had a pretty dramatic effect on the CFP outlook. The loss dropped Alabama to the last at-large spot in the field—a big fall for a team that’s usually sitting comfortably at the top.

Oklahoma moves into the playoff conversation, while Alabama’s new spot sets up some high-stakes opening games. It’s a shakeup that nobody would have bet on a few weeks ago.

Key Matchups to Watch

With Alabama now lined up to face Ole Miss, fans are getting a revived SEC rivalry with a playoff twist. Sure, it’s not a regular SEC schedule game anymore, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Another one to circle: Oklahoma at Notre Dame. That matchup is expected to draw the biggest TV audience of the opening weekend—hardly surprising, given the national pull of both programs.

And don’t overlook the Texas Tech-North Texas first-round game. There’s a lot of regional history there, and it should get plenty of attention from fans in the area.

Big Ten Battle: Ohio State vs. Indiana

The Big Ten Championship Game is shaping up to be something special. Ohio State and Indiana are on a collision course, and it’s only the fourth time in Big Ten history that the No. 1 and No. 2 teams will square off.

There’s a lot of debate about who deserves that No. 2 spot in the final CFP rankings, but honestly, the outcome here could change everything. The implications are huge, no matter how you slice it.

SEC Title Game and Its Implications

The SEC title game is another critical piece of the puzzle. The runner-up will have to hold off Texas Tech to grab the last first-round bye.

Right now, projections lean toward the SEC runner-up, but honestly, that could flip in the next few weeks. It’s all a bit up in the air.

Potential Upsets and Dark Horses

Week 13 is loaded with games that could shake up the CFP picture. Pittsburgh facing Georgia Tech isn’t just an ACC Championship Game eliminator—it’s a must-win for both teams’ playoff dreams.

USC’s game against Oregon is another big one. The Trojans need that win to keep the Big Ten’s hopes of landing four CFP berths alive. No pressure, right?

Group of 5 Contenders

Every week, it feels like a new team takes the lead for the Group of 5 champion spot in the CFP. This time around, James Madison from the Sun Belt Conference is out front.

Can they keep it up? That’s the big question, and honestly, all eyes are on them as the season winds down.

Looking Ahead: Key Games to Watch

There’s still a lot of football left, and several games could completely change the CFP landscape. Here are five you probably don’t want to miss:

• Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech: Huge for both teams’ playoff hopes, and it doubles as an ACC Championship Game eliminator.
• BYU at Cincinnati: Both teams have a shot at shaking up the playoff picture here.
• Missouri at Oklahoma: Another one that could mess with the final CFP rankings.
• USC at Oregon: The Trojans need this win to stay in the hunt.
• Kentucky at Vanderbilt: Maybe not the flashiest matchup, but don’t count out its playoff impact.

The Road to the Playoffs

The College Football Playoff picture changes every week. One surprise result can flip everything on its head.

Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma? That shook things up. Now we’ve got wild first-round matchups and a scramble for those last playoff spots.

Who knows what twists are coming next? This season’s already packed with drama—maybe more than we’ve seen in a while.

Want all the nitty-gritty updates? Check out the full article for the latest College Football Playoff predictions.