College Football World Reacts to Alabama's Controversial Latest CFP Ranking

The Crimson Tide came in at No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe attempts a pass for the Crimson Tide. / Will McLelland-Imagn Images

The Alabama Crimson Tide came in at No. 11 in the latest edition of the College Football Playoff rankings—a position that would earn them an at-large berth in the first-ever 12-team CFP.

Many have argued that the committee has long favored Alabama, which has made the College Football Playoff 10 times in the postseason's 12-year history. Their latest ranking—given both their 9–3 record and their two-slot jump from No. 13 last week—had the college football community up in arms on Tuesday night:

The CFP committee has positioned Alabama for a playoff berth.

If this surprises you, you haven’t been paying attention for the past decade.

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) December 4, 2024

Let me state loud and clear. South Carolina should be in ahead of Alabama. And I have a 100k future on Bama.

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 4, 2024

So, just to get it straight:

A win over a Top 12 Clemson team on the road - which feels like a pretty big piece of a resume, especially this time of year - moved South Carolina up... one spot.

A win over 5-6 Auburn at home moved Alabama up... two spots.

THE RIG IS IN!

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) December 4, 2024

This is why everyone hates Alabama and the SEC https://t.co/opjef3mMWD

— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) December 4, 2024

Alabama lost by 21, two weeks ago, at Oklahoma and the Sooners went 6-6.

The committee evidently thought Miami's four-point loss at Syracuse (9-3) was more damaging than a 24-3 loss to a mediocre team.

The SEC wins, again.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 4, 2024

We can argue Ole Miss, South Carolina, Clemson and all the rest.

Alabama will make the College Football Playoff because of one reason:

Their logo.

It's unfortunate. It truly is.

— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) December 4, 2024

Alabama being ranked #11 pic.twitter.com/wUPjPGc7P7

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) December 4, 2024

Miami being behind Alabama is completely ridiculous.

— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 4, 2024

Alabama could have 6 losses and they’d be the last team in.

— DRVawl (@DRVawl) December 4, 2024

Nick Saban’s not at Alabama anymore. Giving him the benefit of the doubt was semi understandable most years.

The coddling has to stop now.

— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) December 4, 2024

Alabama (9-3) beats a 5-7 Auburn team: jumps from #13 to #11.

Iowa State (10-2) beats an 8-4 (and ranked) Kansas State team: #17 to #16.

Yes, very good system we have.

— Alex Gookin (@_AlexGookin) December 1, 2024

Everyone watch Alabama sneak into the final College Football Playoff spot for the 2nd year in a row: pic.twitter.com/gpgSfOyVMe

— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) December 4, 2024

According to the latest projected bracket, the Crimson Tide would face off against No. 4 Notre Dame in the first-round for a chance to take on No. 8 SMU (earning a bye as the projected ACC champion) in the quarterfinals.

The First Round of the College Football Playoff is slated for Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21.

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