Alabama To Miss Playoff For Only Second Time In CFP Era

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2, 6-2 SEC) found itself in the rare, unenviable position of being on the outside looking in following today's ESPN College Football Playoff Selection Show.

This marks only the second time in the College Football Playoff Era, going back to 2014, that Nick Saban's Alabama squad will not be among the final four teams.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

The only other time a Saban-led Alabama team did not make the playoff was in 2019 after Alabama lost to eventual national champions LSU.

The news comes despite the season starting with much promise, but Alabama saw its playoff chances dashed thanks in large part to two conference losses against ranked teams (Tennessee, LSU) by a combined total of four points.

Following losses for both Southern Cal and TCU in their conference title games, there was added hope for the Crimson Tide fanbase as Saban in the finals hours lobbied the committee to consider all the variables when looking at Alabama's resume.

It's worth noting that in the latest Associated Press Poll on Sunday, Alabama moved up to No. 5, jumping bonafide playoff contender USC after the Trojans lost big to Utah on Friday.

The four teams selected for the CFB Playoff

1. Georgia (13-0)
2. Michigan (13-0)
3. TCU (12-1)
4. Ohio State (11-1)

The semifinal games — the Peach Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl — are set for Dec. 31, with the CFB Championship scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time on Jan. 9, 2023 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

All three playoff games will be broadcast on ESPN.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.