Alabama’s CFP path gets murkier after Florida State’s stunning loss

Al Formicola

Alabama’s CFP path gets murkier after Florida State’s stunning loss image

The Crimson Tide face tougher playoff odds as Seminoles’ stumble weakens their résumé.

Alabama’s season already had questions after a Week 1 loss to Florida State. Now, those doubts just grew louder. The Seminoles’ shocking 46-38 overtime loss to Virginia makes Alabama’s path to the College Football Playoff even steeper. What was once a “quality loss” has turned into an anchor weighing down the Tide’s résumé.

Florida State’s fall from the playoff picture means Alabama loses credibility for its lone defeat. Voters and the committee often look at the strength of opponents. With FSU collapsing, Alabama’s Week 1 stumble no longer carries the same respect.

Second, the optics look bad. Virginia’s offense put up 46 points against a defense that held Alabama to just 17. For Tide fans, that’s a glaring reminder of how far this team has to go.

The schedule ahead leaves no margin. Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, and Oklahoma all loom. Don’t forget about Vandy, South Carolina, and an Iron Bowl rivalry game versus Auburn. Alabama can’t afford another slip.

For Kalen DeBoer and Ty Simpson, the message is clear: the margin for error is gone. If Alabama wants to stay in the CFP conversation, every Saturday from here on out is a must-win.

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Al Formicola

Al Formicola is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over 20 years of television production experience as a writer and producer. He has previously written for Athlon Sports.