As the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) selection process begins, Alabama is squarely in the conversation for one of the final at-large spots. Though their path to the Playoff may not be entirely clear yet, the Crimson Tide has an argument worthy of attention—and it’s one that Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne has been vocal in defending. With Selection Sunday on the horizon, Byrne has fired back at some of the “chatter” surrounding the team’s CFP chances, asserting that Alabama deserves serious consideration due to its strength of schedule, quality wins, and overall performance in a highly competitive season.
While Alabama’s resume isn’t without blemishes, the team’s status as a perennial powerhouse in the college football landscape cannot be ignored. Many will point to Alabama’s lone loss to Texas in Week 2 as a potential knock against them, but Byrne remains steadfast in pushing back against the notion that one early-season defeat should be a death knell for the Tide’s Playoff hopes. The loss to Texas, he argues, came against a highly ranked opponent on the road, and since that defeat, Alabama has shown impressive growth, particularly on defense. Over the course of the season, Alabama has defeated high-caliber opponents in the SEC, including a key victory over Georgia, which only strengthens their case for inclusion in the CFP.
A critical element of Byrne’s argument is the toughness of Alabama’s schedule. In a year where several teams have had relatively light non-conference schedules or weaker conference slates, Alabama’s path has been anything but easy. They faced a brutal SEC schedule, including top-tier teams like LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn. Alabama has consistently performed against top-ranked competition, showcasing the type of grit and resilience that has been synonymous with the program for years. In an era where strength of schedule often becomes a deciding factor, Alabama’s grueling slate provides the necessary credibility when measuring up against other contenders.
Alabama also benefits from impressive individual performances, especially from key players like quarterback Jalen Milroe and linebacker Dallas Turner. Milroe, after a slow start to the season, has grown into a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, capable of leading his team in clutch moments. Turner, an explosive pass rusher, has been a major disruptor on defense, constantly putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and contributing to a defensive unit that is among the best in the nation. With a balanced roster that boasts both offensive firepower and defensive dominance, Alabama is positioned as one of the more complete teams vying for a Playoff spot.
Byrne has made it clear that Alabama’s case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff should not be dismissed merely due to early-season mistakes. The Tide’s late-season surge, highlighted by significant victories and strong performances across the board, deserves recognition. As other playoff hopefuls stumble and the landscape of college football continues to shake out, Alabama has positioned itself well to make the final argument for a spot in the Playoff. While some other dominoes still need to fall, the Crimson Tide’s case is undeniably strong—and Greg Byrne isn’t backing down in making sure it is heard.
