Can Alabama Climb to the Top While Now Ranked No. 11?

Can Alabama Climb to the Top While Now Ranked No. 11?
Fact Checked by Pat McLoone

After a 10-point loss to Texas in the second week of the season and with a new quarterback/offensive coordinator tandem that is evolving week-to-week, some might have thought this was not going to be Alabama’s year. Think again, my friend.

Currently ranked 11th, Alabama (5-1; 3-0, first in SEC West) has won four consecutive games, including three on the road, highlighted by last week's 26-20 victory over Texas A&M and former Crimson Tide assistant coach Jimbo Fisher. But is Alabama back in the College Football Playoff picture?

There is no legal Alabama sports betting – at least until next year - but BetAlabama.com wanted to analyze if the Crimson Tide can make their move while still ranked at No. 11 at this point of the season. Utilizing CollegePollArchive.com, we broke down Alabama’s rankings in the season since the dawn of the College Football Playoff. Here are the details over the last 10 seasons and where they ended up:

Alabama Since Beginning of College Football Playoff

SeasonFinal RankHigh RankLow RankResult
2023 TBD 3 13TBD
2022 5 1 5Did not qualify
2021 2 1 10Lost final
2020 1 1 3Won championship
2019 8 1 9Did not qualify
2018 2 1 2Lost in final
2017 1 1 5Won championship
2016 2 1 2Lost in final
2015 1 1 13Won championship
2014 4 1 7Lost in semifinal

 

Double-Digit Ranking a Concern

Since 2014, only once has the Crimson Tide been ranked lower than 10th at any time during the season and made the CFP. Amazingly, in the first nine years, Alabama was ranked No. 1 at some point of the season. In eight of those years, Alabama either made the playoff, lost in the title game or was crowned national champions. Simply a remarkable and historic run by Nick Saban’s program. Earlier this year, we looked at Saban’s record against the spread.

Alabama hosts Arkansas (2-4) Saturday in a SEC West Division matchup (ESPN, noon). As of Wednesday, the Tide is a 19.5-point and -1100 moneyline favorite over the Razorbacks (+700) at BetMGM Sportsbook. The over/under game total is at 46.5 points. If mobile wagering comes to the state in the next few years, you will want to have a BetMGM Alabama sportsbook promo code ready to go.

On the futures market at BetMGM, Alabama is +1800 to win the national championship and is the second favorite (+200) to win the SEC behind defending two-time national champion Georgia (-140). Roll Tide! Maybe . . . 

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Author

Lou Monaco

Lou Monaco is a contributing reporter for BetAlabama.com. Lou had been East Coast Scene columnist for Gaming Today in Las Vegas since June 2019, covering the East Coast sportsbook scene with emphasis on NJ and PA. He also currently is a part-time writer for the high school sports department for NJ Advanced Media (NJ.com) in Iselin, NJ. Lou has over 30 years sports experience with previous stints at ESPN SportsTicker, Daily Racing Form and Oddschecker.

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