Greg McElroy argues against Alabama controlling its own destiny in College Football Playoff

You could argue nobody in the country is playing better at the moment than Alabama. Tuscaloosa was rocking following Saturday’s win against LSU thanks to a great performance from Jalen Milroe. Nick Saban‘s defense held serve in the second half too, proving they have significantly grown since SEC play began.

Even so, ESPN’s Greg McElroy does not believe Alabama controls its own destiny when it comes to the College Football Playoff. Despite the win against LSU, the Crimson Tide stayed put at No. 8 in Tuesday’s rankings. McElroy calls it “unsettling” for those involved with the program.

“Alabama, holding serve, getting one of their best wins of the season — they don’t move,” McElroy said. “They were eight last week, they are eight this week. It basically indicates, at the moment, they don’t control their own destiny. Which, I think is an unsettling feeling for a lot of Alabama fans.”

Rece Davis and Booger McFarland did push back on the idea a bit, saying Alabama would have a win against Georgia in the SEC Championship game. They could be the No. 1 team in the country by then, giving Alabama one of the best wins of any team this season.

McElroy still sees a couple of roadblocks in those scenarios — mainly with the head-to-head matchup against Texas. While the SEC champion getting into the College Football Playoff is usually the surest thing in all of sports, this year could be different.

“You can also look at undefeated Big Ten, you got Texas in front of you,” McElroy said. “That’s the elephant in the room, unfortunately. Alabama, I think, is still in good shape. Believe it or not, if they win out, I think there’s a 95% likelihood that they’re in. But it’s not a 100% likelihood and that’s unsettling.”

Alabama does still have three more regular season games to worry about. They will travel to Lexington on Saturday afternoon for an early kick against Kentucky. Senior Day against Chattanooga will take place in Tuscaloosa before heading across the state for the Iron Bowl against Auburn.

A win against Georgia would certainly boost the resume for Alabama. There could just be some things that need to play out in front of the Crimson Tide in order for the 95% number to jump up to 100% in McElroy’s eyes.

These things usually work themselves out but after Week 10, Alabama may have a few questions ahead of them.