Paul Finebaum opens door to CFP controversy with Alabama

The College Football Playoff Selection Committee revealed its first 2021 poll Tuesday, ranking the top contenders for the four-team playoff. ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum took note of the much-anticipated rankings, which opened the door for two-loss Alabama in the CFP.

With No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Alabama on top of the initial rankings, the SEC clearly leads the way in the committee’s collective mind. Finebaum believes the decision to place one-loss Alabama at No. 2 opened a unique door.

“I think [the College Football Playoff selection committee] has opened up a crack, not likely, but possible, for Alabama to still get in the playoff even if they lose to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game,” Finebaum said on Get Up when asked about his lasting take away from Tuesday night.

The CFP Selection Committee has never allowed a two-loss team into the playoffs. 2016 Penn State and 2017 Ohio State came the closest to achieving the feat, slotting No. 5 in the final rankings.

Alabama’s resume

Alabama’s young squad has experienced growing pains on both sides of the ball. However, Nick Saban continues to preach focus and progress throughout the SEC schedule. Despite struggles – at least by Alabama standards – the offense ranks No. 10 and defense ranks No. 13 in the country.

After a 7-1 start, including a disappointing second half against Florida and loss to an unsettled Texas A&M team, Alabama ranks No. 2 in the first CFP rankings. Despite the ups and downs of a young offense and defense, the Crimson Tide secured meaningful wins over Ole Miss and Mississippi State so far.

Saban’s squad faces tough challenges ahead, with LSU, Arkansas and Auburn on the schedule. If they survive the regular season, a date with No. 1 Georgia could decide their fate in the CFP.

Initial CFP rankings

College Football Playoff Selection Committee chair Gary Barta joined ESPN’s Rece Davis to discuss the controversial Week Nine rankings, including Alabama’s placement. After placing 7-1 Alabama at No. 2, the Iowa athletic director addressed the sausage-making process.

A Midwest native, Barta revealed his sausage making history. He also explained the hypothetical sausage-making process the CFP Selection Committee undergoes each Tuesday. With an answer for every question, he provided a response to every criticism. However, that will not satisfy fans.

While Paul Finebaum and others might have been surprised to see Alabama so high, Barta felt the CFP Selection Committee’s decision was a foregone conclusion.

“A fair amount of conversation about where Alabama has come from and where they’ve been, and who they’ve played and beaten – Mississippi and Mississippi State – and how well they’re playing,” said Barta. “But there was a lot of consensus for Alabama to be No. 2.”