The seventh After a 24-3 loss to Oklahoma, Alabama's chances of winning the SEC are finished, and a trip to the College Football Playoffs appears extremely unlikely.
Oklahoma regained control of the game with two interceptions in the third quarter and its pass rush collapsed the pocket on quarterback Jalen Milroe throughout the game, despite the Crimson Tide being 14 points up.The Sooners led 10-3 at the half after scoring late in the second quarter. Freshman cornerback Eli Bowen returned the ball to the Alabama 14-yard line after jumping a short screen to fellow freshman Ryan Williams on Alabama's third play of the second half, earning him his first interception of the season.
Five plays later, Xavier Robinson scored his second rushing touchdown of the game, giving Oklahoma a 14-point lead.
Five more plays were played during Alabama's subsequent possession, but the outcome was the same. Kip Lewis intercepted Milroe off and returned it 49 yards for a pick 6.
Five more plays were played during Alabama's subsequent possession, but the outcome was the same. Kip Lewis intercepted Milroe off and returned it 49 yards for a pick 6.
During a strange and probably inaccurate officiating sequence in the fourth quarter, Alabama's hopes of a comeback vanished. Williams seemed to cut Oklahoma's lead to two scores with an incredible fourth-down touchdown catch. Long after the play started, however, a flag was thrown. Officials said that Williams had been unlawfully covered up on the line of scrimmage, which led to the call ultimately being for improper touching.
Williams was the only receiver on his side of the field positioned on the line of scrimmage, though, according to replays. The two receivers on either side of Williams were positioned behind the line, and Alabama had seven players on the ball, including a tight end on that side of the formation.
Williams was the only receiver on his side of the field positioned on the line of scrimmage, though, according to replays. The two receivers on either side of Williams were positioned behind the line, and Alabama had seven players on the ball, including a tight end on that side of the formation.
To be clear, Alabama did not lose because of the call. The incapacity to run the ball and three turnovers are far more significant problems.
Oklahoma was excellent at containing Milroe. He only managed 11 yards on his longest run of the game. He only completed 11 of 26 passes for 164 yards, demonstrating his inefficiency as a quarterback. Since 2004, no Crimson Tide team has scored as few points as Alabama did.
In contrast, the Sooners maintain a bowl streak that goes back to 1998 with their sixth victory, making them bowl-eligible.
What is the number of SEC teams who qualify for the playoffs?
Alabama's failure to make the playoffs in coach Kalen DeBoer's first season under Nick Saban will be remembered as a major setback. And unless there is even more mayhem in the last week of the regular season, it's difficult to see how Alabama makes it into the playoffs.
Alabama is currently 4-3 in the SEC and 8-3 overall. With four teams ahead of them in the standings, the Crimson Tide are eliminated from the running for the SEC championship.
Oklahoma was excellent at containing Milroe. He only managed 11 yards on his longest run of the game. He only completed 11 of 26 passes for 164 yards, demonstrating his inefficiency as a quarterback. Since 2004, no Crimson Tide team has scored as few points as Alabama did.
In contrast, the Sooners maintain a bowl streak that goes back to 1998 with their sixth victory, making them bowl-eligible.
What is the number of SEC teams who qualify for the playoffs?
Alabama's failure to make the playoffs in coach Kalen DeBoer's first season under Nick Saban will be remembered as a major setback. And unless there is even more mayhem in the last week of the regular season, it's difficult to see how Alabama makes it into the playoffs.
Alabama is currently 4-3 in the SEC and 8-3 overall. With four teams ahead of them in the standings, the Crimson Tide are eliminated from the running for the SEC championship.
And if the Aggies defeat the Longhorns and win the SEC championship game in spite of their four-overtime loss to Auburn on Saturday night, those four teams—Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Tennessee—all have much clearer routes to the College Football Playoff. With six teams fighting for a spot in the postseason, the SEC enters Week 13. Unless there is additional mayhem, that group is now down to four, and possibly even three.
In Week 14, Alabama must hope that Texas defeats Texas A&M and Georgia loses to Georgia Tech or Tennessee loses to Vanderbilt. Only one two-loss team and one one-loss club would remain in the SEC. And depending on what transpires in the ACC, that might not be sufficient to keep Alabama in the running for the playoffs.
In ten seasons under Saban, Alabama advanced to the four-team playoffs eight times. The Crimson Tide appear to be in danger of missing out on the 12-team playoffs in their debut year unless things pick up speed over the next two weeks.
In ten seasons under Saban, Alabama advanced to the four-team playoffs eight times. The Crimson Tide appear to be in danger of missing out on the 12-team playoffs in their debut year unless things pick up speed over the next two weeks.
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