College Football

College Football Playoff: Three Teams that Could Beat Alabama

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:49 p.m. ET

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Nov 12, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders celebrate after scoring a touchdown against Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Bulldogs 51-3. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama football has been leading college football all season, but three teams exist that could knock them off in the college football playoff.

The College Football Playoff Committee released their latest rankings November 15th, and we essentially have a picture of what teams still have a chance at the college football playoff. Of course Alabama leads the way, but plenty of teams are looking at spots 2-9.

One thing we know for sure about this year’s college football playoff, though, is that it will create controversy. Only one team remains undefeated. Five teams have at least one loss. The remaining four teams all have at least two losses. We are guaranteed some chaos.

Ohio State still has to play Michigan. There will possibly be a conference championship game for

every team in the top ten, except for Oklahoma. Odds are, as a result, that we will see a two loss College Football Playoff team.

While that is immensely entertaining, it does leave some doubt. Alabama is sitting at 10-0 with their toughest remaining regular season competition (Auburn) having just suffered a loss to irrelevant Georgia. Alabama looks like an NFL Jr. team this season, while the rest of College Football Playoff hopefuls are hoping we buy the ‘parody’ line.

However it shakes out, Alabama will likely be favored to win it all. But, what if things were different? What if we chose the teams for the College Football Playoff based off of who could beat the top team? This year the top team would obviously be Alabama, but who would we choose?

That’s what we all came here to find out.

Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) receives congratulations from head coach Jim Harbaugh after a touchdown in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention

#3 Michigan (9-1)

Why Not: The one consistency for teams that have beaten Alabama in the last five seasons? Great quarterback play. With Michigan possibly losing their starter, they can’t be taken seriously on this list.

#6 Washington (9-1)

Why Not: I’ve heard several analysts and experts call for the downfall of Washington. The story goes that USC exposed Washington and the Huskies have serious flaws. I agree, but it has still been a great year.

#7 Wisconsin (8-2)

Why Not: Wisconsin could not effectively score against Michigan. The Badgers could not hold Ohio State below 30. Now we’re supposed to believe Wisconsin could score on Bama’s D and hold Jalen Hurts? I’ll let someone else try to convince you of that garbage.

#8 Penn State (8-2)

Why Not: I already know this is going to be taken as disrespect, but it’s fact. We shouldn’t be having this conversation. Penn State’s fluky victory against Ohio State got them here, and they’ll see themselves out before the season is over.

#10 Colorado (8-2)

Why Not: We currently no reason to believe in Colorado. Best win? Oregon, I guess. Best loss? To Michigan by 17.

Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

#9 Oklahoma Sooners (8-2)

Why Yes:

As cliche as it may be, Oklahoma has gotten the job done before. Oklahoma stunned Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl and took away a huge victory. Most fans will tell you it meant more to Oklahoma, but that is still just an excuse. Oklahoma has gotten better as the season has progressed, a key under Coach Stoops. It would be unlikely, but the Sooners could get the job done.

Why Not:

Alabama is only beaten when there is great quarterback play on the other side. Notice I said play, not essentially a great quarterback. Baker Mayfield would need the game of his life, but didn’t show us anything that would make us believe when Oklahoma played Ohio State and lost 45-24. Mayfield tossed two interceptions and had a mediocre day. I’m not buying this one at all.

Probability: 10 out of 100

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Bobby Petrino (left) shakes hands with Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (right) prior to the game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

#4 Clemson Tigers (9-1)

Why Yes:

Deshaun Watson. The quarterback has proven he cannot be stopped on his best day. Clemson is only a few spots behind the Crimson Tide and poses a serious threat when the Tigers are firing on all cylinders. An offense that includes Watson, Mike Williams and Wayne Gallman could get the job done. After all, the Tigers did go toe-to-toe with Alabama in last year’s national championship.

Why Not:

Clemson didn’t have a problem scoring on Alabama in last year’s championship. The Tigers, though, couldn’t stop Alabama’s offense. With the addition of Jalen Hurts, I think Alabama could score at will against either of these teams. The Tide wouldn’t need to stop either often, but would do enough to get the job done.

Probability: 40 out of 100

Nov 12, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Maryland Terrapins 62-3.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1)

Why Yes:

Like Oklahoma, the Buckeyes have gotten it done before under the current head coach. Ohio State has the quality quarterback play with J.T. Barrett. The Buckeyes have the defense to challenge the Crimson Tide offense. Ohio State also has Mike Weber, who averages 6.2 yards a carry. He may not be Ezekiel Elliott, but he presents a legit running threat. Let’s be honest, a couple fluky special teams plays are the only reasons Ohio State isn’t undefeated right now.

Why Not:

Alabama doesn’t lose when they know what to expect. Cardale Jones, Bo Wallace, Chad Kelly and Nick Marshall were either first-year starters or played out of their minds recently when their team beat Alabama. A kick six, an Ezekiel Elliot, a toe-tap interception and five turnovers were still needed in each of those games, too. J.T. Barrett isn’t new, though, and Alabama would be ready for it. It could happen, but it’d be foolish to bet against Saban and Company.

Probability: 45 out of 100