Who thought it would come to this?
From the moment of birth in the state of Alabama, a child has two choices. In life after death, there is no purgatory.
The same can be said for people born in this state. Two choices are set before one as a child: Roll Tide or War Eagle and you are trained by parents, grandparents, family members or friends to never support the side opposite of the one chosen.
Boy, the College Football Playoff knows how to muddy up the water.
RELATED: Alabama No. 5 in CFP Rankings
On Tuesday, the CFP committee unveiled its new rankings.
After a tough loss to LSU and one where Alabama gave a tremendous fight in the second half, it fell from No. 3 to No. 5 and is looking in from the outside. For a team that has always been in the playoff since 2014, the Crimson Tide is in danger of not being in the top four for the first time under Nick Saban.
While there is potential to get back in, Alabama needs help and it may come from its bitter in-state rival. With the committee placing Georgia at No. 4, the Bulldogs battle Auburn this weekend at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Aside from Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., Jordan-Hare is one of the craziest venues in college football.
In 2013, the Bulldogs lost on a miracle reception via Ricardo Luis from Nick Marshall. The play dubbed “Miracle at Jordan-Hare” delivered the Tigers to a 43-38 win.
Four years, Georgia suffered a 40-17 defeat at the hands of Auburn.
Gus Malzahn has become known for winning games he’s not favored in.
Despite a 7-2 record for Auburn, Georgia is 8-1 and national media expects for Jake Fromm, D’Andre Swift and a strong defense under Kirby Smart to handle business.
Even though it goes against everything Tide fans believe in, a victory for the Tigers puts Alabama in the CFP.
Will we fans of crimson silently cheer for the program on the other side of the state?
Probably not… But, a win for Auburn does give Alabama back control of its destiny.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
