Nick Saban spoke for more than Alabama football in Thursday’s SEC Championship Game press conference.
He went to bat for the Southeastern Conference and college football fans. The College Football Playoff Committee is in a muddy situation. Alabama is not in the top six of the rankings, but it faces the No. 1 seed on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the SEC Championship Game. Georgia has not lost in three years and is the back-to-back defending CFP National Champion.
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Coach Saban knows his team is not what it was in week two versus Texas; however, the CFP Committee holds the loss to Texas and its struggle wins earlier in the season against it. A victory over the Bulldogs would give the Tide four wins over Top 25 programs in the CFP rankings, including three victories over CFP Top 25 teams by double digits. No one else would have that resume, including a victory over a back-to-back national champion. The committee would have no choice but to put Alabama in the playoff if it defeats Georgia, yet Saban unveiled his message should the SEC be left out of the CFP.
“I think the SEC is one of the best conferences in the country,” Saban said.
“I think Georgia is one of the best teams in the country, and I think they are one of the best four teams in the country. If we (Alabama) beat them, we would be one of the best four teams in the country. Teams do go through a transformation in the season. So how are you playing now, where is your team now, and how good are you now, I think all those things come into play. I think it would be a disrespect to the SEC if there is not any SEC representation in the final four. I do believe that.”
Saban and the Tide look to have the final piece of their resume for the committee with a win over Georgia.
If it handles the Bulldogs, Alabama has the strongest case of any 1-loss team for the playoff.
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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.
