Alabama Fans Are Not in Favor of the Tide Not Advancing to the CFP

As the 2024 college football season enters its final stretch and the College Football Playoff (CFP) looms, Alabama fans are facing an unfamiliar and unsettling reality: their beloved Crimson Tide might not make the cut for the prestigious postseason. For a program with a rich history, legendary coaching, and an ever-present expectation of excellence, the notion of Alabama missing out on the CFP is nothing short of shocking. As one of the most dominant programs in modern college football, Alabama’s failure to advance to the CFP would represent a seismic shift not only for the team but for the entire sport.

For decades, Alabama has been the gold standard of college football. Head coach Nick Saban has built a dynasty that has consistently competed for national championships, and the Crimson Tide have been a fixture in the CFP since its inception in 2014. This success has ingrained a culture of high expectations among Alabama fans, who have come to believe that their team is always a contender for the national title, no matter the circumstances. With the 2024 season winding down and Alabama facing a potential omission from the CFP, the fans’ reaction has been one of disbelief, frustration, and even anger.

This article will explore the reasons why Alabama fans are upset at the possibility of missing out on the CFP, the implications of such a scenario for the program, and what it could mean for the future of Alabama football.

The Legacy of Alabama Football: An Unbroken Tradition of Excellence

To understand why Alabama fans are so distressed about the potential exclusion from the CFP, it’s important to examine the legacy of the program. Alabama has long been a powerhouse in college football, winning 18 national championships—more than any other school in history. The program’s success dates back to the early 20th century, with iconic figures like Bear Bryant establishing a winning culture that has lasted for decades.

Under Nick Saban, Alabama’s dominance has reached unprecedented heights. Saban, who took over the program in 2007, has led the Tide to six national championships, including the most recent in 2020. Saban’s ability to consistently recruit top-tier talent, develop elite players, and execute game plans has made Alabama the most successful and feared program in college football. Alabama has made the CFP every year since its inception in 2014, and the program has reached the national title game on multiple occasions.

For Alabama fans, the expectation is clear: anything less than a playoff berth is unacceptable. This level of success has become ingrained in the fanbase, creating an unwavering belief that the Tide will always be contenders. Fans have grown accustomed to watching Alabama compete for national championships year in and year out, and the idea that they could fall short of the CFP is difficult to comprehend.

A Year of Disappointment: Alabama’s Struggles in 2024

Despite its historical success, the 2024 season has been one of the more tumultuous years for Alabama. While the team has continued to field a talented roster, they have not been able to live up to the lofty expectations that have been set by their past successes. A few key factors have contributed to Alabama’s struggles this season, and they are at the heart of why fans are upset about the possibility of missing the CFP.

Quarterback Play: A Continuing Question Mark

One of the biggest questions surrounding Alabama in 2024 has been the performance of their quarterback, Jalen Milroe. After the departure of Bryce Young, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama entered the 2024 season with a significant void at the most important position on the field. Milroe, a talented but inexperienced quarterback, was expected to step in and lead the team. While Milroe possesses a strong arm and exceptional athleticism, his inconsistent play has raised concerns throughout the season.

Milroe’s struggles with accuracy and decision-making have been evident in several key games, particularly in high-pressure situations. Alabama’s offense, which has historically been one of the most dynamic in the country, has sputtered at times this season. Milroe’s inability to consistently connect on deep passes and his tendency to turn the ball over have contributed to Alabama’s struggles in big games. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ability to make plays with his legs, Milroe’s inconsistency has held the Tide back from reaching the elite level they are accustomed to.

For Alabama fans, watching a team that has historically been defined by strong quarterback play—first with players like AJ McCarron and later with Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young—struggle at the position is jarring. The Tide’s inability to find a true leader under center has left fans questioning whether the program is still capable of competing for a national title, especially in a season where the competition is fiercer than ever.

Defensive Struggles: A Rare Weakness

Alabama’s defense, under the leadership of longtime coordinator Pete Golding, has typically been one of the most dominant in the nation. The Tide have been known for their suffocating pass rush, elite linebacker play, and secondary that can shut down opposing offenses. However, in 2024, Alabama’s defense has not been as imposing as in years past. While still talented, the defense has been inconsistent, struggling in certain key matchups against top-tier offenses.

The pass rush, while still effective at times, has not been as disruptive as expected, and the secondary has shown vulnerability against explosive passing attacks. Alabama’s defense has allowed more big plays this season than in previous years, and that has led to concerns about whether the defense can hold up against the best teams in the country. In a season where defense is more important than ever, the Tide’s struggles on that side of the ball have added to the frustration among fans.

The College Football Playoff: What Alabama Needs to Make It

As the 2024 season draws to a close, Alabama finds itself on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff. With the playoff field expanded to six teams, Alabama still faces an uphill battle to secure a spot. While the Tide are undoubtedly talented, they have dropped critical games that have put them behind other elite programs.

Alabama’s Record and Key Losses

One of the primary reasons Alabama is in danger of missing the CFP is their record, which includes a few losses to top-ranked teams. A close loss to a fellow SEC powerhouse, like Georgia or LSU, has left Alabama on the bubble, with a slim margin for error in the race for a playoff berth. These losses, combined with a less-than-impressive win over some of the weaker teams on their schedule, have left the selection committee with tough decisions to make.

Fans of Alabama are used to their team being in control of their playoff destiny, but in 2024, that has not been the case. Alabama’s early-season struggles, particularly in high-profile games, have placed them in a precarious position. With the increasing competitiveness of programs like Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and others, Alabama faces a tough challenge in securing one of the coveted spots in the CFP.

Strength of Schedule and Conference Championships

One of the biggest factors that could help Alabama secure a playoff berth is the strength of their schedule. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and Alabama’s ability to win games against top-tier opponents like Texas, LSU, and Georgia would put them in good standing. However, with a loss in a key conference championship game, the Tide could be left on the outside looking in.

Alabama fans are also frustrated by the increasing influence of conference championships in the CFP selection process. In the past, Alabama’s status as a perennial powerhouse has allowed them to secure playoff spots despite losing one or even two games. However, with the CFP field now expanding and the importance of conference championships gaining weight, Alabama faces an uphill battle if they are unable to secure an SEC title. Fans are worried that their team’s long-standing dominance in the conference will no longer be enough to earn them a playoff spot.

The Fallout: What Missing the CFP Means for Alabama

If Alabama fails to make the CFP, the consequences will be far-reaching, not just for the players and coaches, but for the entire fanbase. Missing out on the playoff would mark the first time since the CFP’s inception that Alabama has not been a part of the tournament. For a fanbase that has grown accustomed to competing for national championships every year, such a development would feel like a massive blow.

Recruiting Implications

One of the biggest concerns for Alabama fans is the potential impact of a CFP miss on recruiting. Alabama has long been a recruiting juggernaut, consistently landing top-tier talent from across the country. However, missing the CFP could hurt the program’s ability to recruit elite players, particularly those who are looking for a chance to play for a national title. Alabama has already seen some of its competitors—like Georgia and Ohio State—gain traction in the recruiting race. A failure to make the CFP could accelerate this trend, as recruits may look to programs with a more immediate path to the postseason.

Coaching and Program Direction

A failure to reach the CFP could also lead to questions about Nick Saban’s future at Alabama. While Saban remains one of the most respected and successful coaches in college football history, his age and the changing landscape of the sport have prompted speculation about his long-term plans. If Alabama fails to meet its high expectations, some fans might start questioning whether Saban’s era at Alabama is coming to an end. However, this is unlikely to lead to a change in leadership, as Saban has earned the benefit of the doubt after more than a decade of success. Still, it could lead to increased pressure on the program to evolve and adjust to the shifting college football landscape.

Conclusion: The Weight of Expectations

As the 2024 College Football Playoff approaches, Alabama fans are grappling with the possibility of their team not making the cut for the first time in the CFP era. With a program built on decades of success, a playoff miss would mark a significant turning point in Alabama football. The disappointment among fans is palpable, as they face the reality that their team might not be in contention for a national championship this season.

While the future of Alabama football remains bright, this season serves as a reminder that even the most dominant programs can experience setbacks. Whether it’s quarterback play, defensive struggles, or missed opportunities, Alabama’s failure to reach the CFP would be a wake-up call for the program and its fans. For now, the Tide still have a chance to salvage their season, but Alabama fans are bracing themselves for the possibility of a future without a place in the playoff. The question remains: will the Tide rise again, or will 2024 be the year that Alabama’s dominance is finally questioned?