Nick Saban has been a mainstay in the College Football Playoff.
Since the whole thing began in 2015, the Crimson Tide have been in the CFP seven times. That's seven appearances in nine seasons. Alabama has won the whole shebang three times.
That's why it's a bit jarring to see the Crimson Tide ranked so low in the initial CFP rankings for the 2023-24 season. In the initial rankings, Ohio State came in at No. 1 followed by Georgia, Michigan and Florida State at No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.
The Crimson Tide, boasting a 7-1 record and occupying first place in the SEC West, are ranked No. 8 behind Washington, Oregon and Texas.
As far as these rankings are concerned, though, Saban has no concerns.
“Does the poll matter? Yeah, it matters. But, it doesn’t matter until the end," Saban told Pat McAfee (h/t On3). "Wherever you are right now does not really matter. What matters is how do you finish and how do you finish the season. And that comes one play at a time.”
"It only matters where you end up at the end on the last poll..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 2, 2023
The only way you can get in the top four is to play every game the rest of the way to the best of your ability" ~ Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3rJWbhj2t7
Saban is right that Alabama's destiny is right in front of it, one day at a time.
The Crimson Tide can't get too far ahead of themselves because there are still some big-time games to play. Alabama plays host to No. 14 LSU this weekend, and if that's not a game the Tide wins, their eventual CFP ranking won't matter.
With contests against Kentucky, Chattanooga and Auburn remaining after that LSU showdown, winning and out and playing in the SEC title game would give Saban's squad yet another chance to make the Playoff.
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