**How Alabama’s Loss to Oklahoma Shakes Up the College Football Playoff Picture**
Alabama’s first home loss under coach Kalen DeBoer didn’t just stun a packed Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday; it also sent a tremor through the College Football Playoff (CFP) race.
The fourth-ranked Crimson Tide’s 23-21 defeat to No. 11 Oklahoma reopened doors for the Sooners while creating a must-win scenario in Tuscaloosa with two weeks remaining in the regular season.
### Oklahoma’s Resurgence
For Oklahoma, a team once left for dead after a second loss and facing a daunting November, this win represents a remarkable resurgence. The Sooners (8-2), coming off consecutive road victories over SEC opponents, have risen from the ashes and now find themselves in firm contention for the 12-team playoff.
According to ESPN’s College Football Power Index, Oklahoma’s chances to make the playoff have jumped to 23% with this victory. Had the Sooners lost, those odds would have been near zero.
Oklahoma still needs to finish the season strong by winning its remaining games against Missouri and LSU. Fortunately for the Sooners, both SEC opponents have encountered recent hardships. LSU fired Brian Kelly midseason and is still struggling to find consistency, while Missouri relies on a freshman quarterback who is adapting to the speed of the game.
Road wins over Tennessee and Alabama have put Oklahoma firmly within reach of a playoff berth. Given their identical records and Oklahoma’s decisive head-to-head win over Alabama, the College Football Playoff committee could have cause to elevate the Sooners above the Tide in upcoming rankings.
### What’s Next for Alabama?
For Alabama (8-2), the path forward is now far more precarious. The Tide’s playoff chances fell to 95.7% after Saturday’s loss—an optimistic figure that may not fully reflect the reality of their situation.
Alabama must beat Auburn in the Iron Bowl to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Even that victory might not guarantee a spot in the SEC Championship Game, as a potential three-way tie with Georgia and Ole Miss could see the Tide left out due to inferior opponent winning percentages.
Avoiding a third loss is absolutely crucial. If Alabama ends the season 9-3, they face a steep climb for an at-large bid, even with four ranked wins. However, a 10-2 record combined with a trip to, and a win in, the SEC title game would keep the Tide firmly in contention for a top-four seed and a first-round bye.
### The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the mission for both teams remains unchanged: win, and you’re in.
Saturday’s upset reshaped the stakes and elevated Oklahoma from a longshot to a serious contender, while simultaneously reminding Alabama that even a single misstep can carry significant consequences.
Had the Tide not lost their season opener to Florida State, the playoff picture might look very different today. Instead, a two-loss Alabama team risks being left behind as other contenders seize the opportunity.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the final weeks of the college football regular season unfold.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/alabama-loss-oklahoma-shakes-college-040459207.html
