College Football: Handicapping SEC’s Playoff Chances
By Lee Wardlaw
Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jacob Coker (14) makes a call as Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (70) looks up against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1) (4-1 SEC)
Remaining Games: vs. LSU, at Mississippi State, vs. Charleston Southern, at Auburn
Why they’ll make it: Offensively, the Tide rely on strong, fast and daunting power back Derrick Henry.
We’re two-thirds finished with this college football season and he’s already totaled 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Kirby Smart might not be around for too much longer. If this is his last season, however, he’ll go out a champion of directing a defense.
Alabama’s improvement from last season on that side of the ball has been impressive, as they only allow 16.4 points per game. They’re loaded with strong, well-coached and skilled veterans who know how to make plays.
Not only that, but this is a team that’s been there and they know how to win. That shouldn’t be too hard to figure out considering that the Texas Longhorns tried to swipe Nick Saban for 15 million dollars.
The schedule isn’t too daunting and LSU’s at home. If the Crimson Tide can win that one, it should be smooth sailing from then on out. ‘Bama holds a 53-game winning streak against non-ranked opponents.
Why they won’t make it: Aside from Henry, the mid-tier offense tends to struggle to score points in many games. The Tide have cut it close against a host of unranked teams. They’ve bent, what will it take for them to break?
Another reason the Tide won’t make it? Their pesky little cross-state rival, the Mississippi Rebels. In case you forgot, they control their own destiny in the West. If they knock off LSU, it could be a long winter in Tuscaloosa.
Next: Louisiana State