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The SEC's case that Alabama was snubbed by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee took a hit during Tuesday afternoon's bowl game.
The No. 11 Crimson Tide committed three red-zone turnovers in the first quarter to start out a 19-13 ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan.
Alabama has now conceded four losses in a single season for the first time since 2007.
The loss follows program and conference leaders' pitch for Alabama to get a playoff bid despite a three-loss regular season.
Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne said before the bowl game that the Crimson Tide was "one of the 12 best teams in the country" and deserved a bid.