Two weeks ago, Alabama lost to Auburn and Nick Saban knew well enough to start making his pitch. Forget the fact his team failed to win its division, let alone its own conference. He started stumping that the Tide deserved playoff consideration.
They lurked just outside the Top 4 going into championship weekend, and it did seem very real indeed this team could make the College Football Playoff despite a sloppy performance in a loss to its rival. It just needed a few games to go its way.
Then Saturday night happened. And the biggest piece that had to fall into place did: Ohio State beat undefeated Wisconsin, leaving the Tide and Buckeyes jockeying for the No.