Alabama football has only missed the College Football Playoff twice since the format began. The Crimson Tide failed to make it in 2019 and ended up winning it all just a season later. The 2023 team looks to mirror that.
Many, however, believe Nick Saban and his program are on a downslope. Instead of reloading, as the Tide typically does, 2023 is being viewed as a rebuilding year. After losing Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr., Jahmyr Gibbs and others, many open spots were once filled with impact players.
With plenty of unknowns heading into the 2023 season and a rather tough schedule, here are five ways the Crimson Tide can miss the College Football Playoffs: