"We’re one of the 12 best teams": Alabama AD Greg Bryne believes the Crimson Tide deserve a spot in the College Football Playoff 

No. 11 Alabama finds itself in a difficult situation in the College Football Playoff. After suffering three losses in the regular season, the Tide are unsure of a spot in the 12-team playoffs, but their strength of schedule means they aren't completely out of it.

Athletic director Greg Byrne believes Alabama (9-3) deserves a spot in the playoffs. Drawing from his experience as a member of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Selection Committee, Bryne acknowledges the complexity and gravity involved in making such decisions.

“I obviously was very pleased and understand that the committee does have a tough job, but I also feel like there are a couple things,” Bryne said in an interview with AL.com.

“One of their first principles is the strength of schedule. And they want to put in the 12 best teams. And I believe we’re one of the 12 best teams. And the committee recognized that."

Alabama was ranked No. 11 in the latest CFP ranking, giving them a chance at a spot in the final ranking. However, analysts believe that the Crimson Tide’s fate hinges on the result of the ACC title game between SMU and Clemson.

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Greg Bryne believes scheduling gives Alabama an edge

In his aforementioned interview with AL.com, Greg Bryne stressed the importance of scheduling in the selection for the playoffs. Alabama played five ranked teams during the regular season, giving it an edge over a host of two-loss teams.

“It’s not two versus three losses,” Byrne said. “You need to look at it holistically, and I think that’s important for the game. The other part is, as we’re looking in the future, I do strongly believe that good non-conference games are good for college football.”

Had the Crimson Tide secured a win against Oklahoma in Week 13, they would have been guaranteed a place in the playoffs. Nonetheless, Greg Bryne argued that the difference in the quality of opponents played has to be taken into account by the selection committee.

“You obviously want to see the final poll. But I do strongly believe that teams that play a tough league schedule and in addition to adding a challenging non-conference slate need to be recognized. And I think that needs to be rewarded when possible.

Going by the latest CFP ranking, Alabama will make a trip to South Bend to play Notre Dame in the first round of the playoffs. There shouldn’t be many changes at the bottom of the top 12 in the ranking if SMU defeats Clemson in the ACC championship game.