Paul Finebaum Picks Elite College Football Team That is “questionable.”

The most recent numbers for the College Football Playoff came out on Tuesday, and they caused some debate. A lot of people talked about how the committee would place the South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3), Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3), and Ole Miss Rebels (9-3), all of which have lost three games in the SEC. The Miami Hurricanes have also lost two games.

In the end, the committee chose these teams: No. 11 Alabama, No. 12 Miami, No. 13 Ole Miss, and No. 14 South Carolina. So, if the College Football Playoff started today, Alabama would be the last team to qualify because they are the Big 12 winner and are not ranked in the top 12. They would get an automatic bid, which would push Miami out of the playoffs.

In an interview on the “Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network expert Paul Finebaum talked about this choice.

Finebaum said, “Alabama is a very scary team.” There is no talk of putting Alabama in there instead of Oregon, though. Instead of Miami, we want to put Alabama in there. That’s the only thing being said here, and maybe SMU.”

Three of Alabama’s wins have come against top teams at the time of the games. But they also lost to the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Oklahoma Sooners, two teams that ended the season with a 6-6 record. Alabama lost badly to Oklahoma 24–3, in a game that happened just two weeks ago.

During the season, Miami didn’t play any top teams and lost two of its last three games. It’s possible that this helped the committee decide to give Alabama a higher ranking. The No. 17 Clemson Tigers (9-3) beating the No. 8 SMU Mustangs (11-1) could lead to a surprise for both teams. The winner of that game automatically makes the playoffs.

If SMU wins, the Crimson Tide will be sure to make the playoffs. But it will depend on how far down in the rankings SMU falls if they lose to Clemson. The Crimson Tide will not be able to make the playoffs if the Mustangs stay ranked higher than Alabama.

Alabama is likely to pay close attention to that game this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.