There was an expected drop-off for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Nick Saban spoiled the fanbase for years, where most just felt that a national title run was always guaranteed. Without Saban on the sideline,

If the College Football Playoff committee is left needing a three-loss team for the bracket, perk up Alabama. It may be looking at you.

When you're in the bowl-projection business, it is essential to balance two competing instincts: the instinct to project the bowl schedule as it would look now, and the instinct to project the bowl schedule as it is likely to look after the season.