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Illinois Football: Everything the Illini need to make the College Football Playoff

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 22: Jaylen Moody #42 of the Alabama Crimson Tide recovers a fumble during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 22: Jaylen Moody #42 of the Alabama Crimson Tide recovers a fumble during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images) /

9. Alabama can’t make the SEC Championship game

  • Loss at LSU on November 5
  • 2 losses – Eliminated

A one-loss Alabama team is already a weird sight to see this early in the college football season, but not having the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff would be even weirder.

Even with one loss, if Alabama wins out, they are a lock to be in the College Football Playoff. So, we need them to lose a game. The big game is this weekend between No. 6 Alabama and No. 10 LSU.

As I mentioned in a previous slide, LSU needs to win this game. I know, they are both ranked ahead of Illinois, but LSU already has two losses. They would beat Alabama and then get to the SEC Championship game and lose that contest to give them three losses.

If the Crimson Tide were to lose against LSU, they would then have two losses. That would greatly hurt their chances of making the College Football Playoff, but what would hurt Alabama’s chances even more is the fact they couldn’t play in the SEC Championship game.

Alabama not getting to the conference title game means they can’t beat the other team and win the SEC. The committee wouldn’t leave the winner of the SEC out of the College Football Playoff. Therefore, keeping Alabama out of the SEC Championship game would be optimal right now.

A loss to LSU would also give Alabama just three top-25 wins to go along with their two losses on the season. Illinois would then jump the Crimson Tide.

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