Alabama has a brand. It has tradition, coach and captain 18 time National Champions Alabama Football shirt - even the respect of Football Football's Playoff selection committee despite a weak schedule - but for the first time in six seasons, the Crimson Tide may have nothing to offer. finished in the top four. In 2017, when Alabama finished 4th despite losing to Auburn and failing to win against the SEC West, Tide had two other ranked wins, against LSU and Mississippi State. That could matter if Alabama is part of the debate with Oregon for fourth because Auburn is a popular opponent, and the Ducks lost 27-21 to Auburn in the season opener.