[hinckley buzzard]

Did Alabama play anyone who was highly ranked when they played them? Or ranked at all? They look tough but had a very easy schedule this year. Whoever they play, they best bring their A game. There are tough teams in contention who have had tougher schedules.

[alancarp]

Yes. Plenty.

USC was #20 when they played, Ole Miss #19, Arkansas #16, Tennessee #9 (and Bama broke their will to continue), Texas A&M #6, LSU #13, Auburn #13, and Florida is ranked 15th now... as a 24 point underdog.

Also, you don't have to take my word for it: Alabama is #1 in strength of schedule this season.

I don't have a dog in this hunt, either

[FreetheMarkets]

Sagarin Strength of schedule has them at 7th ranked schedule. No other teams possibly in the playoff are higher than 15th. So the “tough teams” in contention did not have tougher schedules.

http://sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

USC, Ole Miss, Ark, LSU, A&M, UT all ranked prior to playing Bama. Maybe forgetting others.

I will disclose I was born and raised a Bama fan. If the shoe was on the other foot I would be tired of Saban’s and Bama’s dominance.

[lacrew]

Well since you asked, per ESPN:

USC - 20
Ole Miss - 19
Arkansas - 16
Tennessee - 9
Texas A & M - 6
LSU - 13
Auburn - 13

So 5 top 20 teams and 2 top 10 teams

And they still have to face #15 Florida.

Looks like you’re from Ohio...so how many ranked teams did Ohio State play?

Oklahoma - 14
Wisconsin - 8
Nebraska - 10
Michigan - 3

So 1 top 20 team, 2 top 10 teams, and 1 top 5 team...and no more teams to play before the playoff.

[Redbob]

"Did Alabama play anyone who was highly ranked when they played them? Or ranked at all?"

Here, I'll do your research for you:

Tennessee was ranked 9th when Bama beat them 48-10;

Texas A&M was ranked 6th when Bama beat them 33-14;

Auburn was ranked 13 when Bama beat them 30-12;

USC was ranked 20th and picked tto win the PAC-12 when Bama blew them out, 52-6;

Arkansas was ranked 16 when Bama beat them 49-30

By comparison, Ohio State, for example, lost to unranked Penn State, while barely squeaking by Wisconsin and Michigan in OT

[bIlluminati]

Alabama had one of the 5 toughest schedules in the US in 2016. That will continue in 2017. But anyone playing Alabama has the toughest schedule that week.

I wouldn’t pick anyone at only +4 vs. Alabama. My best guess is that Wisconsin and the Ohio State have the best chances. Ohio State does pick 6s, and Wisconsin played both #2 and former #2 within 7 points, and beat LSU. Aside from an overtime loss to Ohio State, Wisconsin has given up a maximum of 20 points.

Ohio State has outscored opponents by 512-170. Alabama is 473-137, which is even more dominant. Alabama has given up more than 14 only twice, vs. Mississippi and Arkansas. So maybe Washington can beat Alabama with offense. Doubtful, as Washington’s defense hasn’t been tested much.