College Football Playoff 2019: Projected top 4 after Week 1

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 31: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide has the Old Leather Helmet put on his head by his players after their 42-3 win over the Duke Blue Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Alabama (def. Duke 42-3)

It was refreshing to go through another yearly tradition on the opening Saturday. In the first half of a matchup with a lesser opponent, Alabama hadn’t pulled away. Most of the country sees the score roll along the ticker, and flips over to see Alabama on upset alert. Then the second half happens.

At this point, the tough first half isn’t even concerning anymore. Tua Tagovailoa would finish with 336 yards and four touchdowns. The Tide defense held Duke to 89 pass yards on the game. Duke running backs had only slightly more success, as four different players combined for 107 yards on the ground.

What’s next for the Tide?

Unlike Clemson, the Tide didn’t dial up a legitimate opponent for week two, as Alabama will play host to New Mexico State. Other non-conference games for the Tide include playing host to Southern Miss and Western Carolina. Eliminating pointless games like this should be step one towards fixing the sport’s attendance problems.

However, until teams actually get punished for loading up the resume with cupcake opponents, nothing will change.

Depending on the Clemson result, the Tide could either hold serve at two, or back into the top spot.

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