College Football Playoff 2020: Projected top 4 after Week 2

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide do not start their season until Sept. 26 when they have to travel to Columbia to take on the Missouri Tigers. There is serious pressure on the Crimson Tide as they missed the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2019. Last season was the first time that the Crimson Tide experienced two losses in the regular season since 2010.

Alabama is projected to win the SEC title for the first time since the 2018 season. To do this, it will have to go to No. 4 Georgia in a high-caliber regular season matchup. The Tide will have to also endure trips to Knoxville and Baton Rouge as they will face No. 15 Tennessee and No. 6 LSU, respectively. They are currently slated to play five ranked opponents in their 10-game SEC-only schedule.

The Crimson Tide are well balanced on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. They have a dynamic duo at the wide receiver position in Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. Their defense will be led by star cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. and middle linebacker Dylan Moses, who is back from an ACL injury.

The Tide were incredibly unlucky in keeping their star players healthy. If they can avoid the injury bug, they will be stable enough to win all of their regular-season games. This conference is so tough that a one-loss Alabama team could be a more viable option for the playoff than an undefeated Group of Five programs or other one-loss Power Five programs.