The College Football Playoff Committee refuses to let Alabama go

This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If yes, subscribe here. Do you have any feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns in this short reader survey! Here’s Blake Schuster on Alabama’s dominance in the CFP and South Carolina’s disappointment

It seems only one thing can slow down the Crimson Tide. It’s not Nick Saban’s retirement and it’s not three losses (including two to unranked teams). It’s Clemson.

We should have known this rivalry wasn’t dead yet.

WINNERS AND LOSERS: Read Blake’s full winners and losers column from Tuesday’s CFP rankings

Alabama fans can continue to hate the Tigers because they are the only thing standing in the way of the playoffs. If No. 8 SMU beats No. 17 Clemson, Alabama is assured of the postseason. If Clemson wins, the Tigers will automatically receive the ACC bid and the committee will have to choose between SMU, Alabama and South Carolina for the final spot (more on that in a moment).

Essentially, the only way that guarantees Alabama a spot in the playoffs is a win for SMU as chairman of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee Warde Manuel explained:

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1864109250630300139

“Those who don’t play (in conference championship games), we won’t adjust,” Manuel told ESPN.

And to think, Alabama fans thought this year was a disaster for most of the season.

Justice for South Carolina

Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s recipient of the Florida State Award for Worst Snub has already been locked up by South Carolina. After beating Clemson on the road, the Gamecocks were effectively told “thanks, but no thanks” by the committee on Tuesday.

Manuel told ESPN that teams not playing this weekend will not be readjusted because there are no other data points to consider.

That’s a stunningly brutal blow to South Carolina, which would otherwise have a strong playoff case if the Clemson team it just beat wins the ACC title game. Instead, the committee apparently won’t factor this into the Gamecocks’ resume.

The anger coming from Colombia is justified.

The NBA in-season tournament looks fantastic

Speaking of revelations, the final round of the NBA Cup is here. These matchups look great. Here’s a look via Bleacher Report.

We get:

• Luka Doncic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the top of the West group.
• Steph Curry’s shenanigans against Dillon Brooks at the West End.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo and the resurgent Bucks versus Franz Wagner and the powerhouse Magic at the top of the East.
• Trae Young vs. Madison Square Garden at the bottom of the East.

Those are some Class A tires, folks. And there is only one of the Big 3 of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry.

The NBA Cup isn’t so bad after all.

The knockout round begins on Tuesday, December 10th. The semifinals will take place on December 14th in Las Vegas and the final will take place on December 17th in Las Vegas. I can barely wait for it.

Quick Links: The full CFP rankings…HVL’s Redemption Tour…and more

– Here’s Cory Woodroof with the full College Football Playoff rankings, which are full of disappointments for Ohio State fans.

— Hailey Van Lith is on her way to redemption, folks. She is currently cooking. Let Meg Hall tell the story.

– Here’s Prince Grimes’ conversation with fantasy guru Matthew Berry, who says you’re probably sleeping on Bo Nix. I know it’s me.

– Did the WNBA just announce the name of the Toronto expansion team? Perhaps. Here’s Meg Hall with more.

– Here, Charles Curtis explains how to pack your Spotify for the year.

– Here’s Christian D’Andrea with his quarterback rankings for this week. Russell Wilson is elite, y’all.

That’s it, folks. Thank you for reading today. We appreciate you.

-Sykes ✌️