This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Blake Schuster on Alabama’s reign in the CFP and South Carolina’s disappointment
It appears only one thing can slow 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’ve 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 hating on the Tigers because they are the only thing standing in the way of the playoff. If No. 8 SMU beats No. 17 Clemson, Alabama will be safely in the postseason. If Clemson wins, the Tigers get the ACC’s automatic bid and the committee will have to decide between SMU, Alabama and South Carolina for the final spot (more on this in a moment).
Essentially the only path that guarantees a playoff berth for Alabama is an SMU win, as College Football Playoff selection committee chair Warde Manuel explained:
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1864109250630300139
“Those who are not playing [in conference championship games], we will not adjust those teams.” Manuel told ESPN.
And to think Alabama fans considered this year a disaster for most of the season.
Justice for South Carolina
This year’s recipient of the Florida State Award for worst snub has already been locked up by South Carolina. After defeating Clemson on the road, the Gamecocks were effectively told, “thanks, but no thanks” by the committee on Tuesday.
Manuel explained to ESPN that teams who aren’t playing this weekend will not be readjusted because there are no more data points to consider.
That is an astoundingly 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 take that into consideration on the Gamecocks’ resume.
The rage emanating from Columbia is justified.
The NBA In-Season Tournament looks awesome
Speaking of unveilings, the final bracket for the NBA Cup has arrived. These matchups look awesome. Here’s a look via Bleacher Report.
We’re getting:
- Luka Doncic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the top of the West bracket.
- Steph Curry vs. Dillon Brooks’ shenanigans at the bottom of the West.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo and the resurgent Bucks vs. Franz Wagner and the powerhouse Magic at the top of the East.
- Trae Young vs. Madison Square Garden at the bottom of the East.
These are some Grade A hoops, folks. And it only features 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 starts on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The semi-finals will be in Las Vegas on Dec. 14 and the finals will be in Vegas on Dec. 17. Can’t wait.
Quick hits: The full CFP ranking … HVL’s redemption tour … and more
— Here’s Cory Woodroof with the full college football playoff ranking, which is chock full of disappointment for Ohio State fans.
— Hailey Van Lith is on a redemption tour, folks. She is COOKING right now. 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 I am.
— Did the WNBA just reveal the Toronto expansion team name? Maybe. Here’s Meg Hall with more on that.
— Here’s Charles Curtis on how to get your Spotify Wrapped for the year.
— Here’s Christian D’Andrea with his quarterback rankings this week. Russell Wilson is elite, y’all.
That’s a wrap, folks. Thanks so much for reading today. We appreciate you.
-Sykes ✌️
