Part 2/9:
As the playoff rankings were announced, the debate was intense. Alabama, boasting a historic legacy and a record of 9 wins and 3 losses, seemed a shoo-in for the playoffs in the eyes of many analysts. Critics argued that leaving Alabama out was a grave mistake, citing their performance in previous games and the overall prestige of the program. Michigan, on the other hand, entered the game with a mediocre record of 7-5, leading many to assume that Alabama would stroll to a decisive victory.