Alabama, Texas losses imperil College Football Playoff hopes

Alabama and Texas suffered damaging losses that tightened their paths to the College Football Playoff. Alabama fell 26-10 at Tennessee after its offense managed just 201 yards, while the Vols scored on all five red-zone trips; the defeat was Alabama’s second straight. Texas also lost for a second consecutive week, falling 27-24 at home to Florida after surrendering a 14-point lead, with Arch Manning’s late fumble ending the Longhorns’ chance to tie or win. Texas now faces four straight ranked opponents and has little margin for further losses. One commentary argued that missing the playoff should cost coach Steve Sarkisian his job, while other coverage emphasized the team’s offensive struggles and the difficult schedule ahead.