The best weekend of the year is upon us all, and it's not because of Thanksgiving.
Enter college football rivalry week — one of the most exciting slates in all of sports, featuring a bevy of marquee matchups between programs with lore galore. For one legacy team, however, this Saturday carries a whole new meaning after the latest edition of the College Football Playoff rankings.
Alabama dropped out of contention Tuesday night after falling to a gritty Oklahoma team last weekend, marking the team's first three-loss season since 2010. It's not exactly what new head coach Kalen DeBoer envisioned for his first season at the helm with the Crimson Tide now sitting in the 13th spot, just missing the cut.
Here is the latest on Bama's chances after a devastating loss to the Sooners.
MORE: Updated 12-team bracket revealed in fourth CFP poll of 2024
Will Alabama make the playoffs?
It's not out of the question for DeBoer to lead the Tide to the postseason. But Jalen Milroe & Co. will have to rely on a combination of destiny and hard work to make it happen.
As it does each Thanksgiving weekend, the Iron Bowl is on its way to TV screens in living rooms and hometown bars nationwide, as Auburn will visit Tuscaloosa on Saturday afternoon on ABC.
Alabama is still a two-score favorite over its in-state rival, but the nature of the matchup generally calls for a closer finish, as history has revealed. The Tide's 24-3 loss to Oklahoma doesn't necessarily inspire much confidence, but the game's high stakes in terms of the team's playoff chances does make it a more compelling matchup regardless.
If Alabama wins, and one or two other top teams lose, the Crimson Tide could find their way back into the postseason bracket.
College Football Playoff rankings 2024
Who are the top 12 teams in latest CFP bracket poll?
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 1. | Oregon | 11-0 |
| 2. | Ohio State | 10-1 |
| 3. | Texas | 10-1 |
| 4. | Penn State | 10-1 |
| 5. | Notre Dame | 10-1 |
| 6. | Miami | 10-1 |
| 7. | Georgia | 9-2 |
| 8. | Tennessee | 9-2 |
| 9. | SMU | 10-1 |
| 10. | Indiana | 10-1 |
| 11. | Boise State | 10-1 |
| 12. | Clemson* | 9-2 |
*Despite being ranked No. 12, Clemson is projected to miss the 12-team field in favor of Arizona State, who is the projected Big 12 champion.
First four teams out
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 13. | Alabama | 8-3 |
| 14. | Ole Miss | 8-3 |
| 15. | South Carolina | 8-3 |
| 16. | Arizona State* | 9-2 |
*Arizona State is projected to make the 12-team field as the Big 12 champion
Rest of the top 25
| Ranking | Team | Record |
| 17. | Tulane | 9-2 |
| 18. | Iowa State | 9-2 |
| 19. | BYU | 9-2 |
| 20. | Texas A&M | 8-3 |
| 21. | Missouri | 8-3 |
| 22. | UNLV | 9-2 |
| 23. | Illinois | 8-3 |
| 24. | Kansas State | 8-3 |
| 25. | Colorado | 8-3 |
