The Crimson Tide were a controversial playoff selection after their 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC title game, but at the time, Herbstreit defended the CFP committee's decision to include 9-3 Alabama over two-loss teams like the BYU Cougars and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Ty Simpson passed for 232 yards and two touchdowns as No. 9 seed Alabama rallied to beat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 in the College Football Playoff first round

Alabama football has lost a three-year member of the team to the NCAA transfer portal after its Rose Bowl loss to Indiana.

Alabama football wide receiver Ryan Williams said he has no intention to enter the transfer portal despite a quiet season.