Alabama has to be careful what it wishes for

LSU walked into Bryant Denny Stadium and walked right through that defense. It was a familiar feeling for Alabama having been through something very similar against Clemson in January.

I know the push is to beg, plead, lie, etc. to get to be a part of the playoffs. But, it will be staring at one of 3 very quality teams if that happens.

Losing to Clemson again (3 out of 4) will basically confirm what many have said for a while...that Bama is no longer on top. Losing to LSU for a 2nd time will do the same only worse. This will be viewed as a changing of the guard in the SEC. And, if Ohio State rolls Alabama, it will be the 3rd team in less than a year that has beaten down a Saban defense.

That Alabama program has a lot at stake. It would probably be better to finish 5th this year, create a narrative that it should have been included in the playoffs having played LSU so close, and then attempt to have a championship season next year.

On the other hand, next year has its own issues. Bama has to replace those receivers and Tua next year. It won't have a returning RB with skins on the wall who looks like an All-SEC type much less an All-American, although there is plenty of talent.

I'm not sure which is the better path for Bama. This isn't one of Bama's better teams. Does it want to play Clemson again with this team? Does it want to play an LSU team again that it couldn't stop? Can Bama realistically compete next year given that it looks a little like a rebuilding year?