Alabama continues to cast its spell over playoff committee

The College Football Playoff committee publicly lists only four specific criteria it uses to rank teams. That list includes strength of schedule and head-to-head competition.  

But a fifth unwritten nugget has become apparent throughout the playoff’s existence: Alabama always, always, always will receive the benefit of the doubt.

You didn’t really think the committee would embrace Miami, Mississippi or South Carolina over Alabama for the final spot in this 12-team bracket, did you? That Script ‘A’ casts a spell on the committee. The Alabama brand endures, even after it loses 24-3 to an opponent that finished 6-6.