After a 4-0 start with a win over No. 1 Georgia, it seemed almost certain that the Alabama Crimson Tide would return to the College Football Playoff. The Tide have lost two of their last three games and their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.

The good news for the Crimson Tide is that they will still have some chances at big wins with LSU, Missouri and Oklahoma all still on the schedule. I still believe that DeBoer is the right man for the job and that Alabama has the right tools to make a postseason push, but there's no question that some things need to be cleaned up.

This week, Alabama dropped five spots in USA TODAY Sports' re-ranking of all 134 FBS programs, from No. 11 to No. 16, saying:

“Tennessee moves up three to No. 10 after defeating Alabama 24-17. That's two losses this month for the Crimson Tide and a narrow win against South Carolina. That drops the Tide five spots to No. 16 and fifth among SEC teams, behind the Bulldogs, Longhorns, No. 9 LSU, the Volunteers and No. 15 Texas A&M. Next up, Alabama takes on No. 23 Missouri.”

With the second bye week looming, it's important that Alabama takes care of Missouri and can refocus on LSU while their playoff hopes remain intact. The Tigers are banged up for this weekend's game with RB Nate Noel out with a foot injury and QB Brady Cook questionable with an ankle injury.

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