LSU football: College Football Playoff chances

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama

Contrary to popular belief, the Alabama Crimson Tide did not win the SEC West last weekend. Certain members of the national media made it sound like they did, but let me assure you, the battle for the toughest division in college football is far from over.

If LSU can capitalize on its three remaining SEC games, all it would take is one slip up by the Crimson Tide and the Tigers would be back in the driver’s seat and in control of their own destiny.

Alabama has a crucial Top 25 matchup on the road this weekend against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who have won four consecutive games and have risen to No. 17 in the rankings. Mississippi State Quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing well all season long, but especially as of late. Prescott threw for four touchdowns against Missouri in his last outing, and has compiled 18 touchdowns with just one interception on the year.

The senior quarterback also has the athleticism to give the Alabama defense headaches on Saturday.

Then there is Auburn, who has played some pretty awful football at times this season. However, as the season has gone on, Auburn has begun to somewhat resemble a competent football team, culminating in the 26-10 victory at Texas A&M last week.

When Auburn and Alabama clash in the Iron Bowl, previous records do not seem to matter. Anything can happen when these two in-state rivals meet, which is good for LSU.

It is important to note that Alabama does not have to lose for LSU to have a shot at the College Football Playoff.

LSU does not necessarily need to win a conference title to make the playoff. But if Alabama does win out this season, the Tigers will need some out-of-conference foes at the top of the rankings to lose between now and the end of conference championship week.

Next: The SEC bias is real, and it benefits the Tigers