Alabama had the week off before facing LSU and I anticipate they’ll be hoping to see their name called as one of the first two out, if not in the top 4.
Alabama is 7-1 with a loss to Tennessee. Their best wins are over Arkansas (5-3), Mississippi State (5-3), and Texas (5-3). They have some big chances to get nice wins coming up with games against LSU and Ole Miss in the next couple weeks.
Bama is obviously better than the 9th team in the country, but their resume just doesn't pop with any wins. Beating Ole Miss in a few weeks would move them past the Pac 12 teams currently slotted ahead of them.