Longtime NFL running back Mark Ingram believes that his former college football program, the Alabama Crimson Tide, does not deserve to advance to the College Football Playoff this season.
In what has been an extremely pedestrian season for the college football powerhouse, the Crimson Tide currently reside sixth in the SEC with an 8-3 record. This past weekend, they were thrashed 24-3 against the Oklahoma Sooners in a poor all-around performance.
As a result, the former Heisman Trophy winner Ingram expressed how disappointing the performance was by the players considering there is so much left to play for this season and beyond for these young athletes.
What Did Mark Ingram Say About His Former Team?
While on the Triple Option Podcast earlier this week, Ingram discussed the state of Alabama: “When you inherit that kind of roster and when you’re in the position that you’re in to capitalize and be able to go to the CFP, that was very much attainable.”
Mark Ingram on @3xOptionShow : Alabama does not deserve playoff after 'atrocious' loss.
"When you inherit that kind of roster and when you're in the position that you're in to capitalize and be able to go to the CFP, that was very much attainable."https://t.co/4kLUp9dELO
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) November 27, 2024
In addition, Ingram further expressed his opinion that the brutal loss to Oklahoma was the “most devastating” in college football this past weekend.
Where Does Alabama Go After Loss? Will It Impact NFL-Hopeful Players?
While it is still unknown definitively whether Alabama will qualify for this season’s College Football Playoff, the loss unquestionably hurts their chances of advancing. Though many knew there would be an adjustment after the departure of longtime legendary coach Nick Saban, there was still a belief that the Crimson Tide had enough talent to compete for college football’s top trophy.
With stars like quarterback Jalen Milroe and guard Tyler Booker, there is no shortage of talent on this roster. For these two players, it remains to be seen what this performance against the Sooners does to their draft stock. However, it is clear that it will not improve or raise it. According to Pro Football Network Dalton Miller’s Top 100 Big Board, Milroe and Booker are projected to be selected 62nd and 31st overall, respectively.
According to Miller, Milroe “possesses legitimate home-run speed, a dense frame to deliver blows as a runner, and consistently impressive vision on designed runs.” Meanwhile, Booker “possesses outstanding torque and grip strength to politely place himself between defender and ball carrier.”
As is clear despite the loss, Alabama has players capable of making an impact at the professional level. However, there is no doubt that the loss this past weekend may have negatively impacted both the Crimson Tide’s chances of the playoffs and the draft stock of some key players next year.