Alabama football did what was expected of it on Saturday, beating Eastern Illinois 56-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The win over an FCS opponent was unlikely to help the Crimson Tide much in the polls, but when the coaches rankings were released on Sunday, the victory didn’t hurt either.

College football's rivalry week is officially underway as one rising contender has cracked the Top 5 in The Associated Press' weekly rankings, while Alabama clings to its fading playoff hopes.

ESPN's Football Power Index gives Alabama a 60% chance to make the College Football Playoff entering Saturday's Iron Bowl vs. Auburn.

Tuesday Night brought the 4th College Football Playoff rankings of the season as the committee met after the action in Week 13. The weekend as a whole was uneve