Alabama's Most Dangerous Game Couldn't Be More Obvious

The Alabama Crimson Tide have now moved up to No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings following their huge win over the LSU Tigers last Saturday.

Alabama is now sitting at 7-2 on the season, and even with two losses, it's clear that the selection committee loves it resume, which also features blowout wins over Kentucky and rising South Carolina.

Do I think the Crimson Tide are a top-three team in the country right now? That's debatable for sure, but they have played the most difficult schedule in the country, and they play in the SEC. Do the math.

Alabama has three games remaining on its schedule, and none of them featured a ranked opponent. But that doesn't necessarily mean the rest of the Crimson Tide's regular season will be a cakewalk.

Kalen DeBoer's squad will face Vanderbilt this Saturday, and even though it's on the road, it should be a win, with or without Keelon Russell. The Commodores aren't very good.

Alabama will then face Chattanooga in what should be a laugher the following week before ending its campaign with the inaugural Iron Bowl, which will take place in Tuscaloosa.

You don't have to look too hard to see the most difficult game remaining for the Tide: it's Auburn, which, in spite of being just 5-4, defeated the previously No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs on the road last month.

Alabama-Auburn is one of the biggest rivalries in the country, and don't think for a second the Tigers don't already have this game circled on their calendar.

The Crimson Tide have owned the rivalry in recent years, having won the last six matchups. But four of those were dangerously close, this in spite of the fat that Auburn hasn't even been ranked the last five years.

A loss to Auburn would be absolutely devastating for Alabama's CFP standing. You would think the Crimson Tide would be a stone-cold lock for the playoff based on their current ranking, but a third regular-season loss could be very damaging.

Alabama got in as a three-loss team last year, but its third loss didn't come until the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. A loss to Auburn in the regular-season finale might prevent 'Bama from even participating in the SEC title game this year depending on what else happens around it.

Obviously, the committee loves Alabama's resume. But I'm not too sure how much that would hold if the Crimson Tide lose to the Tigers on Nov. 28 — and I am operating under the assumption that Alabama will not have a hiccup this weekend at Vanderbilt.

Auburn knows it has a chance to break Alabama's heart later this month. The Crimson Tide must be vigilant to ensure it doesn't happen.