The final College Football Playoff spot could end up going to either Alabama football or SMU.

If the Mustangs lose to Clemson, the Tigers will secure the ACC’s automatic CFP bid and leave SMU needing an at-large bid to make the 12-team field.

Meanwhile, Alabama was No. 11 in the latest CFP rankings. Because the five highest ranked conference championships each receive a spot in the playoffs, that meant the Crimson Tide was the last team in the field. But what happens if SMU loses Saturday and potentially falls from No. 8?

That debate has ensued following Tuesday’s rankings. Retired Alabama coach Nick Saban joined the Pat McAfee Show on Friday from Atlanta, and McAfee asked Saban for his thoughts on the entire situation.

“Strength of schedule, and what teams did you beat?” Saban said. “How many good teams did you beat? I think that speaks volumes about what kind of team you’re capable of being. I think there’s a lot of ups and downs in college football. Probably the system has created that to some degree. It’s more difficult to be consistent. I don’t think we want to do anything in this playoff situation that’s going to enhance people not to play a tough schedule. I think we want people to play a tough schedule because you want good games. People want to see good games … You want people to play in those games and you want them to schedule some tough nonconference games. I don’t think we want to enhance people that won 10 or 11 games and didn’t play one top 25 team or didn’t beat one top 25 team.”

Alabama has the No. 17 strength of schedule, while SMU has the No. 75 strength of schedule. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide is 3-1 in games against teams ranked right now in the CFP top 25. SMU is 0-1.

No. 17 Clemson will face No. 8 SMU on Saturday (7 p.m. CT, ABC) in Charlotte.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.