The bar is set. Exectations are high. Here are Alabama's possible paths to 4 losses

Since the extension, we know the goal in Tuscaloosa is 4 losses. Beating Kentucky threw a monkey wrench in the gears, but it looks like Defour has the team focused and back in track. It won't be easy to get to 4 losses for a 3rd straight season, but Defour has shown the ability to find creative ways to keep the higher ups happy. Here are the most likely paths


The direct path:

Lose to LSU and Auburn. LSU is a 3.5 point favorite and anything can happen when Alabama and Auburn get together. This would lead to a tax act bowl invite which the tide would decline, having already achieved their goals for the season.


Less direct but most likely path:

Lose to one of LSU or Auburn and then again against an overmatched unranked opponent in the Reliaquest Bowl.


The least likely path but with the most dramatic flare:

Win out and then get blown out in the SECCG and again in the playoff.


The good news is, there are several ways to get there and the whoever is writing the check doesn't seem too picky as long as Defour keeps the program where they want and expect to be.