Nick Saban not sweating Alabama slotting at No. 8 in College Football Playoff rankings

Nick Saban has been a mainstay in the College Football Playoff.

Since the whole thing began in 2015, the Crimson Tide have been in the CFP seven times. That's seven appearances in nine seasons. Alabama has won the whole shebang three times.

That's why it's a bit jarring to see the Crimson Tide ranked so low in the initial CFP rankings for the 2023-24 season. In the initial rankings, Ohio State came in at No. 1 followed by Georgia, Michigan and Florida State at No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

The Crimson Tide, boasting a 7-1 record and occupying first place in the SEC West, are ranked No. 8 behind Washington, Oregon and Texas.

As far as these rankings are concerned, though, Saban has no concerns.

“Does the poll matter? Yeah, it matters. But, it doesn’t matter until the end," Saban told Pat McAfee (h/t On3). "Wherever you are right now does not really matter. What matters is how do you finish and how do you finish the season. And that comes one play at a time.”