Alabama's trip to the SEC championship offers some reward and plenty of risk.

The Crimson Tide's path to the playoff narrowed before the calendar flipped to September after a loss to Florida State in Week 1. Months later, despite winning 10 of their last 11 games and clinching the SEC championship game, Alabama still isn't a sure thing for the College Football Playoff.

That could change this weekend. A win against Georgia on Saturday would secure a spot for Alabama as one of the five highest-ranked conference winners. A loss would put the Tide’s fate in the hands of the CFP committee, which could dock them for a third loss — even if it stemmed from a championship game competitors didn't qualify for.

Saturday gives Alabama the chance to take control of its own destiny, and the Tide have

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