**Alabama Anticipates Non-Playoff Bowl Game Post-Third Loss**

Following a disappointing third defeat of the season, Alabama is bracing for participation in a non-playoff bowl game. The Crimson Tide faced a tough challenge heading into Saturday's match against Oklahoma, culminating in a 24-3 loss in Norman. This outcome has dramatically altered their post-season prospects.

Several predictions from sports analysts suggest Alabama might make an appearance in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on December 31. CBS Sports, along with 247 Sports' Brad Crawford and ESPN's Kyle Bonagura, foresee Alabama going up against Illinois in this matchup. Alabama's last Citrus Bowl outing was after the 2019 season, where they played Michigan.

Contrary to this, ESPN's Mark Schlabach has projected that Alabama could end up in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on December 31, facing Iowa. The official bowl game selections are set to be revealed on Sunday, December 8.

Just a week ago, Alabama was solidly in the projected 12-team playoff field, needing to win their last two games to advance. However, their latest defeat has significantly impacted their standing. Currently, projections like those from ESPN's Heather Dinich place Alabama at No. 12, just outside the playoff spots. Dinich's rankings indicate a Big 12 team would surpass the Tide should that team secure their conference championship.

Despite this setback, Alabama's chances of making the playoffs are still held in slight favor by ESPN's metrics, which rank them 12th in playoff probability. Notably, no Big 12 teams feature in the top 12 of these metrics, keeping a glimmer of hope alive for the Crimson Tide.