Who says football’s all about the big plays and wild crowds? Sometimes, it’s the tender moments that really steal the show. Just before Alabama Crimson Roll Tide’s Week 12 matchup against Mercer Bears, Kristen Saban, daughter of the GOAT coach Nick Saban, shared a heart-melting snapshot: Her four-year-old son, gazing wide-eyed at his hero. It was an awe moment for Kristen and the Roll Tide Family. As the Tide chased slim playoff hopes, this sweet family moment was a game-changer all on its own.

On November 17, Week 12 of college football, Kristen Saban shared a cute Instagram story of her son, James Nicholas Setas, being star-struck and silently admiring his hero, Alabama quarterback, Jalen Milroe, during the pre-game warm-up. She captioned it, “Watching his favorite QB warm up@milticketfour.”

Alabama’s jacked and electric quarterback, Jalen Milroe, didn’t disappoint his number-one fan when the action got underway. In what ended as a blowout, the Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2) steamrolled over the Mercer Bears (9-2) 52-7. One might ask, how come Alabama bullies a 9-2 team? Sure, Mercer might be 9-2, but they come from the Southern conference—a division where defenses are softer than warm butter. Still, the tide made a statement, and Milroe led the charge, looking every bit the role model young James had been admiring. With 186 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 68% completion rate, plus a slick 43 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, Milroe’s performance was the stuff of highlight reels.

But even with Dominant showing against Mercer, Alabama’s playoff path is as complicated as a Nick Saban defensive scheme. The team’s chances of reaching the SEC championship and potentially making the College Football Playoff are riding on razor-thin margins. According to college football guru Paul Finebaum, Alabama’s odds sit at 73% if they win the rest of their schedule. The problem? Both the No.3 Texas Longhorns (85%) and No.6 Tennessee Volunteers (75%) stand in the way. The real kicker comes with today’s showdown between Tennessee and Georgia. If Tennessee slips up against the Bulldogs, it could be the crack Alabama needs to sneak into the postseason picture.

Alabama playoff hopes: A long shot but still alive

The Crimson Tide’s dream scenario is simple, yet incredibly fragile. With Texas and Tennessee both ranked above them, Alabama not only needs to keep winning but also requires some serious help from their SEC rivals. Ever since the departure of Nick Saban from his coaching career, deep down, we all know it’s not the same BAMA. Today’s Tennessee-Georgia matchup is make-or-break for Alabama’s playoff aspirations. A Tennessee loss would drastically improve the Tide’s chances, while the Bulldogs win could throw a wrench into everyone’s plans, making the SEC race even spicier.

Still, even if Alabama gets a break, nothing is promised or assured in college football. They’ll need another powerhouse performance from stars like Jalen Milroe to keep their playoff dream alive. But you can’t control the uncontrollable. And hey, if this season has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Who would’ve thought, despite having a 12-team format, Alabama would struggle to get a pass? The season is about to end, and it’s not over until it’s over. Anyway, just ask little James Setas, who got a front-row view of his hero in action—proof that win or lose, Alabama still knows how to create magical moments on and off the field.