Tuscaloosa TodaySubscribe — it’s free

70°ShowersHigh 75° · Low 54° · 80% rain

  1. 6 a.m.70°
  2. Noon73°
  3. 6 p.m.68°
  4. Midnight60°

6:11 a.m. 4:55 p.m.

Forecasted byThe Weather Channel

See this week
  1. 6 a.m.70°
  2. Noon73°
  3. 6 p.m.68°
  4. Midnight60°
  1. Today75°54°
  2. Thu76°50°
  3. Fri77°48°
  4. Sat65°40°
  5. Sun66°40°

6:11 a.m. 4:55 p.m.

See full forecast

Today’s edition · Wed., Nov. 4

Alabama debuts at No. 5 in the first CFP rankings

Plus, an auto supplier will close its Cottondale plant and cut 83 jobs.

The Tuscaloosa Today team2 stories17 sources5 min read

Alabama FootballTop story

Alabama lands at No. 5 in the first College Football Playoff rankings

Alabama landed at No. 5 in the first CFP rankings

The College Football Playoff committee's first 2026 top 25

5thof 25

Alabama
Miami 1stGeorgia 2ndTennessee 13thLSU 14th
Miami 1stGeorgia 2ndTennessee 13thLSU 14th
1 BestNo. 25 25

Source: USA TODAY

View as table
PlaceRank of 25
Miami1st
Georgia2nd
Alabama5th
Tennessee13th
LSU14th

If you went to bed early, here's the headline: the Crimson Tide (6-2) landed at No. 5 in the first Tuesday night. Only Miami, Georgia, Utah and Indiana sit higher. Alabama is the top-ranked two-loss team, ahead of Texas, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Tennessee. It had moved up one spot to No. 9 in the AP Poll after its bye week.

CFP chair Hunter Yurachek credited wins at Kentucky, at home against South Carolina and at Mississippi State, which ended the Bulldogs' undefeated run. Tennessee, which beat Alabama by 16 points on Oct. 17, lacks "the same level of quality wins," he said.

“That really came down to the quality of teams that Alabama has played and the quality of their wins.”

Hunter Yurachek, CFP chair
  • Opponents at .500 or better: seven of eight games
  • Record: 6-2, with losses to Georgia and Tennessee
  • Saturday: at No. 14 LSU, 2:30 p.m. CT in Baton Rouge

Saturday's LSU game comes before the final rankings on Dec. 6

  1. Nov. 3The CFP committee releases its first rankings, with Alabama at No. 5.
  2. Nov. 7Alabama plays No. 14 LSU at 2:30 p.m. CT in Baton Rouge.
  3. Dec. 6The final 12-team come out at 11 a.m.

Sources: WVUA 23, USA TODAY

Head coach Kalen DeBoer put it this way: "The season's two-thirds over, and we got our goals in front of us."

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Tuscaloosa answered.

Asked

How will you watch Alabama at LSU on Saturday?

Be the first to answer.

Business

Auto supplier IAC will close its Cottondale plant on Dec. 31, cutting 83 jobs

If you or someone you know works at the IAC plant in Cottondale, this one hits close. International Automotive Components Group North America filed a notice with the state to close the plant, and the Alabama Department of Workforce's shows 83 employees affected. IAC announced a $34.3 million investment in October 2020, with 119 jobs expected.

The Cottondale closure cuts 83 jobs, fewer than the 119 promised in 2020

83
jobs cut when the plant closes
119
jobs expected at the 2020 expansion
$34.3 million
announced for the 2020 expansion

Sources: Tuscaloosa Thread, Tuscaloosa Patch, wvtm

The notice doesn't say why IAC is closing or whether workers can transfer to other company sites. IAC also operates a plant in Anniston. Donny Jones, CEO of West AlabamaWorks, said the industry is always shifting:

“The auto industry is very dynamic and there is continuous movement within suppliers as products are introduced, phased out, and new ones introduced.”

Donny Jones, CEO of West AlabamaWorks
  • Address: 15911 Progress Drive, Cottondale
  • Makes: instrument panels, door panels and consoles
  • Help: Alabama's Rapid Response Team connects laid-off workers to training

IAC's Cottondale plant closes Dec. 31, six years after its expansion

  1. Oct. 2020IAC announces a $34.3 million Cottondale investment and 119 expected jobs.
  2. Nov. 2026IAC's closure notice appears on the state's .
  3. Dec. 31The plant closes and layoffs begin.

Sources: Tuscaloosa Thread, Tuscaloosa Patch

Sponsored

Apparel

5 women’s sweaters, cardigans, and fall tops under $35

Presented by The Buy

Sponsored

Fall is in full swing. Make sure your wardrobe is equipped for the get-togethers, cozy days, and special occasions ahead with five tops + cardigans you can grab for an instant look.

  • Asymmetrical bell sleeve top | $9.99 while sale lasts | Rib-stretch fabric and a boat neck make this a feminine, flirty top perfect for date night.
  • Merino blend scoop neck | $23.19 while sale lasts | Top-rated, this lightweight merino wool blend is easy to throw on and goes with everything.
  • Chunky popcorn cardigan | $34.98 while sale lasts | You’ll reach for this cozy, chunky knit every time there’s a chill in the air.
  • Open front cardigan coat | $32.99 | Go for a pop of yellow or classic navy, grey, or black in this warm winter knit that turns jeans and a tee into an instant outfit.
  • Pleated cardigan | $28.99 | This open-front knit made from 100% soft viscose has extra flair with a pleated bottom hem.

More worth The Buy

News Notes

Hoops

No. 20 Alabama beat Sam Houston 96-74 Tuesday night at Coleman Coliseum in the season opener. The Tide had 17 steals and 10 blocks, playing without Aden Holloway, who is serving a five-game suspension. Freshman Tarris Bouie scored 13 points. CBS SportsWBMATide 100.9

Four Alabama players scored in double figures against Sam Houston

Sources: Tide 100.9, CBS Sports, WBMA

View as table
Value
Drew Fielder15 pts
London Jemison15 pts
Tarris Bouie13 pts
Amari Allen12 pts

Northport

Resident Cecilia Tabb told the Northport City Council Monday, Nov. 2, "you're spending my money" on the planned Big Mike's Steakhouse. Two weeks ago, the council approved an application for a that would allow a 2% assessment on customer purchases. City officials said the money would fund maintenance, operations or capital items tied to the restaurant. WBMAWVUA 23

Injuries

Alabama is working to get four starters back for Saturday's game against LSU: receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, center Racin Delgatty, lineman Terrance Green and defensive back Zabien Brown. All four missed the win over Texas A&M. Freshman running back EJ Crowell, who left the 26-10 loss to Tennessee on Oct. 17, is also a hoped-for return. Tide 100.9Tuscaloosa Thread

Habitat

Construction is underway on the "Saban Smart Home", a Nick's Kids Foundation build in Tuscaloosa's Milestone Circle subdivision. Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa will equip it with STEM-focused technology for a local mother and her two children. WBRC

Home

Two home kitchen upgrades under $24 while sales last: super-absorbent dish towels that come in an eight-pack and include a hanging loop, and a water-absorbing stone sponge holder that’s minimalist, compact, and keeps counters and sponges dry with natural diatomite stone.

Trending

Your wardrobe is begging for these two fall footwear essentials on sale for a limited time: a sturdy, versatile chelsea boot in your choice of faux leather or suede, and the perfect home moccasin that will keep your feet cozy against cold floors all winter.

Quoted

"The biggest breakthrough in decades." That's what experts are calling the innovative Horizon IX hearing device. Two standout features that caught our eye: dual processors for sharper speech + a small, nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try the technology for yourself with a 45-day, no-risk trial and experience effortless clarity.

Content marked with an * is advertising.

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Tuscaloosa answered.

Asked

What's on your Tuscaloosa weekend list?

Be the first to answer.

Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Quoted

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

— Jack London

Things to Do

Things to Do

Tuscaloosa, AL

Wednesday, Nov. 4

See every Tuscaloosa eventFeature your event

Jobs

Jobs

Submit your Job listing

Do you know just the job for our readers? Advertise it on our Jobs board.

Around the Block

Around the Block

Powered by Nextdoor

Neighbors

Im just in need of sincere prayers.

“My life is in shambles, and I feel stuck, useless and like a burden😞 I just want to get back to the things I love and make me feel whole again.🥺”

— A neighbor, Crescent Gardens

52 likes · 59 comments

View post

The Wrap

Pro disc golf is coming to a course that's hard to even find. Cactus Rock, cut out of the woods near Harris Lake off Port Mayfield Road in north Tuscaloosa County, hosts the JomezPro Series Finale Friday through Sunday. It's the first Pro Tour event the course has hosted, and the hilly layout has creeks and towering cliffs. Bring your good hiking shoes.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Alabama lands a second 2027 5-star as LSU week begins

Read yesterday’s edition

The Tuscaloosa Today teamTuscaloosa’s daily newsletter

How did we do today, Tuscaloosa?

Tap a face. It takes under a minute.

Not for meLoved it

That’s your morning, Tuscaloosa.

Send it to someone in Tuscaloosa who’d want it.

ShareEmailFacebookX
Every source in this edition17 links · 12 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. USA TODAYusatoday.com
  3. USA TODAYusatoday.com
  4. WVUA 23wvua23.com
  5. The Crimson Whitethecrimsonwhite.com
  6. Tuscaloosa Threadtuscaloosathread.com
  7. Tuscaloosa Patchpatch.com
  8. wvtmwvtm13.com
  9. CBS Sportscbssports.com
  10. WBMAabc3340.com
  11. Tide 100.9tide1009.com
  12. WBMAabc3340.com
  13. WVUA 23wvua23.com
  14. Tide 100.9tide1009.com
  15. Tuscaloosa Threadtuscaloosathread.com
  16. WBRCwbrc.com
  17. Tuscaloosa events calendartuscaloosatodaynews.com

Past issues

  1. Tues., Nov. 3Alabama lands a second 2027 5-star as LSU week begins
  2. Mon., Nov. 2Alabama visits LSU on Saturday, and the Saban Center lands a STEM grant
Every edition

Free every morning

Get Tuscaloosa Today in your inbox.

The news, the things to do, the jobs and the weather of Tuscaloosa, in five minutes, every morning by 8 a.m.

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime

Tuscaloosa Todayto me · Wed., Nov. 46:00 a.m.

Alabama debuts at No. 5 in the first CFP rankings

Plus, an auto supplier will close its Cottondale plant and cut 83 jobs.

The TLDR

  1. Alabama lands at No. 5 in the first CFP rankings
  2. IAC will close its Cottondale plant, cutting 83 jobs
  3. Alabama men's basketball opens with a 96-74 win
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Tuscaloosa Today’s other editions

All the news
Crimson Tide SportsAlabama basketball lands a second 5-star for 2027 as LSU week beginsIf you follow Alabama basketball, Saturday brought good news. Five-star forward Zion Green committed to the Tide on Oct. 31, joining guard Chase Lumpkin, who committed in September. Green is 6-foot-9 and 190 pounds, from Philadelphia, and plays for Compass Prep in Arizona. Together they give Alabama a Top 10 class in the 2027 cycle.Tuesday’s editionRead Crimson Tide FootballAlabama's defense wants to pressure LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt on SaturdayIf you're wondering how Alabama slows LSU, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has an answer: pressure. Tide 100.9 reports he wants to disrupt quarterback Sam Leavitt and force hard decisions. Touchdown Alabama calls the game a massive road test for the Crimson Tide defense, which has struggled to get to quarterbacks lately.Tuesday’s editionRead FootballAlabama visits LSU on Sat., Nov. 7, with the Tigers favored by 3.5 to 4.5 pointsIf you're planning your Saturday around football, here's the setup. No. 9 Alabama (6-2, 4-2 SEC) visits No. 15 LSU (6-2, 3-2 SEC) at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. Both teams are coming off a bye week.Monday’s editionRead

Around Tuscaloosa

From The Tuscaloosa News, Dothan Eagle and 3 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. The Tuscaloosa News2 hours ago

    Why Alabama football initial standing with CFP changes nothing before LSU

    Alabama football knows its initial standing with the CFP committee. And it changes nothing.

  2. The Tuscaloosa News2 hours ago

    Strong turnout marks Tuscaloosa County midterm election

    Tuscaloosa County saw 43% voter turnout in the midterm election, exceeding local expectations for the cycle.

  3. Dothan Eagle3 hours ago

    Music, theater, fun and more in Tuscaloosa for Nov. 5-11

    First Holly Days Christmas Market This Holiday Market is at First Baptist Tuscaloosa, 721 Greensboro Ave.

  4. The Crimson White6 hours ago

    Election watch party hosts student, faculty panels

    The Department of Political Science, Pi Sigma Alpha and the MPA Student Association hosted an election watch party Tuesday in the Student Center, kicking off with prediction activities and then a faculty panel moderated by SGA president Samantha Simmons. “It’s great to see so many students very politically engaged,” Simmons said. “Also, I know that…

  5. Gadsden Times7 hours ago

    Voters decide key Alabama state legislative races

    See who won key Alabama State Senate and House of Representatives races across the state.

  6. Shelby County Reporter7 hours ago

    Sheriff John Samaniego reelected as Shelby County Sheriff