Alabama caught a bit of bad luck when Michigan State used a comeback to avoid an upset to Northwestern this weekend, but the No. 7 Crimson Tide’s national championship hopes still got stronger over the weekend.

Nebraska’s victory over Oklahoma State and Missouri’s upset of Oklahoma eliminated two undefeated teams that Alabama was chasing.

There are now four major conference undefeated teams remaining: Oregon, Auburn, Michigan State and Missouri. If the Tide were to win out, Auburn would be eliminated, and Alabama would need at least two of the other three to lose a game.

The Tide comes into perhaps the toughest part of its schedule after its bye week. Three of its four remaining opponents are in the top 25: No. 12 LSU, No. 21 Mississippi State and No. 1 Auburn. If Alabama survives a schedule this rough, it is highly likely the Tide will be ranked ahead of Boise State, TCU and Utah if they remain undefeated.

Alabama likely needs just two more teams to lose to control its own destiny for the national championship.