I'm going to add "under Saban' to your question because, IMO, that is all that is material to the situation. Also assuming you are referring to #1 vs #2 match ups.
Under Saban as the #1 team, Alabama is 1-2 vs the #2 team.
Under Saban as the #2 team, Alabama is 4-2 vs the #1 team.
IMO, the only way Bama goes to the CFP as the #2 team, is ND beating Clemson worse than Bama beats UF. Ain't gonna happen!