Which is what it really comes down to. Alabama lost to a higher ranked team.
If Utah's hopes of getting into the playoffs hinge on getting in over a 1 loss Alabama team - let's just say they have no hope.
Which is different than saying they have no hope of getting into the playoffs. It's just going to take a few more teams losing and it not coming down to a choice between a 1 loss Utah and a 1 loss Alabama.