The Alabama Crimson Tide have major questions for the first time in close to two decades. After 17 seasons at the helm in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban decided to call it a career. With 7 national titles to his credit, Saban’s legendary career came to an end with a semifinal loss to the eventual national champion Michigan Wolverines.
In comes Kalen DeBoer fresh off a national title game appearance with Washington. DeBoer brings in one of the best offensive systems in the country, emphasizing an uptempo, spread offense. Certainly a change from how Alabama has done things in the past, the Tide will be modifying their identity in 2024.
Can Kalen DeBoer continue to recruit at the level Alabama has become accustomed to? Will his offense work in Tuscaloosa? How will his inherited players adjust to life post-Nick Saban?
Alabama Crimson Tide Offensive Outlook
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Jalen Milroe is back at quarterback for Alabama in 2024. After an inconsistent start that saw him get benched before a game at South Florida, Milroe turned things around and led Alabama to the College Football Playoff. Heading into the 2024 season, Milroe sits with top five odds to win the Heisman Trophy. His ability to throw the deep ball and run for big chunks of yardage makes him hard to defend.
In the backfield, Milroe will be joined by a stable of running backs. Like Alabama teams in the past, this season’s roster is stacked with a high-end running back room. Jam Miller and Justice Haynes will likely lead the group, but Richard Young, and incoming freshmen Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley should see some time also. All five backs were highly recruited as four or five-star players out of high school.
Wide Receiver is where Alabama could see a dip. Isaiah Bond transferred to Texas in the offseason, Malik Benson left for Florida State, and Jermaine Burton was drafted by the Bengals. DeBoer brought former Huskie Germie Bernard with him from Washington, and he could be the team’s leading receiver. Kobe Prentice, Kendrick Law, Jaren Hamilton, converted running back Emmanuel Henderson Jr, and incoming freshmen Caleb Odom and Ryan Williams should all compete for targets.
Alabama Crimson Tide Defensive Outlook
As always, Alabama is loaded on defense. The defensive line is deep and should feature a rotation of Texas A&M transfer LT Overton, Jah-Marien Latham, Quandarrius Robinson, Keon Keely, and Qua Russaw off the edge. Tim Keenan III, Tim Smith, Damon Payne Jr, and Jahiem Oatis are big stoppers in the middle.
Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson are two of the premier linebackers in the SEC. Jeremiah Alexander will look to play impactful snaps off the bench.
The main rebuild is coming in the secondary. Gone are Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry to the NFL. Incoming transfers Domani Jackson and Keon Sabb, along with five-star freshman Zabien Brown will help make up a re-tooled defensive backfield for Alabama.
Alabama Crimson Tide Season Outlook and Prediction
Alabama starts off with two tough, but winnable games against G5 competition at home. Western Kentucky and South Florida head to Tuscaloosa during the first two weeks of the season. Both are coached by good offensive minds in Tyson Helton and Alex Golesh. South Florida had Bama on the ropes last season before the Tide came back in the fourth quarter.
In their first road test of the season, Alabama travels to Camp Randall to take on the Wisconsin Badgers, who are also in the process of undergoing an offensive change. Tyler Van Dyke and Will Pauling are a good combo that could give the new Bama secondary fits.
Alabama continues its tough start with a home game against Georgia. One of the most anticipated games of the season, Alabama and Georgia has massive playoff implications. After UGA comes to town, Alabama has games at Vanderbilt and home against South Carolina before they head to Knoxville to take on Tennessee.
The trip to Tennessee begins a tough three-game stretch where Alabama faces the Vols, Missouri, and LSU. Mercer is a buffer game before they finish the regular season at Oklahoma and then at home against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Alabama Crimson Tide Season Prediction: 10-2
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About the Author
Tom has been writing about professional wrestling, college football, NFL, and fantasy football for over a decade and is an avid sports fan. He has been known in the fantasy football industry for his dynasty and devy knowledge, but he is also very versed in betting.
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