10/7/23 MFB vs TexasAM Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) Photo by Kent Gidley
Alabama
2023 Results: 12-2, 8-0 SEC
2024 Projection: 10-2, 6-2 SEC
Overview:
After adding one more SEC Championship to the trophy case and narrowly missing a chance for another natty, Nick Saban decided it was time to retire. The Tide quickly found his replacement in Kalen DeBoer, who led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship game last season. DeBoer is a heck of a coach, but with over 40 players leaving the program either via the NFL Draft or Transfer Portal, it’s going to be challenging to keep pace with the lofty expectations in Tuscaloosa. I like the schedule though, and even with the mass exodus, there is plenty of talent left in the cupboard.
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- 4/13/24 MFB A-Day Game Alabama Football Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Photo by Kent Gidley
Offense:
That remaining talent has to start with quarterback Jalen Milroe, who just kept getting better as the last season went on, saving his best game for the win over Georgia in the SEC Championship game. Milroe is an unbelievable athlete with a strong arm. His playing style fits what DeBoer likes to do on offense, which is pushing the ball downfield through the air. There is blue-chip talent at the skill positions like running back Justice Haynes and incoming 5-star freshman wide receiver, Ryan Williams, but the offensive line has some question marks and we all know how important the trenches are in this conference.
Defense:
This unit was always where Saban hung his sun hat. They bring back some experience in players like lineman Tim Keenan III, linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson, and safety Malichi Moore, but edge and corner are positions of concern. Kane Wommack will coordinate and try to adjust his “Swarm” 4-2-5 defense to the personnel he inherits.
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- 9/2/23 MFB Alabama vs Middle Tennessee State University Million Dollar Band Photo by Rodger Champion
Special Teams:
Will Reichard seemed like he was at Alabama as long as Nick Saban. He too is gone and will be replaced by Miami (Ohio) transfer Graham Nicholson. Nicholson was a rock-solid 27-28 on FGA last season so it seems the place-kicking will keep its footing. James Burnip returns to handle the punting duties.
Final Thoughts:
There are hard acts to follow, and then there is following Nick Saban. DeBoer can win 10 games and still have an unhappy fanbase. For the program’s sake, they should be patient. With the expanded playoff and the talent on campus, Bama will be right in the mix to make the field of 12. The schedule isn’t awful and if they manage to knock off Georgia, it could yet be a really special season in DeBoer’s first year at the helm.
