The Alabama Crimson Tide went 9-4 in the first year without Nick Saban. For almost any other college football program, that would be totally fine. However, for such a legendary team, it was a bit of a letdown. Kalen DeBoer really needs a good season in year two to prove that he can handle maybe the best program in football history.
Fortunately, that seems to be in store. 9-4 was solid, but Alabama looks better and looks like a better fit for what DeBoer wants to do. Will it get them into the College Football Playoff? The Athletic's Antonio Morales firmly believes it will.
The Crimson Tide scored 17 or less in three key losses to good programs, but Morales believes the offense will be better. "The offense is going to take a considerable step forward this season with the arrival of coordinator Ryan Grubb, who has coached with DeBoer at Sioux Falls, Eastern Michigan, Fresno State and Washington, where they reached the CFP championship game in 2023," he said.
DeBoer and Grubb are clearly much better together than apart, and while Jalen Milroe was good, he's not the ideal DeBoer offense QB. "Alabama is likely to have a steadier passer in place (presumably Ty Simpson), which will unlock the passing attack and allow the offense to take advantage of a talented group of receivers, led by star sophomore Ryan Williams," Morales added.
Those two things should provide more consistency on offense, and a returning top-10 defense should see them back in the Playoff and competing for a title, Morales concluded. Fit can be the difference maker in football, and the Crimson Tide have talent and fit, so they're expected to be great again after a brief lull.