2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 12-2, Loss vs. Michigan in CFB Playoff Semifinal Rose Bowl (27-20)

It was another trip to the CFB Playoff for Alabama in 2023. The Crimson Tide rebounded from a Week 2 loss to Texas to win 11 consecutive games. This includes defeating Georgia in the SEC Championship Game to punch its ticket into the playoff. It was a classic between Alabama and Michigan that saw the Tide allow a game-tying touchdown late before losing in overtime. This was essentially the National Championship as Michigan went onto dominate Washington — and Alabama would have done the same.

The transition is officially here for Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement. Kalen DeBoer is the new head coach and the Crimson Tide expects to compete for a title once again.

Offense: DeBoer, Milroe make up new combo

Alabama has been one of the powerhouses in college football for years under Nick Saban. Now, rising star Kalen DeBore comes to Tuscaloosa and will bring his offensive system that had Washington among the best in the nation in 2023. And in typical Alabama fashion, it is loaded with five-stars and a quarterback with high expectations once again.

Jalen Milroe should fit right into what DeBoer likes to do offensively. This includes getting out of the pocket, running the ball, ad taking deep shots. Milroe displayed great athleticism outside of the pocket last season along with an accurate ball downfield. The Crimson Tide lost some weapons to the transfer portal, led by wide receiver Isaiah Bond, but have new faces waiting to take over.

One of the five stars is running back Justice Haynes, who is expected to be the workhorse in the backfield this season.

Alabama has become one of the best in pumping out wide receivers year after year. The 2024 season brings a few question marks on the outside and it will be interesting to see how DeBoer maneuvers his skill positions. Germie Bernard came over from Washington with his head coach while five-star Ryan Williams will likely be in the mix early and often. Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law also return on the outside.

The offensive line for Alabama is not as proven as it has been in year’s past. Sophomore Kadyn Proctor is expected to be the anchor at left tackle while Elijah Pritchett and Parker Brailsford also take a step up in role. The good news for years to come is that this line should be together for another year or two. There is a chance that four return next season but DeBoer will have to get them to gel for 2024.

Defense: New DC has big shoes to fill

New defensive coordinator Kane Wommack will have big shoes to fill after Saban built one of the best defenses in the nation for the last two decades. Alabama lost multiple pieces to the NFL, led by Dallas Turner, but brings back some elite pieces at all three levels.

Linebacker Deontae Lawson is a menace in the middle of the defense and could be one of the game wreckers in the SEC. Tim Keenan also returns along the defensive line while Malachi Moore is one of the top safeties in the SEC.

Wommack is known for his 4-2-5 defensive but still wants to mimic Saban’s system a bit. There is a chance to build another great defense in the SEC but it will take some adjustments from all involved.

2024 Alabama Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Western Kentucky
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. South Florida
• Saturday, Sept. 14: at Wisconsin
• Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Georgia
• Saturday, Oct. 5: at Vanderbilt
• Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. South Carolina
• Saturday, Oct. 19: at Tennessee
• Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. Missouri
• Saturday, Nov. 9: at LSU
• Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Mercer
• Saturday, Nov. 23: at Oklahoma
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Auburn