The Saturday afternoon on October 5, 2024, is the date every Alabama fan would like to forget. And why not? They lost against the most unexpected teams in their conference in Vanderbilt. And thus, as the game ended with a glaring scoreline of 40-35, Alabama’s structural problems were hard to ignore.
This game probably sums up their whole 2024 season, where DeBoer and Alabama couldn’t just find their rhythm. But, one would expect the next season to follow their redemption, but their fans aren’t looking that optimistic. But why is that?
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Kalen Deboer knows that the way his season got finished is far from optimistic. Speaking after his last game, he said, “We know that we need to be better.
That’s the expectation I had from day one, is that we perform at a championship level, and we certainly fell short of that. Whether you’re 0-12 or 12-0 in a regular season, you’re always gonna really critique and be detailed on how you’ve gotta improve.” He further added that Alabama will take lessons ahead and will bounce back in the next season. But there are still some perils for Kalen DeBoer to wade…
Alabama faced another conundrum of its own when it lost almost 41 players going into the off-season. Amongst those 25 went to the transfer portal, 13 graduated and the rest 3 opted for the NFL draft. The departed players also include QB Jalen Milroe and Jihaad Campbell (LB). The situation was akin to a mass exodus and Kalen DeBoer is in damage control mode to fill the empty slots.
Amongst the reinforcements in the class of 2025 are 5-star quarterback Keelon Russel, Cornerback Dijon Lee Jr., and 4-star names like Akylin Dear (RB) and Ivan Taylor (CB). Furthermore, the addition of defensive coach Jason Jones will definitely help the team forward. Jones is notably a former Alabama player who has deep connections with the coaching staff and understands the Bama culture well. So will it be all sunny in Bama after all?
Well, Alabama has just announced its 2025 season fixtures and fans could not just stop venting their frustration against De Boer and Alabama. Notably, while their fixtures are relatively not that difficult compared to previous years, still there seems to be no optimism in their loyal fan base. Most of the problems seem to be revolving around their QB problems and their weak offensive line. But, is there any truth to their frustration? Let’s analyze piece by piece.
Bama fans not looking forward to seeing Kalen DeBoer’s team in 2025
We know that Kalen DeBoer is looking to change things in his second year at the Tide. However, some Bama fans haven’t forgotten how his first season fared.
Naturally, the enthusiasm levels for the schedule are a little low right now. One of the users wrote, “I’m gonna say 11-2 just to be optimistic about it. Especially not knowing how our QB play will look“. Another wrote, “Not even a hard schedule. It’s just they aren’t as good as they used to be smh”. These comments highlight some glaring flaws in the QB situation at Alabama.
Well, there are reasons. Jalen Milroe is not there anymore, but his performances also highlighted a deeper issue with the offensive schemes. Take, for example, the game against Oklahoma in which Alabama suffered a humiliating loss by 3-24. In that game alone Milroe was, to put it bluntly, ‘miserable’.
Not only did he concede an interception and two fumbles early on, but couldn’t even land a good penetrating pass to the team’s receivers. Overall, he finished the season with almost 18 turnovers, 11 interceptions, and losing 7 fumbles. However, it’s not at all fair to blame him solely, because the problem in their O line was very visible and demanded immediate rectification. A user commented on the post and put it very bluntly.
The user commented, “Depending on our QB situation and some o-line question marks this could be a demon of a season or the complete opposite“. Furthermore, their woes are not limited to their offense but also extend to the defensive setup. Another user presented it very accurately, “Watch Alabama be the next year FSU. Complain about not making the CFP, lose their bowl game, and then totally go off the rails“.
Well, FSU’s story is a tale for another time, but the user’s observation here is quite accurate. Because this is the first time since 2007 that Alabama has finished without winning at least 10 games, finishing with a 9-4 record. Surely, questions will be raised against Kalen DeBoer who reportedly earns a $10.5 Million salary if the team fails to perform in 2025. So what’s next?
Well, we can only wait and see if Kalen DeBoer can live up to Nick Saban’s legacy and forge his unique identity going into the next season. To do that he must address his quarterback problem. Ty Simpson is an option but it will still not guarantee a 100 percent improvement. Then, his WR room also needs depth, and finally, improve the O line. If these flaws are addressed then only one can bet on Bama in 2025.
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