August heat and massive expectations are givens for every Alabama Football Fall Camp. Otherwise, the unknowns are greater than the givens for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
After only two Fall Camp practice sessions, rushing to conclusions should be avoided, We can say the Alabama football roster is arguably college football’s best. Player enthusiasm and buy-in to the new staff are clearly apparent. Even without a GOAT, as a program, Alabama is still Alabama.
Beyond those givens are several important questions. There is optimism for the 2024 offensive line. But there was abundant enthusiasm for the unit last year and the Tide’s offensive line was No. 125 among FBS teams in sacks allowed. At cornerback the roster is filled with potential but seriously short in experience and high-level game performance. Kalen DeBoer brought to Tuscaloosa an offensive system that can sizzle; but will the explosive Jalen Milroe also provide consistency in the quick read, short-to-midrange accuracy needed for DeBoer’s offense to flourish?
Alabama is still installing Kalen DeBoer’s offense and Kane Wommack’s defense. It is unrealistic to think proficiency in each will be achieved by Aug. 31. How long it will take is also an unknown. In May I argued that Alabama can be good enough for an 11-1 regular season. My thinking has not changed, but given the schedule of Georgia, Missouri, and away games at Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma, other projections with Alabama as a nine or ten-win team are not unsound.
Alabama Football Season Predictions
As I wrote in May, “… expecting the 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide to be at Georgia’s level quickly is a mistake. Using a phrase favored by Nick Saban, the 2024 Crimson Tide will have growing pains as a ‘work in progress’ in the first half of the season.”
After every Fall Camp session, especially the scrimmages we’ll be joining the legions of Alabama Crimson Tide fans trying to figure out how good the Crimson Tide will be. So far the drills are without pads, and quarterback throws are against air. We can see a wealth of talent and potential, but not much beyond that.
As Alabama fans we don’t need to pump brakes on enthusiasm, but exercising patience might be required.
