Alabama Crimson Tide Football team suffered its first ever season-opening loss since 2001 this Saturday evening at Doak Campbell Stadium against Florida State, inexplicable loss was shocked fans and pundits. Coach Kalen DeBoer’s side displayed vulnerabilities previously undetected within college football world that many may not have imagined possible.
DeBoer’s performance continues to cause serious concern as this latest loss marks his fourth against an unranked team since taking on his new position at Michigan in December 2015. Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Michigan losses had already raised questions regarding his tenure compared with Nick Saban who experienced only four such defeats over 17 seasons of Alabama coaching – an indication of just how serious things truly are right now.
The repercussions of this defeat have echoed far and wide, reaching Alabama’s most celebrated figure, Joe Namath. Known for his time with the Jets and his championship-winning legacy at Alabama, Namath expressed his concerns over the season’s prospects in a brief, though telling, social media post, signaling a potentially challenging road ahead for the team unless significant improvements are made.
Namath’s worry stems from his deep connection with the program, having led Alabama to a national championship in 1964 and securing a remarkable 29–4 record during his tenure. His prowess on the field was so impactful that Bear Bryant, a legendary figure in college football, once referred to him as “the greatest athlete I ever coached.” This historical perspective makes the current state of affairs even more poignant for Namath.
The Challenges Facing Alabama
The recent loss underscores a departure from the intimidating presence Alabama once commanded. A particular instance during the game illustrated the team’s loss of composure and unity, signaling deeper issues at play. Despite the high hopes tied to DeBoer’s recruitment, his record thus far—9-5 overall, with three losses in the last four games—all while being favored to win, raises questions about the team’s direction.
DeBoer’s earlier success at Washington, where he guided the team to a national championship appearance, now contrasts sharply with the current struggles faced at Alabama. Defensive inadequacies and staffing changes have yet to yield positive outcomes, exacerbating concerns among supporters about the sustainability of DeBoer’s strategy for the team.
Last season’s unexpected losses served as early indicators of deeper issues that were only revealed further on Saturday by former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn now coaching Florida State. Malzahn used tactics on Saturday evening that left Alabama scrambling for answers resulting in plays which extended Florida State’s advantage and eventually sealed victory in their favor.
Alabama will need to quickly rebound from this setback if they want to return to a winnable status in 2016. Coach DeBoer, quarterback Ty Simpson and the rest of Alabama’s players must demonstrate resilience by meeting each challenge head on and meeting it squarely with determination.