Finally. Nearly nine months after Alabama football played its last game in the Rose Bowl, the 2024 season is here.
Everything has changed since then. The engine that powered the Crimson Tide for the past 17 seasons, Nick Saban, retired in January, and former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer took his placed.
The speculation as to whether the dynasty is dead or UA will hold onto its place near the top of the college football world is nearly done. Alabama opens the 2024 campaign at 6:05 p.m. Saturday against Western Kentucky at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Before kickoff, here are the keys to Alabama securing a victory over the Conference USA Hilltoppers.
Do what you’re supposed to
Alabama’s offense is supposed to be excellent. DeBoer’s specialty lies on that side of the ball, having created offenses that put quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and Jake Haener in the NFL, not to mention a huge crop of wide receivers in the 2023 draft.
DeBoer and his offensive coordinator, Nick Sheridan, have another weapon behind center. Jalen Milroe earned Heisman Trophy votes for the Crimson Tide last season, and returns to an offense that should suit has strengths.
There’s bound to be some speed bumps. There always is when installing a new system, and there usually is anyway in the first game of the season.
But the Alabama offense should show off something. The group is the more talented unit on the field, and should be able to demonstrate its ability against the Hilltoppers.
Test for the secondary
It’s been the nagging question mark all offseason. It’s the area that even Saban, working in his new job with ESPN, mentioned as a concern during SEC Media Days in July.
The Alabama secondary. It lost a ton of talent, with cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry heading to the NFL, plus a portal exodus following Saban’s retirement.
Western Kentucky has had a powerful passing attack throughout Tyson Helton’s tenure in Bowling Green, and will look to continue the tradition starting against Alabama. It will be up to the new secondary, led by safety Malachi Moore, to show what it can do.
Alabama might still win the game if the secondary plays poorly. However, if the defensive backfield can shut down the Hilltoppers, it’s a good sign for things moving forward.
Just win baby
It’s as simple as can be for Alabama. The Crimson Tide is far more talented on paper than the Hilltoppers.
There’s a reason UA pays a team $1.9 million to visit for the season opener. It’s to warm up for what’s to come.
Sure, Nick Saban lost to ULM in his first season. That was with a different quality of roster than DeBoer has at his disposal.
Alabama just needs to take care of business. There’s no big secret here.
