The first time in 2024 that Alabama found itself coming off a bye week, the Crimson Tide pulled a stunning upset over Georgia that saw the Crimson Tide race out to a huge first-half lead.
The next week, Alabama lost to Vanderbilt, which at the time was an upset so staggering in scope that many of the same Bama fans that were ready to give Kalen DeBoer a raise the week before were stopping just short of calling for his job.
The second off-week of 2024 came just before the Crimson Tide traveled to Baton Rouge to face LSU. Alabama creamed the Tigers, 42-13, and the game wasn't even as close as that lopsided score made it seem. Will the Crimson Tide suffer the same hangover now as it did following the Georgia win?
If it does, Alabama could very well be in for a rough time. Mercer comes into this game with a 9-1 record, has the top-ranked rushing defense at the FCS level, and can score points. But the Bears have yet to play an FBS school, and the one loss the Bears have suffered so far was an ugly 20-point defeat at the hands of Samford.
With National Signing Day officially in the books – even though December's Early Signing Day has eclipsed NSD as the real signing day of note – Kalen DeBoer and his staff can finally begin the work of actually getting its roster into fighting shape for the upcoming 2024 season.
Alabama's 30-day transfer portal period, which kicked into being following Nick Saban's retirement, will be ending soon, and we do not expect to see any further entries. Alabama was hit hard in the days immediately after Saban's departure, but portal entries quickly dried up over the last two weeks, and Alabama was able to add three former Washington players: QB Austin Mack, WR Germie Bernard and C Parker Brailsford.
Still, because of the significant losses to the post-Saban portal – especially a total of eight solely from the ranks of the defensive backs, including three expected starters and four others that were expected to break camp in the two-deep – TideFans.com is bringing you an updated roster analysis. More importantly, this will be our first attempt to project a depth chart using Kalen DeBoer's preferred offensive (Air Raid) and defensive (4-2-5 Swarm) systems.
In a game that tested the mettle of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the team emerged victorious over the McNeese State Cowboys with a final score of 72-64 on November 11, 2024. This matchup, held at Coleman Coliseum, was part of Alabama's 'Bama Salute' Military Appreciation Week, adding a layer of significance to the evening's proceedings.
The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 2 nationally, faced unexpected resistance from the Cowboys. McNeese State's tenacity kept the game within reach, challenging Alabama's defense and testing their offensive strategies. Despite the closer-than-anticipated margin, Alabama managed to maintain control, showcasing resilience and adaptability.
Leading the charge for Alabama was Grant Nelson who provided a solid presence in the paint with 22 points (including making 8 of 10 FTs) and 8 rebounds, and Mark Sears, who contributed 15 points and 5 assists, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. also added 15 and made a significant impact from with his 5-9 shooting from beyond the arc. Clifford Omoruyi also announced his large presence with 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.
In 2024, two Alabama news websites, TiderInsider.com and TideFans.com, are partnering in an effort to “FILL THE BOWL” again at Bryant-Denny Stadium for Kalen DeBoer’s first A-Day game as Alabama’s newest head coach.
Help us do our part by committing to attend the Golden Flake A-Day Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 13, for a 3 p.m. kickoff. Admission is free. Bring the family and friends, fill up the car and help us welcome new head coach Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa.
received in his early years at Alabama. Now, Alabama fans have the chance to extend the same level of support to new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
A full Bryant-Denny Stadium at A-Day would again remind the college football world of the commitment of Alabama fans to its coaches, players and program as a whole. Help us once again fill Bryant-Denny Stadium to capacity.