The Crimson Tide no longer overwhelm opponents with unmatched trench depth. They just watched 10 starters become NFL Draft picks from a roster once stacked two-deep at nearly every position. There is particular concern at offensive line, wide receiver and defensive line following several departures, including James Smith, Qua Russaw (both transferred to Ohio State) and Isaiah Horton (transferred to Texas A&M). Alabama still recruits at an elite level, but doesn’t cast the same intimidating shadow it did under Saban. Opponents now believe they can go toe-to-toe with the Crimson Tide offensively, and that matters.
Quarterback uncertainty could become a weekly storyline if Alabama fails to establish consistency early with either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell. DeBoer’s system works best with balance and efficiency, but the SEC punishes finesse teams.
Nine or 10 wins get celebrated almost everywhere else. In Tuscaloosa, that sparks questions about whether the dynasty can return. That’s the burden DeBoer inherited. And if Alabama slips defensively or fails to develop a physical rushing attack, regression becomes less of a hot take and more of an expectation.