For the first time in 24 years, Alabama is 0-1 to start the season and coach Kalen DeBoer faces serious challenges unless crucial corrections are made across various departments. Saturday’s 31-17 defeat against Florida State emphasized concerns about the eighth-ranked team in preseason—whether the shift to quarterback Ty Simpson and the hiring of Ryan Grubb as offensive coordinator could lead this talent-rich team toward a playoff run.

A Dominant Performance

The Seminoles outperformed the Crimson Tide in all aspects, marking a significant moment for quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who fulfilled his offseason guarantees with an impressive showcasing. Alabama linebacker Yhonzae Pierre’s moment with Castellanos indicated deeper issues within a team struggling to maintain its composure.

The coaching decisions made by Alabama’s DeBoer drew concerns, particularly with his recent form as coach, which has seen three losses in the last four games, despite previous successes at Washington where he led the team to a national championship game.

Looking ahead, Alabama’s fate hinges on their ability to learn from this unexpected defeat. The respectability once associated with the Crimson Tide is under threat if they do not quickly improve.