Alabama football finds itself in an unusual position as it heads into the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan, with head coach Kalen DeBoer working to manage the fallout of missing the College Football Playoff (CFP) in his first season at the helm. The Crimson Tide’s exclusion from the playoff, particularly in favor of a lower-ranked SMU team, has sparked frustration among fans and raised questions about the program’s trajectory.
DeBoer’s Response to Opt-Out Concerns
DeBoer addressed the possibility of players opting out of the bowl game, particularly NFL-bound stars like quarterback Jalen Milroe. In an interview, DeBoer expressed confidence that most players intend to participate, regardless of their draft stock, signaling a commitment to ending the season on a positive note.
“I feel like right now we’re in a place where most of those guys are planning on playing; I don’t care what round they’re planning on going in (the NFL draft),” DeBoer told BamaOnLine.
This focus on maintaining team unity and preparation highlights DeBoer’s efforts to solidify a culture of accountability and pride in Tuscaloosa.
The Sting of Missing the CFP
Alabama’s exclusion from the playoff is particularly hard to swallow given their strong resume:
- Three Top-25 Wins: Including a statement victory over then-No. 2 Georgia.
- SMU’s Losses: The Mustangs lost to two ranked teams and lacked a comparable strength of schedule.
Despite these factors, Alabama’s losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma sealed their fate, especially in a system that heavily values conference champions. The Tide’s failure to claim a conference title ultimately cost them a spot in the 12-team playoff.
Broader Implications
Recruiting Impact
Alabama’s No. 2-ranked 2025 recruiting class underscores the importance of a strong bowl game performance. A lackluster showing against Michigan could hurt the program’s ability to retain key commitments and maintain its recruiting dominance.
Scheduling Adjustments
The playoff snub has prompted Athletic Director Greg Byrne to reevaluate Alabama’s nonconference scheduling philosophy. Byrne hinted at changes that could bolster the Tide’s resume in future seasons to prevent similar disappointments.
Building for the Future
Despite the frustrations of 2024, DeBoer is laying the groundwork for a return to form. The ReliaQuest Bowl represents an opportunity to end the season with momentum and send a message to recruits, fans, and opponents alike.
Path Forward
DeBoer’s team must channel their frustrations into a focused performance against Michigan on December 31st. For Jalen Milroe and other potential NFL-bound players, the game also serves as a final showcase of their abilities in Crimson. A win could provide a valuable morale boost and reestablish Alabama’s position as a perennial powerhouse heading into 2025.
While this season has been uncharacteristically challenging, Alabama has an opportunity to reaffirm its identity as a college football giant, ensuring that the disappointments of 2024 are but a brief detour in its storied legacy.