Thanksgiving week always has a way of slowing the season down just enough for Alabama football fans to take a breath and look around at what this team really is. Well, at least before the biggest game of the season on Saturday. It hasn't been the perfect year for the Tide, but the path to the postseason is running through Jordan-Hare Stadium and a possible SEC Championship matchup.
Still, there is plenty to appreciate about where the Tide stands right now. In a season defined by new faces, new leadership, and a new offensive identity, Alabama has continued to show toughness, growth, and flashes of championship DNA that fans have been accustomed to.
So while the rest of the country debates rankings, CFB playoff resumes, and refreshes their phone looking for coaching carousel updates, here is what Alabama fans should be truly thankful for this Thanksgiving week.
All Things Alabama Football Fans Should be Thankful For
A dominating defense in the DeBoer era
In a year where the offense has been inconsistent, the defense has been the heartbeat of this team. They have kept the Tide in every game they have played in this season after that first game debacle. They have held opponents to short drives and made plenty of stops. The pass rush has been heating up as we enter the Iron Bowl, with Yhonzae Pierre and others playing a major role. The secondary has been making plays all season and limiting yards through the air, currently ranked 5th in the country. The defense as a whole has been forcing and feasting on turnovers this season. This defense is reminiscent of a Saban-led defense in the DeBoer era.
The emergence of young RB playmakers and possible future stars
The holiday season is all about new blessings, and Alabama has a few rising stars that could have a future impact with this team. Daniel Hill has been one of the most encouraging developments from this season. He has had an effect, taking over the bruiser back role, and his hands have also been a bright spot for the tide this season. He has given this offense a dimension that it desperately needed behind Jam Miller.
AK Dear cannot be forgotten either. The Crimson Tide freshman is an electric runner, which fans got a glimpse of during the Eastern Illinois game last week. We are just scratching the surface when it comes to Dear. Alabama fans should be excited about where these two can take the running back room in the future.
A quarterback that has held his own
No team in this college football season has a consensus, first pick in the draft, Quarterback. Ty Simpson is no exception. While he may be the best QB in the upcoming class, he has been struggling of late. But the good news? He's growing, battling, and producing. Simpson has thrown for 2,934 yards this season, and when the protection is clean, he has shown command of the offense. His leadership and the tone he sets in the locker room make up for his struggles as of late. The high expectations he has for himself as QB1 mean he is setting an example for the others in that locker room. Alabama fans should genuinely appreciate that they have a high-ceiling QB at the command of Ryan Grubb's offense.
Kalen DeBoer's steady hand
Last but not least, Alabama fans should be thankful for a head coach who doesn't panic, doesn't point fingers and blame others, and doesn't flinch under pressure. Under DeBoer, Alabama is +6 in turnover margin and is once again in control of its destiny when it comes to the College Football Playoff. Young players are developing, the team has been disciplined since the FSU loss to start the year, and he has responded well to most of the challenges that have been thrown his way since taking over for Nick Saban. Having a stable leader at the helm is something the Tide fans should be extremely grateful for when the talk of the CFB world is the coaching carousel these past couple of weeks.
With the season coming down to the Iron Bowl, Tide fans should be thankful for the team that we have. Yeah, we have high expectations and imagine winning a championship every year, but it could always be a lot worse.
Stats provided by CFBstats.com