One of the meanings of 'staring into the abyss' is confronting dark truths. The phrase can be applied to the Alabama football program following the Crimson Tide's failure against the Indiana Hoosiers.
There is no sound argument against what Indiana revealed about the Crimson Tide. Alabama's hoped-for 'best self' was a mirage. The coaching staff must share the blame, but Kalen DeBoer must bear by far the heaviest load.
DeBoer stumbled after the game when he talked about a fine line between where Alabama was this season and greatness. Perhaps DeBoer did not know that his team had suffered the worst bowl loss in Crimson Tide history. That is no excuse. The 'fine line' comment was worse than a weak explanation. It was borderline delusional. Even if it had been accurate, almost no Alabama fan was going to agree.
DeBoer must now start over. He must do it quickly. Staff changes appear essential. Roster upgrades are needed at multiple positions. Offensive line, defensive line, and running back are the most needed.
Ryan Grubb is rightly doubted, but there is little chance that DeBoer will make a change at Offensive Coordinator. There are worries that the DeBoer/Grubb offense may require considerable tweaking. And there are doubts about whether the duo is up to the task.
Another Perspective for Alabama Football Fans
There is a step back from the edge of the cliff perspective for Alabama football fans. Now is too soon for many. Any claim must be followed by proof, and the opportunity for definitive proof is many months away. It will be a long offseason for Alabama fans. It might help to remember that Kalen DeBoer accomplished what he had to achieve in the 2025 season. He won a playoff game. For many Crimson Tide fans, that is just barely enough.
The bar will be higher next season. Nothing less than making a playoff semi-final game will do. DeBoer will have to succeed in an environment that the Alabama football world has not known since 2008. The almost unimaginable fact is that no good team fears Alabama. College football has dramatically changed. Indiana and Ole Miss in the final four is evidence. But more stunning is how outclassed Alabama was in the Rose Bowl.
Note: Alabama's 'F' grade for the Rose Bowl came from CBS Sports. David Cobb was not wrong.